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Marvell shares just cratered while management raised its revenue outlook, creating a rare tension between Wall Street's confidence and the market's sudden cold feet. Here is what the numbers say about which side gets it right.

Marvell Technology (NASDAQ:MRVL | MRVL Price Prediction) just pulled back sharply. Shares trade at $224.01 after an 8.13% drop today. Our 24/7 Wall St. price target is $271.84, which means 21.35% upside over the next 12 months. The model rates the stock a buy with high confidence.

24/7 Wall St. Price Target Summary

Metric
Value

Current Price
$224.01

24/7 Wall St. Price Target
$271.84

Upside/Downside
21.35%

Recommendation
BUY

Confidence Level
90%

The stock and the business are heading in opposite directions right now. Management raised its revenue outlook for both fiscal 2027 and fiscal 2028 and guided Q3 revenue to $3.150B +/- 5%.

Wall Street’s consensus target of $341.63 sits well above ours, so I treat $271.84 as a measured base case with room to run higher.

A 165% Rally Hits an October Air Pocket
Marvell has fallen 8.33% over the past week and 12.62% over the past month. It is still up 165.04% year to date. Shares sit about 32% below the 52-week high of $329.73 and far above the low of $70.62.

Chip stocks as a group just came off nine consecutive losing days. Marvell then bounced nearly 7% on October 19, when traders moved back into risk.

The fundamentals are holding up well. Q2 fiscal 2027 revenue came in at $2.7393B, +36.5% YoY, ahead of the $2.707B consensus. Non-GAAP EPS of $0.94 beat the $0.9289 estimate.

Data Center revenue grew 46% and now makes up 79% of sales. At its October Investor Day, Marvell raised its long-term revenue forecasts and lifted its fiscal 2029 custom chip target.

Why Bulls See $350 and Beyond
Our bull case reaches $350.85, a 56.62% return. The October Investor Day raised management’s outlook above its earlier earnings-call targets of roughly $12 billion in fiscal 2027 revenue and about 50% growth in fiscal 2028. They also expected custom revenue to more than double next year.

Non-GAAP operating margin should reach the 38% to 40% target range in Q4. The expanded Google deal includes a warrant for up to 7% of Marvell shares, signaling confidence in the custom business.

CEO Matt Murphy said: “Even as our revenue base becomes significantly larger, our growth rate is accelerating.” Coverage counts 8 Strong Buy, 32 Buy and zero Sell ratings. The consensus target means 52.5% upside.

What Could Drag Marvell Toward $209
Our bear case is $209.36. Revenue depends on a handful of hyperscalers, and any of them could design more chips in-house. Supply of advanced wafers is tight, and stock-based compensation rose to $207.6M from $142.1M.

GAAP operating margin of 16.8% trails the non-GAAP 36.6%, partly because of a $331.8M contingent consideration charge. That charge is acquisition-related and should not repeat every quarter. Debt also looks manageable, with net debt at just 0.27 times EBITDA.

Is Marvell Pricier Than Broadcom and NVIDIA?
Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO) competes most directly with Marvell in custom AI silicon. Its AI semiconductor revenue grew 221% to $16.70 billion last quarter.

NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA) sets the benchmark for AI accelerators and also partners with Marvell through NVLink Fusion. Both peers are growing faster and trade at lower forward multiples.

Our model gives half its weight to a forward-earnings value well below today’s price, which already builds in some multiple compression. That makes the peer comparison support our 24/7 Wall St. price target as reasonable.

Company
Forward P/E
Latest Revenue Growth YoY

Marvell
62x
36.5%

Broadcom
19x
85.5%

NVIDIA
25x
105.85%

Pullback Widens the Gap to Our Price Target
Our 24/7 Wall St. price target of $271.84, a buy rating and 90% confidence all reflect one thing above all: growth is speeding up while the stock is falling.

I’d grow more constructive if Q3 lands near the $3.150B guidance and custom revenue ramps on schedule. I’d turn cautious if supply constraints or a hyperscaler moving chip design in-house knocks fiscal 2028 targets off course. For now, the data favors the bulls.

Here is where the 24/7 Wall St. price target model projects Marvell could trade, assuming current growth trends hold.

Year
24/7 Wall St. Price Target

2026
$271.84

2027
$277.30

2028
$300.85

2029
$348.88

2030
$365.63

These projections assume Marvell keeps executing on custom silicon and optical connectivity. The results could land well above or below this path depending on scale-up optics adoption or a slowdown in hyperscaler spending.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

Key Takeaways Boot Barn's Q2 revenues are projected to rise 15% to $581.2M, while EPS is expected to grow 19% to $1.63.Store expansion, robust workwear demand and growing omnichannel capabilities are likely to support Q2 results.BOOT shares have fallen 28% in three months and trade at a forward P/E of 11.87X, below the industry's 12.92X. With Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. (BOOT - Free Report) set to announce its second-quarter fiscal 2027 earnings results after the market closes on Oct. 28, investors face a critical question: Can BOOT maintain its streak of positive earnings surprises, or will challenges in the retail sector temper its growth?

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter revenues stands at $581.2 million, indicating a 15% increase from the prior-year reported figure. On the earnings front, the consensus estimate has remained stable at $1.63 per share over the past 30 days, implying year-over-year growth of 19%.

Boot Barn Holdings has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 11.4%, on average. In the last reported quarter, this Irvine, CA-based company surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 35.5%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

What the Zacks Model Indicates for BOOT’s Q2 EarningsAs investors prepare for Boot Barn Holdings’ second-quarter results, the question looms regarding an earnings beat or miss. Our proven model predicts that an earnings beat is likely for Boot Barn Holdings this time. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat, which is the case here. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Boot Barn Holdings has a Zacks Rank #2 and an Earnings ESP of +0.92%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Factors Likely to Have Shaped BOOT’s Q2 OutcomeBoot Barn Holdings’ second-quarter fiscal 2027 performance is likely to have benefited from its aggressive store expansion strategy and the encouraging performance of newly opened locations. The company entered the quarter with strong momentum in new store productivity, reflecting healthy customer demand across its expanding footprint. Management remained confident in its store-opening pipeline, supported by attractive store economics and opportunities to expand into underserved markets. The addition of new locations is likely to have strengthened Boot Barn’s market presence, attracted new customers and supported overall sales growth during the quarter.

Beyond store expansion, Boot Barn’s efforts to strengthen its merchandise assortment and reinvigorate the workwear business are likely to have aided second-quarter performance. The company has been benefiting from improved demand for work boots and work apparel, driven by better in-store merchandising, increased marketing focus and a stronger selection of established third-party brands. Management indicated that the workwear business maintained healthy momentum entering the quarter, reflecting resilient demand from customers purchasing products for everyday work needs. Continued strength in this category, along with merchandising improvements in denim and women's Western boots, may have helped attract customers and support sales.

