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The new meals help maximize protein while minimizing prep time

, /PRNewswire/ -- To meet wellness-minded customers' growing demand for more protein, prepared meal delivery service Tempo is launching a new lineup of Protein Max meals – packed with 40+ grams of protein in each single-serving meal. These new two-minute meals not only prioritize protein, but also provide balanced lunch or dinner options with fiber-rich and gut supportive ingredients, like fresh vegetables, legumes, scratch-made sauces, and more.

"Every Tempo menu is informed by direct customer feedback, and when we ask customers what meal types they want to see more of, protein-packed is the number one response by far," said Andrew Isabel, VP of new product development at Tempo. "Whether you're actively increasing protein intake or you're just looking for a more satisfying ready-to-heat meal, Tempo's Protein Max line is an easy choice."

And it's not just Tempo customers looking to increase their protein intake. Protein is the second most sought-after ingredient in the country,* beaten only by vegetables – both of which Tempo customers can find in abundance as part of this new menu offering.

With six or more Protein Max meals available each week, Tempo offers satisfying options that don't skimp on flavor or protein variety – from grilled chicken to braised beef. Some of the new Protein Max meals on the Tempo menu include:

Braised Beef Tomato Ragù Cavatappi with green beans and ParmesanTomato Truffle Chicken Gemelli with Parmesan, peas, and broccoliJapanese BBQ Pulled Pork with garlic rice and vegetablesHibachi Teriyaki Chicken Thighs with roasted ginger garlic carrotsSmoky Chipotle Beef Burrito Bowl with fiesta rice and roasted zucchiniBBQ Smokehouse Pulled Pork Bowl with rice and roasted vegetables"With these new meals, we're maximizing protein, but we're also making sure they're balanced in flavor and other nutrients," said Nigel Palmer, executive R&D chef at Tempo. "Many of these meals are inspired by classic comfort foods that folks may not associate with high-protein or high-fiber eating – but we always aim to create meals that taste just as delicious as a home-cooked recipe."

The Protein Max meals are an extension of Tempo's protein-packed line, which features quick, balanced meals with 30+ grams of protein per serving. No matter customers' wellness goals, Tempo offers a wide array of nourishing meals with options like GLP-1 Smart,** Calorie and Carb-Conscious, Fiber-Rich, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory, and more.

Tempo also recently debuted freshly-made Breakfast on its menu, including flavor-packed, filling options like Greek-Style Breakfast Scramble with spinach and roasted potatoes and a Classic Protein Pancake Breakfast with breakfast sausage and scrambled eggs. These breakfasts each have 20+ grams of protein per serving so busy folks can start their days strong – without dirtying dishes before lunchtime.

To learn more about and order Tempo's new Protein Max meals, or choose from more than 30 meals on Tempo's dietitian-approved menu, customers can visit TempoMeals.com. Protein Max meals start at $16.48 per serving.

About Tempo
Launched in 2023, Tempo is a ready-to-heat meal delivery service from the team at Home Chef that delivers delicious, single-serving meals right to your door. These balanced, dietitian-approved menus offer a simple solution to mindful meal prep, and meals cook in just two minutes. Tempo and Home Chef are a part of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) Family of Companies. Find out more at tempomeals.com.

*Circana, 2026
**More info on Tempo's GLP-1 Smart meals

SOURCE Home Chef

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Nio (NIO -0.46%) has given investors plenty of reasons to be frustrated over the years. Between delayed profitability and net losses, a brutal Chinese automotive price war, and heavy capital expenditures for its battery-swap network, the road hasn't exactly been smooth.

But there's a potentially encouraging development investors shouldn't overlook. Through September, Nio delivered 300,301 vehicles, a whopping 49.2% increase compared with the prior year. That's impressive, and there's another number that might be even more important for long-term investors.

Bigger sales AND better margins Nio's growth story has evolved beyond its premium namesake vehicles. The company now operates three brands: Nio, which targets premium buyers; Onvo, which focuses on family-oriented vehicles; and Firefly, which offers smaller, more affordable EVs. That broader lineup gives Nio opportunities to reach customers who might never have considered one of its higher-priced vehicles.Though Nio's sales can vary wildly month to month, the trend is clear and emphasizes that the company is expanding sales consistently over time and continuing to build scale.