Meanwhile, Boot Barn’s growing omnichannel capabilities are likely to have provided another boost to its quarterly performance. The company has been witnessing encouraging demand across its digital business, supported by the strength of bootbarn.com and its efforts to create a seamless shopping experience. Services such as buy online, pick up in store and ship-to-store have been helping drive customer engagement while making inventory more accessible across channels. The company's ability to fulfill online orders through its store network is also likely to have supported fulfillment efficiency and profitability. These initiatives, combined with continued investments in digital shopping capabilities, may have helped sustain e-commerce momentum during the quarter.

On its last earnings call, management guided consolidated same-store sales in the range of flat to up 2%, with retail store same-store sales between down 1% and up 1% and e-commerce same-store sales growth of 10% to 12%.

On the profitability front, Boot Barn’s focus on merchandise margin expansion and disciplined cost management is likely to have supported earnings growth. The company has been benefiting from improved full-price selling, favorable buying economies of scale, supply-chain efficiencies and strategic sourcing initiatives. Management also expected lower freight expenses compared with the prior-year period, which may have provided additional support to merchandise margins. Anticipated tariff refunds are likely to have offered a favorable contribution to profitability. Together with efficient expense management and better operating leverage, these factors may have boosted Boot Barn’s bottom-line performance during the second quarter.

BOOT Stock Price PerformanceShares of Boot Barn Holdings have fallen 28% over the past three months compared with the industry’s 10.7% decline.

Boot Barn Holdings has trailed Designer Brands Inc. (DBI - Free Report) and Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (WWW - Free Report) . While shares of Designer Brands have risen 0.7%, those of Wolverine World Wide have dropped 2.8%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Does BOOT Present a Strong Case for Value Investing?Boot Barn Holdings’ valuation remains discounted relative to the industry. BOOT currently trades at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 11.87, below the industry average of 12.92. The stock also trades below its 12-month median P/E multiple of 19.07.

However, BOOT trades at a premium to Designer Brands and Wolverine World Wide, which have forward 12-month P/E multiples of 11.04 and 11.19, respectively.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Final Words on BOOTBoot Barn appears well-positioned ahead of its second-quarter earnings release, supported by store expansion, healthy workwear demand, growing omnichannel capabilities and margin improvement efforts. The likelihood of an earnings beat, coupled with its discounted valuation and encouraging growth prospects, strengthens the stock’s investment appeal despite recent share price weakness. Existing investors may consider retaining their positions, while prospective investors could view the recent pullback as an opportunity to gain exposure ahead of earnings.

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

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on November 3. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

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

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis biopharmaceutical company is expected to post quarterly loss of $1.09 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +78.5%.

Revenues are expected to be $400.03 million, up 39.3% from the year-ago quarter.

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

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. 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 Madrigal?For Madrigal, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -53.68%.

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

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

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Madrigal would post a loss of$2.55 per share when it actually produced a loss of -$1.99, delivering a surprise of +21.96%.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The earnings report 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 company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.29 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -14.7%.

Revenues are expected to be $516.4 million, down 3.6% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 1.08% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Driven Brands Holdings?For Driven Brands Holdings, 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 +10.35%.

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

So, this combination indicates that Driven Brands Holdings will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Driven Brands Holdings would post earnings of $0.3 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.29, delivering a surprise of -3.33%.

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

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

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

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

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

Wall Street expects a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when Pinnacle West (PNW - Free Report) reports results for the quarter ended September 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 November 3, 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 power company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $3.40 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +0.3%.

Revenues are expected to be $1.94 billion, up 6.6% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 16% 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 Pinnacle West?For Pinnacle West, 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 +2.43%.

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

So, this combination indicates that Pinnacle West 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 Pinnacle West would post earnings of $1.49 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.43, delivering a surprise of -4.03%.

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

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

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

Pinnacle West 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 ResultsAmong the stocks in the Zacks Utility - Electric Power industry, PSEG (PEG - Free Report) , is soon expected to post earnings of $1.21 per share for the quarter ended September 2026. This estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +7.1%. This quarter's revenue is expected to be $3.3 billion, up 2.3% from the year-ago quarter.

Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for PSEG has been revised 6.5% down to the current level. Nevertheless, the company now has an Earnings ESP of 0.00%, reflecting an equal Most Accurate Estimate.

When combined with a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold), this Earnings ESP makes it difficult to conclusively predict that PSEG will beat the consensus EPS estimate. The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.

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

3 Biotech Stocks That Could Benefit from the Patent CliffBeam Therapeutics NASDAQ: BEAM reported initial clinical data from its Phase I/II trial of BEAM-301, an investigational base-editing therapy for glycogen storage disease type 1A (GSD1a), showing dose-dependent improvements in fasting tolerance and reductions in cornstarch supplementation among the first six treated patients.

The data, presented at the ESGCT Annual Congress, included three patients treated with a 20 mg dose and three patients treated with a 40 mg dose. As of an Aug. 17, 2026 cutoff, median follow-up across both cohorts was 7.6 months.

Get Beam Therapeutics alerts:

Fasting Tolerance Improved in Higher-Dose Cohort MarketBeat Week in Review – 3/4 – 3/8GSD1a is a metabolic disease caused by mutations in the G6PC1 gene that impair the body’s ability to maintain glucose levels during fasting. Patients can become severely hypoglycemic within two to three hours without food or cornstarch and may require frequent doses of cornstarch throughout the day and overnight.

BEAM-301 is an mRNA-based adenine base editor and guide RNA delivered through a lipid nanoparticle, or LNP. It is designed to correct the R83C mutation in the G6PC1 gene and restore glucose-6-phosphatase activity in the liver.

Beam Therapeutics Bolts Higher on Gene Therapy Licensing PaymentsAt baseline, the six patients had a median fasting duration of 2.7 hours before reaching hypoglycemia, defined as glucose levels below 60 mg/dL. They also required a median of six cornstarch doses per day.

According to Chief Medical Officer Amy Simon, the median fasting duration in the 20 mg cohort increased from 2.9 hours at baseline to 4.3 hours at day 36. In the 40 mg cohort, median fasting duration increased from 2.5 hours at baseline to 15 hours, the protocol-defined maximum duration of the controlled fasting challenge.