Data source: Nio sales releases. Chart by author.

Of course, there's a potential problem with this strategy. Expanding into lower-priced vehicles can put pressure on profit margins, particularly in China's brutally competitive EV market.

Here's where things get interesting. During the second quarter, Nio reported a vehicle gross margin of 18.5%, compared with just 10.3% during the prior-year period. That's an improvement of 8.2 percentage points, even as the company expanded its product portfolio to more affordable EVs. That's a meaningful improvement in the economics of selling vehicles, and something for investors to look for during its upcoming third-quarter results.

What it means for investors There is an important caveat. Nio's improving margins aren't necessarily the direct result of its three-brand strategy. Management has pointed to a more favorable product mix (newer premium SUVs) and cost optimization, and the company hasn't established that every vehicle in its expanding lineup generates attractive margins.

$3.25-$0.02 (-0.46%)

NYSE · As of 11:40 AM ET 10/27/26

Something else worth noting for investors is that Nio's "other sales" gross margins have reversed from negative 29% in 2022 to positive 6.6% in 2025. Part of this is the improved profitability of its growing battery-swap network, which should continue to scale as more and more Nio vehicles are on the road using it.

Image source: Nio.

Another thing to keep in mind is that vehicle gross margin slipped slightly from 18.8% in the first quarter to 18.5% in the second quarter. Investors shouldn't assume the improvement will continue uninterrupted. That said, the combination of rapidly growing deliveries and stronger vehicle margins is encouraging.

Nio has long needed to demonstrate that increasing sales can eventually translate into a sustainable business, rather than simply larger losses. Its latest results don't settle that question, although management believes the company will be net profitable next year. For investors willing to tolerate considerable risk, improved margins amid a price war and more affordable vehicle sales are arguably more important than the delivery growth alone.

Ares Capital (ARCC +0.03%) has agreed to acquire MidCap Financial (MFIC +23.27%) in a cash-and-stock deal valuing the fellow business development company (BDC) at $2.6 billion, including debt. The deal will further diversify and grow Ares Capital's investment portfolio, which is already the largest among publicly traded BDCs.

Here's a look at the deal and how it will impact Ares Capital's more than 10%-yielding dividend.

Image source: Getty Images.

Details on the dealAres Capital is paying $10.88 per share for MidCap Financial, a 30.1% premium to the closing price before the deal's announcement. It's paying $1.21 per share in cash and the remainder in stock. However, the actual stock consideration will be adjusted based on the special dividend that MidCap Financial expects to pay its investors before the deal closes. The BDC expects to distribute all of its undistributed taxable income as a special dividend at closing, which it anticipates will be meaningful. The stock consideration will fall dollar-for-dollar to account for that special dividend.

The merger will create an even larger-scale BDC. Ares Capital ended the third quarter with an industry-leading $29.2 billion investment portfolio across 636 portfolio companies. Adding MidCap will increase its portfolio to over $31 billion across over 800 portfolio companies. That greater scale and diversification will help lower its risk profile and strengthen its resilience.

$18.62+$0.01 (+0.03%)

NASDAQ · As of 11:35 AM ET 10/27/26

What the merger means for its dividendAres Capital expects that the transaction will be modestly accretive to its core earnings per share. That will provide further support for its dividend. The BDC reported $0.46 per share of core earnings in the third quarter (down from $0.50 per share in the year-ago period), just below its $0.48 per share quarterly dividend.

However, that doesn't mean that the dividend is at any immediate risk of reduction. The transaction environment was slow during the quarter due to surging interest rates. Ares is already seeing stronger activity in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, it has recorded net realized gains of $0.07 per share this year, providing further support for its dividend. Additionally, the company is carrying forward $1.37 per share of excess taxable income from last year, giving it even more cushion.

As a result, the company expects the MidCap Financial deal to further support its ability to maintain its current dividend rate. Ares has delivered 17 years of a stable-to-increasing quarterly dividend.