Two of the three patients treated at 40 mg reached the 15-hour fasting limit and eliminated cornstarch supplementation entirely. The third patient in that cohort did not show increased fasting duration. Simon said the company is evaluating whether the lack of response may be related to elevated body mass index, potentially reducing liver drug exposure, or to the patient’s compound heterozygous genotype.

“Taken together, we believe these initial data demonstrate clinical proof of concept for BEAM-301,” Simon said.

Safety Findings and Next Steps Beam said BEAM-301 showed an acceptable safety profile at both tested dose levels. The company reported no dose-limiting toxicities, treatment-related discontinuations, or Grade 4 or Grade 5 treatment-emergent adverse events.

The most frequent treatment-related adverse events were infusion-related reactions and transient elevations in transaminases, which Beam said were consistent with the known safety profile of intravenous LNPs. All transaminase elevations resolved without intervention. With the exception of one Grade 2 AST elevation, the elevations were Grade 1.

Simon said the Grade 3 infusion-related reactions may have been influenced by the use of shorter-acting steroid premedication in this patient population. Long-acting steroids are generally avoided in GSD1a because of the potential risk of metabolic decompensation. Beam has since modified its premedication regimen.

The company is enrolling patients in a 60 mg cohort to further evaluate safety and efficacy and select an optimal biological dose. Beam may also consider expanding cohorts beyond three patients and potentially opening a pediatric cohort, executives said during the question-and-answer session.

Chief Executive Officer John Evans said Beam plans to engage the FDA on a potential approval pathway after reviewing data from the 60 mg cohort. He said the company expects to seek an efficient development route given the severity and rarity of the R83C patient population. Beam estimates there are approximately 300 diagnosed U.S. patients with the mutation, though Evans said epidemiological calculations could suggest a higher figure.

Platform Strategy Extends to PKU Beam also discussed progress in its BEAM-304 program for phenylketonuria, or PKU, an inherited metabolic disorder caused by multiple mutations in the PAH gene. The company said it has identified a third development candidate, BEAM-304C, targeting an undisclosed PKU mutation, following the prior identification of BEAM-304A and BEAM-304B.

Beam said the first three BEAM-304 candidates could potentially address up to half of U.S. PKU patients. The company plans to use a shared LNP delivery system, manufacturing approach and clinical framework across the variants while designing each editor and guide RNA for a specific disease-causing mutation.

President Giuseppe Pino Ciaramella said the FDA cleared a single investigational new drug application for BEAM-304 that enables Beam to evaluate multiple candidates under one clinical protocol. BEAM-304A is planned to enter dose escalation first, with subsequent variants potentially starting at the optimal biological dose identified for the first candidate.

Evans said the company expects the first PKU sites to open around the end of 2026 or early 2027, noting that Beam plans to conduct the study through major U.S. academic metabolic centers.

Beam also reiterated that its sickle cell disease program, risto-cel, remains on track for a potential biologics license application submission and potential first commercial launch, while its BEAM-302 program for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is in pivotal development.

About Beam Therapeutics (NASDAQ:BEAM)Beam Therapeutics Inc is a biotechnology company developing precision genetic medicines for patients with serious diseases. The company's platform uses base editing, a form of gene editing designed to make targeted changes to individual DNA letters without creating double-strand breaks. Beam is also advancing related editing technologies and delivery systems intended to improve the precision and effectiveness of genetic treatments.

Beam's pipeline includes investigational programs for diseases such as sickle cell disease, beta thalassemia, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and glycogen storage disease type Ia.

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

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on November 3. 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 investment bank is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.44 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -22.2%.

Revenues are expected to be $410 million, down 8.3% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.37% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for PJT Partners?For PJT Partners, the Most Accurate Estimate is the same as the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that there are no recent analyst views which differ from what have been considered to derive the consensus estimate. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of 0%.

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

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

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that PJT Partners would post earnings of $1.65 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.97, delivering a surprise of +19.39%.

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.

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

An Industry Player's Expected ResultsPiper Sandler Companies (PIPR - Free Report) , another stock in the Zacks Financial - Miscellaneous Services industry, is expected to report earnings per share of $0.93 for the quarter ended September 2026. This estimate points to a year-over-year change of -2.1%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $465.39 million, up 2.2% from the year-ago quarter.

The consensus EPS estimate for PIPER SANDLR CP has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. However, a lower Most Accurate Estimate has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -2.15%.

This Earnings ESP, combined with its Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), makes it difficult to conclusively predict that PIPER SANDLR CP will 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.

Key Takeaways SCI's Q3 earnings are projected to rise 12.6% to 98 cents per share, with revenues up 5% to $1.1 billion.
Service Corporation may benefit from stabilizing funeral volumes, higher service revenues and preneed sales.SCI's cemetery sales momentum, deferred property revenues and cost discipline may support Q3 margins.

Service Corporation International (SCI - Free Report) is likely to witness top-and bottom-line growth when it reports third-quarter 2026 earnings on Oct. 28. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $1.1 billion, indicating a 5% increase from the year-ago reported number.

The consensus mark for earnings has remained unchanged over the past 30 days at 98 cents a share, which suggests 12.6% growth from the year-ago period’s figure. SCI has a trailing four-quarter surprise of 0.7%, on average.

Factors Likely to Influence SCI’s Upcoming ResultsService Corporation’s third-quarter results are likely to benefit from improving funeral volume trends and higher average revenue per service. On its last earnings call, management indicated that July funeral volumes were approximately flat year over year, suggesting stabilization. Revenues from maturing preneed contracts may have provided additional support.

The cemetery segment is likely to have benefited from strong preneed sales momentum. Management expects mid-to-high-single-digit growth in cemetery preneed sales production during the second half, primarily driven by core sales. Improved sales effectiveness, preneed seminars and the July expansion of cemetery offerings to cremation customers may have supported performance.

SCI’s profitability may have gained from the recognition of deferred, higher-margin cemetery property sales and trust fund income. Funeral margins are likely to have benefited from easing accounting-related pressures associated with insurance-funded preneed contracts and selling compensation changes. Disciplined cost management is likely to have provided additional support.

However, lingering funeral volume softness, rising cremation penetration and the timing of cemetery revenue recognition could have weighed on performance.

Earnings Whispers for SCIOur proven model predicts an earnings beat for Service Corporation this time. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat, which is the case here.

 Service Corporation currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 and has an Earnings ESP of +0.76%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Other Stocks With the Favorable CombinationHere are some other companies worth considering, as our model shows that these also have the right combination of elements to beat on earnings this reporting cycle.

Altria Group, Inc. (MO - Free Report) currently has an Earnings ESP of +0.26% and a Zacks Rank #2. The consensus estimate for quarterly revenues is pegged at $5.3 billion, which indicates an improvement of about 1% from the figure reported in the prior-year quarter. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Altria’s upcoming quarter’s EPS is pegged at $1.51, which calls for 4.1% growth from the figure reported in the prior-year quarter. MO delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 1.3%, on average.

Sysco Corporation (SYY - Free Report) currently has an Earnings ESP of +2.46% and a Zacks Rank of 3. The consensus estimate for the quarterly revenues is pinned at $22.2 billion, which suggests 4.9% growth from the figure reported in the prior-year quarter.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Sysco’s upcoming quarter’s EPS is pegged at $1.17, which calls for a 1.7% increase from the year-ago period’s figure. SYY delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of nearly 1%, on average.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM - Free Report) currently has an Earnings ESP of +18.48% and a Zacks Rank of 3. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its upcoming quarter’s revenues is pegged at $22.7 billion, suggesting 11.3% growth from the figure reported in the prior-year quarter.

The consensus estimate for Archer-Daniels’ earnings is pegged at $1.44 per share, implying an increase of 56.5% from the year-ago quarter. ADM delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 11.3%, on average.

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

The earnings report, which is expected to be released on November 3, 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 company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.13 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -18.8%.

Revenues are expected to be $218.58 million, up 32.4% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 12.35% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Enlight Renewable Energy Ltd.?For Enlight Renewable Energy Ltd., the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -13.84%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #1.

So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Enlight Renewable Energy Ltd. will beat the consensus EPS estimate.

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Enlight Renewable Energy Ltd. would post earnings of $0.07 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.20, delivering a surprise of +185.71%.

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.

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

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

Varonis Systems (VRNS - Free Report) is expected to deliver a year-over-year decline in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended September 2026. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price.

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on November 3. 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 data-management software company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.03 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -50%.

Revenues are expected to be $186.93 million, up 15.7% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.59% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Varonis?For Varonis, 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 +9.09%.

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

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

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Varonis would post earnings of $0.01 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.04, delivering a surprise of +300.00%.

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

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

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

Varonis 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 ResultsCheck Point Software (CHKP - Free Report) , another stock in the Zacks Security industry, is expected to report earnings per share of $2.49 for the quarter ended September 2026. This estimate points to a year-over-year change of -36.8%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $672.51 million, down 0.7% from the year-ago quarter.

Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for Check Point has been revised 0.2% down to the current level. Nevertheless, the company now has an Earnings ESP of +0.09%, reflecting a higher Most Accurate Estimate.

This Earnings ESP, combined with its Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Check Point will 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.

Apollo Global Management Inc. (APO - Free Report) is expected to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended September 2026. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price.

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on November 3. 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 company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $2.21 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +3.3%.

Revenues are expected to be $1.34 billion, up 16.6% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 1.59% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Apollo Global Management?For Apollo Global Management, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -0.07%.

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

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

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Apollo Global Management would post earnings of $2.18 per share when it actually produced earnings of $2.11, delivering a surprise of -3.21%.

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

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

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

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

An Industry Player's Expected ResultsAmong the stocks in the Zacks Financial - Investment Management industry, Virtus Investment Partners (VRTS - Free Report) , is soon expected to post earnings of $5.73 per share for the quarter ended September 2026. This estimate indicates a year-over-year change of -14.4%. This quarter's revenue is expected to be $180.3 million, down 8.3% from the year-ago quarter.

The consensus EPS estimate for Virtus has been revised 6.3% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. However, a higher Most Accurate Estimate has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +0.32%.

When combined with a Zacks Rank of #5 (Strong Sell), this Earnings ESP makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Virtus will beat the consensus EPS estimate. Over the last four quarters, the company surpassed EPS estimates just once.

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

, /PRNewswire/ -- The board of directors of the general partner of MPLX LP (NYSE: MPLX) has declared a quarterly cash distribution of $1.2111 per common unit for the third quarter of 2026, or $4.84 on an annualized basis.

This represents a 12.5% increase, or $0.1346 increase per common unit, over the second quarter 2026 distribution. The distribution will be paid on Nov. 13, 2026, to common unitholders of record as of Nov. 6, 2026.

Qualified Tax Notice

Concurrent with this announcement we are providing qualified notice to brokers and nominees that hold MPLX units on behalf of non-U.S. investors under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1446-4(b) and (d) and Treasury Regulation Section 1.1446(f)-4(c)(2)(iii). Brokers and nominees should treat one hundred percent (100%) of the Partnership's distributions to non-U.S. investors as being attributable to income that is effectively connected with a United States trade or business. In addition, brokers and nominees should treat one hundred percent (100%) of the distribution as being in excess of cumulative net income for purposes of determining the amount to withhold. Accordingly, the Partnership's distributions to non-U.S. investors are subject to federal income tax withholding at the highest applicable effective tax rate. Nominees, and not MPLX, are treated as the withholding agents responsible for withholding on the distributions received by them on behalf of non-U.S. investors.

About MPLX LP

MPLX is a diversified, large-cap master limited partnership that owns and operates midstream energy infrastructure and logistics assets and provides fuels distribution services. MPLX's assets include a network of crude oil and refined product pipelines; an inland marine business; light-product terminals; storage caverns; refinery tanks, docks, loading racks, and associated piping; and crude and light-product marine terminals. The company also owns crude oil and natural gas gathering systems and pipelines as well as natural gas and NGL processing and fractionation facilities in key U.S. supply basins. More information is available at www.mplx.com.

Investor Relations Contacts: (419) 421-2071
Brian Worthington, Vice President, Investor Relations
Isaac Feeney, Director, Investor Relations
Evan Heminger, Analyst, Investor Relations

Media Contact: (419) 421-3577
Jamal Kheiry, Communications Director

SOURCE MPLX LP

Analysts on Wall Street project that GE Vernova (GEV - Free Report) will announce quarterly earnings of $4.03 per share in its forthcoming report, representing an increase of 145.7% year over year. Revenues are projected to reach $12.1 billion, increasing 21.4% from the same quarter last year.

Over the past 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been adjusted downward by 3.3% to its current level. This demonstrates the covering analysts' collective reassessment of their initial projections during this period.

Ahead of a company's earnings disclosure, it is crucial to give due consideration to changes in earnings estimates. These revisions serve as a noteworthy factor in predicting potential investor reactions to the stock. Numerous empirical studies consistently demonstrate a strong relationship between trends in earnings estimate revision and the short-term price performance of a stock.

While investors typically rely on consensus earnings and revenue estimates to gauge how the business may have fared during the quarter, examining analysts' projections for some of the company's key metrics often helps gain a deeper insight.