MFIC MidCap Financial Investment Corporation$10.31+$1.95 (+23.27%)

NASDAQ · As of 11:37 AM ET 10/27/26

However, the deal does add some risk. MidCap Financial cut its quarterly dividend earlier this year (from $0.38 per share to $0.31 per share) due to changes in interest rates and other factors. It also reported a 3.2% decline in its net asset value per share in the second quarter, driven by credit-related weaknesses at some of its portfolio companies. Investors should monitor any further credit deterioration in MidCap's legacy portfolio.

Further fortifying its dividendAres Capital's acquisition of MidCap Financial should further support its high-yielding dividend. It will expand and diversify its already industry-leading portfolio and increase its core earnings per share. While the deal will introduce additional risk, it should further enhance Ares Capital's competitive position. As a result, it remains one of the best BDC's to buy for passive income.

Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania--(Newsfile Corp. - October 27, 2026) - Law office of Brodsky & Smith announces that it is investigating potential claims against the Board of Directors of MidCap Financial Investment Corporation ("MidCap" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: MFIC) for possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of federal and state law in connection with the sale of the Company to Ares Capital Corporation (NASDAQ: ARCC). Under the terms of the agreement, MidCap shareholders will receive approximately $10.88 per share, consisting of $1.21 in cash and $9.67 in Ares Capital common stock, in a transaction with an enterprise value of approximately $2.6 billion.

The investigation concerns whether the MidCap Board breached its fiduciary duties to shareholders by failing to conduct a fair process, including whether the proposed transaction is paying fair value to shareholders of the Company.

If you own shares of MidCap stock and wish to discuss the legal ramifications of the investigation, or have any questions, you may e-mail or call the law office of Brodsky & Smith who will, without obligation or cost to you, attempt to answer your questions. You may contact Jason L. Brodsky, Esquire, or Marc L. Ackerman by email at [email protected], visit https://www.brodskysmith.com/cases/midcap-financial-investment-corporation-nasdaq-mfic/, or call toll free 855-576-4847.

Brodsky & Smith is a litigation law firm with extensive expertise representing shareholders throughout the nation in securities and class action lawsuits. The attorneys at Brodsky & Smith have been appointed by numerous courts throughout the country to serve as lead counsel in class actions and have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients and shareholders.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/321159

Source: Brodsky & Smith

Key Takeaways SHW's Q3 adjusted EPS rose 1.1% to $3.63, missing estimates, while sales climbed 7.9% to $6.86 billion.Suvinil acquisition and pricing gains boosted sales, but higher costs pressured margins.Sherwin-Williams narrowed its 2026 adjusted EPS outlook amid muted demand and inflationary pressures.
The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW - Free Report) reported third-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $3.63 per share, up 1.1% year over year. The figure missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.65 by 0.6%. Higher raw material and supply-chain costs weighed on profitability.

Net income (as reported) declined 1.5% to $821 million or $3.38 per share from $833.1 million or $3.35 per share a year ago.

Revenues increased 7.9% year over year to $6.86 billion and surpassed the consensus mark of $6.78 billion by 1.1%. Growth across all three reportable segments, including contributions from the Suvinil acquisition and selling price increases, supported results. Paint Stores Group same-store sales rose 3.9%.

Sherwin-Williams' Segment ReviewPaint Stores Group sales increased 4.7% year over year to $4.02 billion. Growth reflected mid-single-digit selling price increases and low-single-digit volume gains. Sales increased across all professional customer end markets, led by double-digit growth in protective and marine, high-single-digit growth in commercial and mid-single-digit growth in residential repaint.

Paint Stores Group profit rose 2.1% to $974.3 million from $954.3 million. Higher sales supported profitability, partly offset by rising raw material and supply-chain costs and investments in additional sales representatives and stores. Reported segment margin declined to 24.3% from 24.9%.

Consumer Brands Group sales jumped 21.7% to $937.4 million from $770.1 million. Growth was driven primarily by the Suvinil acquisition, favorable foreign currency translation and a positive shift in product mix. Soft demand in North America partly offset these gains.