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

The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Revenues- Wind' of $2.33 billion. The estimate indicates a change of -11.9% from the prior-year quarter.

According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Revenues- Wind- Services' should come in at $466.86 million. The estimate points to a change of +5.2% from the year-ago quarter.

Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'Revenues- Wind- Equipment' should arrive at $1.87 billion. The estimate suggests a change of -15% year over year.

The consensus estimate for 'Revenues- Power' stands at $5.74 billion. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +18.6%.

Analysts' assessment points toward 'Revenues- Electrification' reaching $4.01 billion. The estimate suggests a change of +54.1% year over year.

Analysts expect 'Revenues- Power- Services' to come in at $3.48 billion. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +12.8%.

It is projected by analysts that the 'Revenues- Power- Equipment' will reach $2.26 billion. The estimate suggests a change of +35.2% year over year.

Analysts predict that the 'Revenues- Electrification- Equipment' will reach $3.20 billion. The estimate suggests a change of +58.6% year over year.

Analysts forecast 'Revenues- Wind- Offshore Wind' to reach $257.78 million. The estimate suggests a change of +32.2% year over year.

The consensus among analysts is that 'Revenues- Wind- Onshore Wind' will reach $2.08 billion. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of -13.6%.

The average prediction of analysts places 'Revenues- Power- Gas Power' at $4.84 billion. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +23.4%.

The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Power - Gas Turbine Gigawatts' will likely reach N/A. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of N/A.

View all Key Company Metrics for GE Vernova here>>>

Over the past month, shares of GE Vernova have returned -10% versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.8% change. Currently, GEV carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), suggesting that its performance may align with the overall market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .

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

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on November 3. 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 specialty finance company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.22 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +10%.

Revenues are expected to be $37.27 million, up 148.5% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 16.33% 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 Redwood Trust?For Redwood Trust, the Most Accurate Estimate is the same as the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that there are no recent analyst views which differ from what have been considered to derive the consensus estimate. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of 0%.

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

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

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Redwood Trust would post earnings of $0.26 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.25, delivering a surprise of -3.85%.

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

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

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

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

Expected Results of an Industry PlayerAnother stock from the Zacks REIT and Equity Trust industry, Arbor Realty Trust (ABR - Free Report) , is soon expected to post earnings of $0.06 per share for the quarter ended September 2026. This estimate indicates a year-over-year change of -82.9%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $227.4 million, up 2% from the year-ago quarter.

The consensus EPS estimate for Arbor Realty Trust has been revised 30% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. However, a lower Most Accurate Estimate has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -66.67%.

When combined with a Zacks Rank of #4 (Sell), this Earnings ESP makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Arbor Realty Trust will beat the consensus EPS estimate. Over the last four quarters, the company surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times.

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

Planet Labs just posted the strongest quarter in its history, yet the stock dropped 30% this year. Here is why that gap keeps widening my position and the exact two conditions that would make me walk away.

I added to my Planet Labs (NYSE:PL) position again this month, and every dip makes the next purchase easier. Shares sat at $13.77 on October 26, down 30.17% year to date. That drop came right after the company delivered the strongest quarter in its history. While the business speeds up and the stock falls, I keep buying.

Planet Sees the Whole Planet Every Day
Conventional satellite operators take static, targeted photos on demand. Planet runs hundreds of satellites (SuperDoves, Pelicans and Tanagers) that image the entire Earth’s landmass daily. That daily scan builds an archive rivals cannot buy. CEO Will Marshall put it plainly: “Even if someone had a daily scan suddenly today, they wouldn’t have the archive to go back and find all these things for several years.” Customers pay for that history through subscriptions, and 98% of annual contract value is recurring.

Three Receipts Behind Every Purchase
Growth comes first. Fiscal Q2 2027 revenue reached $116.05 million, up 58.1% year over year and ahead of the $104.22 million consensus. Defense and intelligence revenue grew over 90%, and full-year guidance calls for $430 million to $441 million.

Visibility comes second. Net dollar retention stands at 109%. Planet counts over $4 billion of identified satellite-services opportunities, with over 25% qualified as near-term. It launched a sovereign satellite for the Swedish Armed Forces 4 months after signing.

Financial strength comes third. Planet generated $52.87 million of free cash flow in fiscal 2026, its first full year with positive free cash flow. Adjusted EBITDA reached $13.93 million last quarter, up from $6.41 million a year earlier. Adjusted EPS of $0.02 beat the -$0.0213 consensus, its fifth consecutive quarterly beat. Cash, equivalents and short-term investments total about $865 million. Last quarter, Planet sold shares through its ATM program at an average net price of $31.95. I’m buying at $13.77.

Why My Money Skips BlackSky
BlackSky Technology (NYSE:BKSY) grew Q2 2026 revenue 50.08% to $33.316 million, yet its GAAP EPS of -$0.54 missed the -$0.3467 estimate. Its 2025 operating cash flow came in at -$28.311 million, and it ended the quarter with $36.897 million in cash after a $150 million ATM raise. Planet generates positive free cash flow. BlackSky relies more heavily on capital markets.

Only Two Things Will Stop Me
Dilution and capital cycles top the list. Planet raised about $120 million through its ATM last quarter. It has $448.3 million in convertible notes, spends $17.1 million a quarter on stock-based compensation and plans $100 million to $115 million of capex this year.

Government concentration comes second. Defense budgets drive the growth, and those contracts has termination-for-convenience clauses.

So far, both stay inside my limits. Management sold stock well above today’s price and said, “We are very diligent about how we are adding that capital to the balance sheet, making sure that we’re sensitive to dilution as we know our shareholders are.” The government book covers Sweden, Germany, Rwanda and U.S. agencies, and EMEA revenue grew over 130%. If ATM sales increase up at low prices or a major agency walks away, I stop buying.

What Keeps the Growth Thesis Intact
The next-generation Owl fleet promises “10 times more data” delivered “10 times faster,” and management called it “definitely a price increase opportunity.” Marshall estimates Planet holds under 5% of today’s Earth observation market. A company growing 58% with that little share and that much cash keeps my confidence in the thesis high.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

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

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on November 3. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

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

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.19 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +142.9%.

Revenues are expected to be $550.39 million, up 138.7% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.59% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Astera Labs, Inc.?For Astera Labs, Inc., the Most Accurate Estimate is the same as the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that there are no recent analyst views which differ from what have been considered to derive the consensus estimate. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of 0%.

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

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

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Astera Labs, Inc. would post earnings of $0.69 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.80, delivering a surprise of +15.94%.

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.

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

Expected Results of an Industry PlayerAmong the stocks in the Zacks Internet - Software industry, VERRA MOBILITY CORP (VRRM - Free Report) , is soon expected to post earnings of $0.26 per share for the quarter ended September 2026. This estimate indicates a year-over-year change of -29.7%. This quarter's revenue is expected to be $238.77 million, down 8.9% from the year-ago quarter.

Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for Verra Mobility has been revised 0.8% down to the current level. Nevertheless, the company now has an Earnings ESP of +1.56%, reflecting a higher Most Accurate Estimate.

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

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

Meta Platforms (META -0.81%), the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has had a strong year of growth, while its stock has been quiet. As of Oct. 22, the stock was slightly down year to date and about 18% below its September high of $779.82.

That pullback is a buying opportunity, with Meta coming off a strong quarter and maintaining business momentum heading into 2027. Here are three reasons to take advantage of the dip.

1. Meta is putting personal AI agents in billions of hands
CEO Mark Zuckerberg's big goal is what he calls "personal superintelligence." Meta wants to give every person their own artificial intelligence (AI) agent -- software that carries out tasks on its own for you. The recent launch of Muse, Meta's new personal agent, shows how Meta can turn its massive AI investments into products that reach people directly, opening up new ways to diversify revenue beyond advertising.

It is perfectly positioned to be a major distributor of AI consumer products. Meta's family of apps is used by 3.6 billion people every day, a massive audience to monetize.

The early results are encouraging. More than 10 million people downloaded and set up Muse in the first six weeks. Shopping is its most common use right now, and management expects Muse to eventually earn more per user than Meta's existing apps because of how people are already using it.

$625.46-$5.10 (-0.81%)

NASDAQ · As of 12:02 PM ET 10/27/26

2. AI is making Meta's ads more valuable to advertisers
Meta still makes most of its money selling ads, and AI is enhancing that growth engine. The company relies on ranking and recommendation models, where its AI systems decide which ad to show each person. In the third quarter, upgrades to its GEM and Andromeda models lifted conversions, meaning more people took action after seeing an ad.

Ad impressions grew 10% year over year, while the average price per ad climbed 14%. That pushed total revenue up 26% to nearly $65 billion, beating the top end of management's guidance.

Management expects fourth-quarter revenue of $73 billion to $76 billion. CFO Susan Li said that upcoming advances in models and product launches give Meta opportunities to maintain strong revenue growth throughout 2027.

3. The stock is trading at a market average P/E
Meta's reported operating profit fell 37% year over year in the third quarter, following a one-time $9.9 billion legal charge to resolve litigation over teen mental health and social media. Excluding the charge, operating income would have increased 11% to about $22.9 billion, for an adjusted operating margin of about 35%.

That high margin during a heavy AI spending cycle shows how well positioned Meta is to deliver long-term returns to shareholders.

Image source: Getty Images.

The stock offers solid value relative to growth expectations. At about $650, the stock trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 21.5 on 2026 estimates and 18.9 based on next year's.

Long term, analysts expect Meta's earnings to grow about 19% per year. If earnings grow at that pace, they would more than double by 2031. Assuming the stock continues to trade at the same earnings multiple, it could compound at roughly the same rate.

The stock is trading roughly in line with the S&P 500's forward P/E of 19.3. However, Meta may deserve a higher P/E, given its massive user base and its above-average earnings growth prospects.

The main item to watch is heavy AI spending, with $135 billion to $145 billion in capital expenditures planned for 2026, which has weighed on the share price this year. But Meta's strong quarter shows the benefits from its capital spending. The strong adoption of Muse and robust revenue growth make Meta stock a compelling buy heading into the new year.

Tesla's (TSLA +3.91%) recently reported quarterly results raise as many questions as they answer. While revenue of just over $28 billion topped estimates of $27.9 billion, and earnings of $0.48 per share beat estimates of $0.43, investors apparently balked at the company's 2026 spending outlook.

Not because it was raised, but because it was lowered, from around $25 billion to $20 billion, and will largely be funded from operating cash flow. The market is interpreting that as a sign that Tesla's transition to predominantly an artificial intelligence (AI) technology company isn't happening very quickly. And maybe that's an accurate assessment.

In the meantime, though, Tesla remains first and foremost an electric vehicle (EV) company that's using that business's bottom line as a springboard for its AI-driven robotaxi and robotics ventures. And we're seeing encouraging progress on the electric vehicle front, not so much in terms of volume, but at least in terms of profitability.

When it was needed the most, a small step forward
Whether Tesla's EV business is a meaningfully reliable growth engine has been up for debate since 2022, when Chinese rival BYD Company (BYDDY -0.22%) began getting real traction in China as well as in Europe. Tesla cut prices, which, of course, crimped profits.

There's a glimmer of hope, though. While average selling prices have dropped since the first quarter -- partially reflecting more sales and production of the lower-cost Model 3 -- the latest numbers show that for the second quarter in a row, Tesla's per-car production costs have fallen as well, from $37,748 in Q2 to Q3's $36,077.

This has allowed per-delivery automotive gross profits to bounce back from Q2's plunge to $7,213 to $7,864 in Q3. Gross profits per manufactured vehicle also snapped back by a similar degree, negating any worries that the recovery is merely a matter of the difference between the quarter's delivery figure and its production tally.

Data source: Tesla. Chart by author.

Just buying stress-free time
This isn't necessarily thrilling. As the graphic above illustrates, per-car profits are far from soaring.

They're not sinking, though, and that's a win in and of itself following a concerning decline in Q2. This slight recovery confirms there's at least some degree of profitable marketability for Tesla's electric vehicles in an increasingly competitive environment.

More than anything, though, the decrease in EV manufacturing costs says current shareholders who own Tesla stock for its potential on the robotics and robotaxi fronts don't need to worry about a struggling electric vehicle business taking time, attention, and resources away from those efforts. Tesla's EV business can stand on its own, even if its growth is modest.

That being said, don't misunderstand. Tesla is mostly an electric vehicle company now. In just a couple of years, however, it plans to be an AI robotics and robotaxi outfit that also happens to manufacture EVs. That evolution is what this expensive and volatile stock is really pricing in here.

Alphabet pours hundreds of billions into AI while its stock lags the S&P by double digits, and the reasons go deeper than most investors realize.

AI valuations are on the march. Meta (NASDAQ: META | META Price Prediction) has already shot itself in the foot by saying it would need significant funding to be among the AI winners. Its total AI-related spending could run to $635 billion over time. The disclosure was part of Meta’s earnings. The comments came just ahead of Anthropic’s IPO. It was a bad look, which showed a remarkable level of risk. Meta’s shares dropped 7%.