Consumer Brands Group profit declined 7.1% to $146.2 million from $157.3 million. Higher raw material and supply-chain costs, incremental Suvinil-related SG&A expenses and unfavorable currency transaction effects weighed on results. Reported segment margin contracted to 15.6% from 20.4%, while adjusted segment profit fell 4.4% to $171.4 million.

Performance Coatings Group sales increased 8.8% year over year to $1.9 billion. Mid-single-digit selling price increases and low-single-digit volume growth supported results. General Industrial, Packaging and Coil recorded double-digit sales growth, while Industrial Wood and Automotive Refinish posted low-single-digit gains.

Performance Coatings Group profit increased 6.2% to $255.2 million from $240.3 million. Higher sales more than offset rising raw material, supply-chain and employee-related costs. Reported segment margin narrowed to 13.4% from 13.7%. Adjusted segment profit advanced 4.7% to $308.7 million, although adjusted margin declined to 16.2% from 16.9%.

SHW's Cash Generation and Balance Sheet PositionSherwin-Williams generated $2.59 billion in net operating cash flow during the first nine months of 2026. The company returned $2.98 billion to shareholders through dividends and repurchases of 7.1 million common shares during the period.

As of Sept. 30, 2026, cash and cash equivalents totaled $264.2 million. Short-term borrowings stood at $2.35 billion, while long-term debt was $7.94 billion. The company had authorization to repurchase another 22.5 million shares through open-market transactions.

SHW’s OutlookFor the fourth quarter of 2026, Sherwin-Williams expects consolidated net sales to increase by a mid-single-digit percentage year over year. Management anticipates muted underlying demand through the remainder of 2026 and into 2027, based on customer sentiment and leading market indicators.

For full-year 2026, the company maintained its net sales growth forecast in the mid- to high-single-digit range. Reported earnings are projected at $10.92-$11.22 per share, compared with the prior guidance of $10.92-$11.32.

Adjusted earnings are now expected at $11.85-$12.15 per share, narrowed from the previous projection of $11.80-$12.20. The revised outlook reflects management's continued focus on pricing discipline, cost reductions and profitable growth amid inflationary pressures and subdued market demand.

SHW’s Price PerformanceShares of Sherwin-Williams have lost 5.4% over the past year against the Zacks Chemicals Specialty industry’s 6.3% growth.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

SHW’s Zacks Rank & Key PicksSHW currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

Better-ranked stocks in the basic materials space include Green Plains Inc. (GPRE - Free Report) , Perimeter Solutions, Inc. (PRM - Free Report) and Avient Corporation (AVNT - Free Report) .

Green Plains is scheduled to report third-quarter results on Nov. 5. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GPRE’s third-quarter earnings is pegged at 76 cents. GPRE sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Perimeter Solutions is slated to report third-quarter results on Nov. 5. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at 95 cents per share. PRM carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present.

Avient is slated to report third-quarter results on Nov. 4. The consensus estimate for AVNT’s earnings per share is pegged at 81 cents. AVNT presently carries a Zacks Rank #2.

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

Shares of this company have returned -3.1% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.8% change. The Zacks Automotive - Foreign industry, to which Li Auto belongs, has gained 1.9% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?

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

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

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

For the current quarter, Li Auto is expected to post a loss of $0.08 per share, indicating a change of +11.1% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged over the last 30 days.

For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of -$0.71 points to a change of -573.3% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has remained unchanged.

For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $0.16 indicates a change of +122.8% from what Li Auto is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has remained unchanged.

With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- is a more conclusive indicator of a stock's near-term price performance, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) for Li Auto.

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

12 Month EPS

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

For Li Auto, the consensus sales estimate for the current quarter of $4.09 billion indicates a year-over-year change of +6.4%. For the current and next fiscal years, $16.33 billion and $19.69 billion estimates indicate +3.7% and +20.5% changes, respectively.

Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryLi Auto reported revenues of $3.78 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -10.4%. EPS of -$0.25 for the same period compares with $0.14 a year ago.

Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.7 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +2.33%. The EPS surprise was -2400%.

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

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

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.