The other megacap stock with a very poor year is Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG). Its stock is just below flat, while the S&P is up 13%.

What is going on? Not much that is good. Like the other largest tech companies, it is taking a huge cash-flow-positive company and driving it cash-negative as it wraps up AI commitments that have moved into the hundreds of billions of dollars. Its flagship DeepMind project has seen a rotation of leaders and what outsiders characterized as delays. In a sector in which advances are prized, that is not good news. Gemini seemed to be a solid product out of the box. And it was set up so that anyone who had a Google product could use it. That’s a massive footprint of hundreds of millions of people.

But where was the enterprise adoption, which is where the real money is supposed to be? While companies like Anthropic signed up big companies and the federal government (which hasn’t gone so well recently), Google’s big win was a partnership with Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL). More adoption, but to what end? Alphabet gets paid $1 billion a year, which is next to nothing for them.

Stock prices are a pretty good proxy for a business’s success. Google has search, but it is being cannibalized by its own Gemini-driven results. However, search will be a great business for the foreseeable future, but won’t grow like it did in the past. It is nice to own YouTube, Gmail, and Maps, but there is no evidence it is close to AI’s cutting edge.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

Douglas A. McIntyre

Douglas A. McIntyre is the co-founder, chief executive officer and editor in chief of 24/7 Wall St. and 24/7 Tempo. He has held these jobs since 2006.

McIntyre has written thousands of articles for 24/7 Wall St. He is an expert on corporate finance, the automotive industry, media companies and international finance. He has edited articles on national demographics, sports, personal income and travel.

His work has been quoted or mentioned in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, NBC News, Time, The New Yorker, HuffPost USA Today, Business Insider, Yahoo, AOL, MarketWatch, The Atlantic, Bloomberg, New York Post, Chicago Tribune, Forbes, The Guardian and many other major publications. McIntyre has been a guest on CNBC, the BBC and television and radio stations across the country.

A magna cum laude graduate of Harvard College, McIntyre also was president of The Harvard Advocate. Founded in 1866, the Advocate is the oldest college publication in the United States.

TheStreet.com, Comps.com and Edgar Online are some of the public companies for which McIntyre served on the board of directors. He was a Vicinity Corporation board member when the company was sold to Microsoft in 2002. He served on the audit committees of some of these companies.

McIntyre has been the CEO of FutureSource, a provider of trading terminals and news to commodities and futures traders. He was president of Switchboard, the online phone directory company. He served as chairman and CEO of On2 Technologies, the video compression company that provided video compression software for Adobe’s Flash. Google bought On2 in 2009.

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Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) could climb to $1,700 by early September 2031 if its current artificial intelligence (AI) bull cycle repeats the pattern that preceded the Dot-com bubble peak.

In an October 26 TradingView post, analyst TradingShot argued that MSFT could enter the second phase of its rally after holding support at its 50-month moving average (MA). 

The analysis compares the stock’s current 18-month sideways trading range with the accumulation phase of the 1990s internet boom, when Microsoft similarly consolidated around its long-term moving average before advancing toward its Dot-com peak.

The comparison comes with a warning where MSFT’s monthly Relative Strength Index (RSI) has formed lower highs, suggesting weakening momentum despite the stock holding support. 

A sustained break below the MA50 would weaken the historical comparison and undermine the projected second phase of the AI bull cycle.

At the current price of $532, MSFT would need to gain approximately 219% to reach $1,700, more than tripling its share price over nearly five years. 

TradingShot’s projection uses Fibonacci retracement levels of 0.236 and 0.382 to compare the two cycles, with the MA50 serving as the key support indicator.

However, the outlook does not establish that the historical pattern will repeat. The $1,700 target is a long-term technical projection, not a consensus analyst price target or company forecast. 

MSFT stock fundamentals  Reaching it would depend on Microsoft maintaining support, translating AI investments into revenue and earnings growth, and navigating valuation and broader market risks.

Microsoft’s financial performance supports the long-term bullish case, although it does not validate the bullish price target.

For the fiscal fourth quarter ended June 30, 2026, Microsoft reported revenue of $90 billion, up 18% year over year, and net income of $35.8 billion, up 31%. 

Microsoft Cloud revenue rose 27% to $59.3 billion, while Azure and other cloud services revenue grew 43%. Commercial remaining performance obligations reached $678 billion, reflecting contracted future revenue.

These results highlight demand for Microsoft’s cloud and AI services, and the next test comes with its fiscal first-quarter 2027 reporting, scheduled for October 28, with investors watching Azure growth, AI adoption, capital expenditure, and guidance. Analysts expect revenue of approximately $90.6 billion and adjusted earnings of $4.71 per share.

MSFT stock risks  However, Microsoft’s heavy AI investment could complicate its path toward $1,700. Fiscal 2026 capital expenditure, including capital leases, reached approximately $145.3 billion. 

At the same time, reports indicate that Microsoft was offering voluntary buyouts to eligible employees as it sought to control costs while funding its AI expansion.

Investors are increasingly assessing whether AI revenue will justify the cost of building and operating the necessary infrastructure. 

Continued Azure growth and enterprise adoption could support MSFT, while slower growth, margin pressure or disappointing investment returns could weigh on the stock.

Featured image via Shutterstock

American Airlines is raising the annual fee for two of its rewards credit cards for the first time since 2018 and adding new benefits like a TSA PreCheck credit and points from spending on hotels.

The fee on the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard will go up to $150 a year from $99. That is the first increase since 2018, when it raised the fee from $95 to $99, a spokeswoman said.

The Citi AAdvantage Business Mastercard will also have a fee increase and will now cost $150 a year.

Airlines and their bank partners have been steadily raising fees on rewards credit cards.

Those cards generate billions of dollars a year for airlines, which make money when miles are sold to banks, which then give them to customers. American's move, announced Tuesday, follows similar increases by rivals such as United Airlines.

Meanwhile, American Express last year raised the fee on its popular Platinum card, which comes with airport lounge access, to $895 a year from $695. JPMorgan Chase increased the annual fee on its competing card, the Sapphire Reserve, to $795 from $550.

The new perks for the American card include 3X AAdvantage miles earnings on hotels booked through American's portal, a credit of up to $120 every four years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and a $100 annual statement credit on in-flight purchases like food.

The new fees take effect Jan. 24.