The Zacks Value Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which pays close attention to both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics to grade stocks from A to F (an A is better than a B; a B is better than a C; and so on), is pretty helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.

Li Auto is graded B 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 Li Auto. However, its Zacks Rank #5 does suggest that it may underperform the broader market in the near term.

Affirm Holdings (AFRM - 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 operator of digital commerce platform have returned +3.4%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.8% change. During this period, the Zacks Internet - Software industry, which Affirm Holdings falls in, has lost 6.6%. 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.

For the current quarter, Affirm Holdings is expected to post earnings of $0.35 per share, indicating a change of +52.2% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +2.5% over the last 30 days.

The consensus earnings estimate of $1.91 for the current fiscal year indicates a year-over-year change of -65.5%. This estimate has changed +2.1% over the last 30 days.

For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $2.88 indicates a change of +50.5% from what Affirm Holdings is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed +0.3%.

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, Affirm Holdings is rated Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

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 Affirm Holdings, the consensus sales estimate of $1.21 billion for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +30%. The $5.51 billion and $6.9 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +29.4% and +25%, respectively.

Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryAffirm Holdings reported revenues of $1.17 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +33%. EPS of $4.62 for the same period compares with $0.2 a year ago.

Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.11 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +5.23%. The EPS surprise was +1300%.

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

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

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.

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

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

U.S. stocks were mixed, with the Dow Jones falling around 0.1% on Tuesday.

Easterly Government Properties is upgraded from hold to buy, driven by strong fundamentals and a well-covered near 8% dividend yield. DEA posted robust Q3 results: revenue up 9% YoY, core FFO in line at $0.78, and another guidance raise despite sector headwinds. The portfolio remains 98% leased with a 9.2-year average term; the pipeline stands at $1.5 billion, supporting a stable growth outlook.

Ecolab (ECL - Free Report) came out with quarterly earnings of $2.18 per share, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate . This compares to earnings of $2.07 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.

A quarter ago, it was expected that this cleaning, food-safety and pest-control services company would post earnings of $2.08 per share when it actually produced earnings of $2.09, delivering a surprise of +0.48%.

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

Ecolab, which belongs to the Zacks Chemical - Specialty industry, posted revenues of $4.69 billion for the quarter ended September 2026, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.49%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $4.17 billion. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates four times over the last four quarters.

The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.

Ecolab shares have added about 10.1% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 12.1%.

What's Next for Ecolab?While Ecolab has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?

There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.

Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.

Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Ecolab was unfavorable. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to underperform the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and the current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $2.20 on $4.73 billion in revenues for the coming quarter and $8.16 on $17.96 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year.

Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Chemical - Specialty is currently in the bottom 33% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.

Ashland (ASH - Free Report) , another stock in the same industry, has yet to report results for the quarter ended September 2026. The results are expected to be released on November 3.

This chemical company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.30 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +20.4%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.

Ashland's revenues are expected to be $500.66 million, up 4.7% from the year-ago quarter.

As the S&P 500 trades near a record high, the market index also trades at a rich valuation. At current prices, it trades for 23.5 times earnings and yields around 1.1%. However, not every stock, including blue chip dividend stocks, currently sports a sky-high valuation.

Three that stand out are Pfizer (PFE +0.00%), T. Rowe Price (TROW +0.50%), and Verizon Communications (VZ +1.20%). While each one is "cheap for a reason," the market is overreacting to its respective headwinds.

Image source: Getty Images.

Collect a 5.6% yield with Pfizer, as you wait for its post-COVID rebound After generating strong profits from its vaccine and COVID treatment products, Pfizer experienced a steady drop in revenue and earnings after 2022. Making matters worse, recent and upcoming patent expirations for several of Pfizer's non-COVID drugs, such as Eliquis, continue to put pressure on shares.

Pfizer trades at just 9.6 times forward earnings. Other pharmaceutical stocks with stronger pipelines are trading in the mid-teens or higher. If the company finds success with its current pipeline of drug candidates, including the obesity candidates from its Metsera acquisition, Pfizer could experience both stronger quarterly results and a market rerating.

In the meantime, you can collect the stock's 5.6% dividend. Dividend cut risk isn't off the table, but Pfizer's payout ratio remains manageable, at just under 60%.

PFE Pfizer$29.79+$0.00 (+0.00%)

NYSE · As of 11:28 AM ET 10/27/26

T. Rowe Price has more than a bull market on its side T. Rowe Price's 5% forward dividend yield and its 40-year track record of consecutive dividend growth make it a diamond in the rough. Still, given how index funds continue to grab market share from traditional mutual funds, it's no wonder the market prices it at just 10 times forward earnings.

However, keep in mind that this asset management company has continued to pivot toward products like exchange-traded funds (ETFs). For now, a strong stock market has enabled T. Rowe Price to keep growing its total assets under management (AUM).

However, if a market downturn hits, this pivot could help soften the blow of any AUM decline from market volatility. Based on T. Rowe Price's current payout ratio of around 52%, the company appears well-equipped to maintain and grow its quarterly payouts.

TROW T. Rowe Price Group$104.01+$0.52 (+0.50%)

NASDAQ · As of 11:29 AM ET 10/27/26

New headwinds for Verizon create a value opportunity After experiencing a strong rebound from early to mid-2026, Verizon shares are once again in a slump. Chalk this up to ongoing concerns about companies like Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) grabbing market share with their competition satellite-based telecom services offerings. However, just like the last time it tanked, there's a new chance to buy Verizon, one of the high-yield dividend stocks, ahead of a rebound.

Why? Despite the perceived threat, Verizon continues to post strong results for now. When it last reported earnings in July, the telecom company reported 550,000 net customer additions in mobility and broadband during second-quarter 2026, an increase of over 230,000 from the prior year's quarter. The company also reported a nearly 10% increase in operating cash flow, suggesting success in implementing its expense-reduction programs.

VZ Verizon Communications$43.62+$0.52 (+1.20%)

NYSE · As of 11:31 AM ET 10/27/26

With SpaceX-related threats already priced in, even a "better than feared" outcome could trigger a relief rally for this stock, which currently has a 6.2% forward dividend yield and trades at less than 9 times forward earnings.

Key Takeaways Carrier's Q3 EPS is estimated to rise 20.9%, while sales are projected to grow 8.9% to $6.08 billion.Climate Solutions Americas revenue is expected to jump to $3.31 billion, driven by data-center demand.Europe and Asia Pacific sales may each decline 2%, while tariffs and input costs threaten earnings. Carrier Global Corporation (CARR - Free Report) is scheduled to report its third-quarter 2026 results on Oct. 29, before the opening bell.

In the last reported quarter, the company’s adjusted earnings per share (EPS) and net sales topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.6% and 5.5%, respectively. Year over year, the bottom line declined 7% while the top line grew 4%.

CARR’s earnings surpassed estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed on the remaining occasion, with an average surprise of 8.5%.

How are Estimates Placed for CARR Stock?The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter EPS has declined to 81 cents from 83 cents over the past 60 days. However, the estimated figure indicates 20.9% growth from the year-ago quarter’s earnings of 67 cents per share.

The consensus estimate for net sales is pegged at $6.08 billion, indicating an increase of 8.9% from the prior-year quarter’s level.

Factors at Play for Carrier’s Q3 ResultsSales Trend

The top-line performance of Carrier is expected to have benefited from continued growth in data centers, resulting in increasing orders. The company is likely seeing strong demand for its differentiated commercial solutions, with residential business normalizing in a comparable way. Due to these market tailwinds, CARR’s Climate Solutions Americas (contributed 53.1% to second-quarter 2026 sales) segment is expected to have contributed more in the third quarter.

Also, strong container sales volume, due to ongoing end-market demand and improved volumes in the truck and trailer business across Asia, is expected to have benefited CARR’s Climate Solutions Transportation (contributed 11.6% to second-quarter 2026 sales) segment.

However, softness in the light commercial businesses across Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Europe is likely to have somewhat offset the sales growth in the third quarter for Carrier. This weakness is expected to reflect through lower contributions from the Climate Solutions Europe (contributed 20.8% to second-quarter 2026 sales) and Climate Solutions Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (contributed 14.4% to second-quarter 2026 sales) segments. Besides, the ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, tariff-related risks and other macro concerns are additionally restricting global sales growth for Carrier.