Read more CNBC airline newsWhy airfare could rise even more, but airline profits won’tBudget airline king Bill Franke warms to premium upgradesCompanies spurn airlines’ cheapest business class ticketsUnited’s next decision: What to do with all those Boeing 737 Max 10 seats it ordered years agoRecord heat, crowds drive offseason boom in international travel

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Schall, Brown & Schwartz LLP (“SBS”), a national shareholder rights litigation firm, reminds investors of a class action lawsuit against Bank of America Corporation (“Bank of America” or “the Company”) (NYSE: BAC) for violations of §§10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

CLASS PERIOD: August 1, 2025 to October 13, 2026

DEADLINE: December 15, 2026

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

CASE DETAILS: According to the Complaint, the Company made false and misleading statements to the market. Bank of America, N.A. (“BANA”) suffered from systemic weaknesses in its Bank Secrecy Act/anti-money laundering (“BSA/AML”) program, causing it to miss or inaccurately report billions of dollars in suspicious transactions. The Company internally documented its BSA/AML problems but failed to remedy them. The Company failed to maintain an adequate sanctions compliance program. Based on these facts, the Company’s public statements were false and materially misleading throughout the class period. When the market learned the truth about Bank of America, investors suffered damages.

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

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

Join the case to recover your losses.

WHY SBS? Schall, Brown & Schwartz LLP represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation. Bringing together the extensive experience and diverse skillsets of founding partners Brian Schall, Andrew Brown, and David Schwartz, SBS is dedicated to aggressively advocating for every investor.

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

CONTACT:

Schall, Brown & Schwartz LLP
Brian Schall, Esq.,
Andrew Brown, Esq.,
David Schwartz, Esq.,
www.schallfirm.com
Office: 310-301-3335
[email protected]

SOURCE:

Schall, Brown & Schwartz LLP

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

Over the past month, shares of this entertainment company have returned +4.6%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.8% change. During this period, the Zacks Media Conglomerates industry, which Disney falls in, has gained 0.4%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's future direction?

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.

Revisions to Earnings EstimatesRather 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.

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

Disney is expected to post earnings of $1.68 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +51.4%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +2.6%.

For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $6.92 points to a change of +16.7% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has changed +0.1%.

For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $7.48 indicates a change of +8.1% from what Disney is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed +0.1%.

Having a strong externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, offers a more conclusive picture of a stock's price direction in the near term, since it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. Due to the size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, Disney is rated Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

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 Disney, the consensus sales estimate of $25.3 billion for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +12.6%. The $101.64 billion and $106.17 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +7.6% and +4.5%, respectively.

Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryDisney reported revenues of $25.25 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +6.8%. EPS of $2.06 for the same period compares with $1.61 a year ago.

Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $25.48 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of -0.91%. The EPS surprise was +9.57%.

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

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

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

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.

Disney is graded C on this front, indicating that it is trading at par with 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 Disney. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.

Ford announced two new EV chargers today that will allow its forthcoming Fathom pickup truck to serve as a battery capable of delivering power to the home or grid.

The new chargers promise to be about half the cost of Ford’s existing equivalent products, which could make the technology available to more households. Ford said the Fathom itself will start at $28,350.

The Fathom will be capable of delivering “over 10 kW” to a home, Ford said. That would allow the electric vehicle to substitute for a small standby generator. For most U.S. homes, it wouldn’t be enough to power everything, but it could keep a refrigerator and air conditioner operational for about half a day. 

Such capability has been touted as an advantage EVs have over fossil fuel vehicles, but not many EVs come properly equipped, and the chargers required to make use of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) services tend to be costly. 

Ford’s two devices offer similar but differing capabilities.

The Home Power Station device can help customers shave their utility bill by charging the Fathom when power prices are low and sending electricity back to the home when prices are high. The automaker says it will cost around $650, about 50% less than its first-generation bidirectional charger. 

The other option, Home Backup Power, is a package that bundles the Home Power Station with a second device, the Home Backup Panel, to allow the Fathom to also power parts or all of a home when the power goes out. Ford says the package will cost around $2,100, about 60% less than its first-generation product.

None of those prices include installation, which for existing V2X chargers can run up to $10,000, depending on how much electrical work needs to be done to prepare the home. Ford did not announce any partnerships with installers, though a spokesperson told TechCrunch that Ford would release more details at a later date.

Which loads the Fathom can power will vary by household and the specifics of each installation. Things like air conditioners and refrigerators, for example, typically require a large surge of power to start up, after which point their load drops. So-called soft-start devices can help mitigate the surge, though they add cost to the installation.

Both chargers will allow Fathom customers to participate in virtual power plants (VPPs), which use software to control a fleet of distributed energy storage devices, such as EVs.

As strain on the grid grows due to AI data centers, utilities have been exploring whether VPPs can help alleviate congestion at the edges.

Fathom owners who enroll and keep their truck plugged in can sell electricity back to the grid, often at a premium. Ford did not say how much Fathom owners can stand to make, but the payouts can be upwards of $1,000 per year, depending on the grid’s needs and the level of participation.

Automakers, including Ford, have been diving deep into energy storage as demand for such services surges. The Fathom-powered VPP is Ford’s latest foray into the market, but it’s unlikely to be its last.

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

Tim De Chant is a senior climate reporter at TechCrunch. He has written for a wide range of publications, including Wired magazine, the Chicago Tribune, Ars Technica, The Wire China, and NOVA Next, where he was founding editor.

De Chant is also a lecturer in MIT’s Graduate Program in Science Writing, and he was awarded a Knight Science Journalism Fellowship at MIT in 2018, during which time he studied climate technologies and explored new business models for journalism. He received his PhD in environmental science, policy, and management from the University of California, Berkeley, and his BA degree in environmental studies, English, and biology from St. Olaf College.

You can contact or verify outreach from Tim by emailing [email protected].

General Motors (GM - 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.

Over the past month, shares of this an automotive manufacturer have returned -5.4%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.8% change. During this period, the Zacks Automotive - Domestic industry, which General Motors falls in, has gained 3.4%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's future direction?

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.

General Motors is expected to post earnings of $2.47 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -1.6%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed -9.3%.

The consensus earnings estimate of $13.39 for the current fiscal year indicates a year-over-year change of +26.3%. This estimate has changed -0.4% over the last 30 days.

For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $14.56 indicates a change of +8.7% from what General Motors is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed -1%.

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 #3 (Hold) for General Motors.

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

12 Month EPS

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

In the case of General Motors, the consensus sales estimate of $44.9 billion for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of -0.9%. The $185.7 billion and $188.43 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +0.4% and +1.5%, respectively.

Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryGeneral Motors reported revenues of $50.02 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +2.9%. EPS of $3.7 for the same period compares with $2.8 a year ago.

Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $48.21 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +3.75%. The EPS surprise was +4.23%.

The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. 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.

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

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.

General Motors is graded A on this front, indicating that it is trading at a discount 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 General Motors. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.