For the third quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for net sales from Americas and Transportation business segments under Climate Solutions is pegged at $3.31 billion and $757 million, reflecting year-over-year growth of 21.9% and1.6%, respectively. On the other hand, we expect net sales from Europe and Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa segments under Climate Solutions to decline year over year by 2% to $1.26 billion and 2% to $816 million, respectively.

Earnings

Carrier is expected to report a year-over-year bottom-line improvement in the third quarter, driven by increased leverage from top-line growth, favorable productivity initiatives, improved pricing and higher volumes in certain end markets. However, higher input costs, including the impact of tariffs and unfavorable product mix, and increased selling, general and administrative expenses are likely to have been a threat to the growing bottom line to some extent.

What the Zacks Model Indicates for CarrierOur proven model does not predict an earnings beat for Carrier this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. However, it is not the case this time around.

CARR’s Earnings ESP: The company has an Earnings ESP of -7.26%. You can uncover the best stocks before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

CARR’s Zacks Rank: The stock currently has a Zacks Rank of 3. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Stocks Poised to Beat EarningsHere are some companies in the Zacks Construction sector, which according to our model, have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat.

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +0.80% and a Zacks Rank of 2 at present.

Sterling’s earnings beat estimates in each of the last four quarters, the average surprise being 27.2%. The company’s earnings for the third quarter of 2026 are expected to grow 74.4% year over year.

AAON, Inc. (AAON - Free Report) currently has an Earnings ESP of +2.66% and a Zacks Rank of 3.

AAON’s earnings beat estimates in three of the last four quarters and missed on the remaining occasion, the average surprise being 21.6%. The company’s earnings for the third quarter of 2026 are expected to increase 54.1% year over year.

Argan, Inc. (AGX - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +4.79% and a Zacks Rank of 3.

Argan’s earnings beat estimates in each of the last four quarters, the average surprise being 44.2%. The company’s earnings for the third quarter of fiscal 2027 are expected to increase 53.9% year over year.

Corning (GLW - Free Report) reported $5.08 billion in revenue for the quarter ended September 2026, representing a year-over-year increase of 18.9%. EPS of $0.91 for the same period compares to $0.67 a year ago.

The reported revenue represents a surprise of +1.04% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.03 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being $0.89, the EPS surprise was +2.25%.

While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall Street expectations to determine their next course of action, some key metrics always provide a better insight into a company's underlying performance.

Since these metrics play a crucial role in driving the top- and bottom-line numbers, comparing them with the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated about them helps investors better project a stock's price performance.

Here is how Corning performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:

Net Sales- Automotive: $470 million versus the three-analyst average estimate of $471.96 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +3.5%.Net Sales- Solar: $436 million compared to the $460.21 million average estimate based on three analysts.Net Sales- Life Sciences and Emerging Growth Businesses: $290 million compared to the $303.93 million average estimate based on three analysts. The reported number represents a change of +19.8% year over year.Net Sales- Optical Communications: $2.38 billion versus $2.25 billion estimated by three analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +44% change.Net Sales- Glass Innovations: $1.51 billion compared to the $1.51 billion average estimate based on two analysts.Segment Net Income- Automotive: $67 million compared to the $82.21 million average estimate based on two analysts.Segment Net income- Glass Innovations: $328 million compared to the $340.31 million average estimate based on two analysts.Segment Net Income- Life Sciences and Emerging Growth Businesses: $-28 million versus $-21.68 million estimated by two analysts on average.Segment Net Income- Optical Communications: $532 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $480.07 million.Segment Net income- Solar: $-7 million versus $28.82 million estimated by two analysts on average.View all Key Company Metrics for Corning here>>>

Shares of Corning have returned -15.7% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.8% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), indicating that it could outperform the broader market in the near term.

NEW YORK, Oct. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SueWallSt notifies investors in FuelCell Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCEL) that a securities class action has been filed on behalf of shareholders who purchased securities between June 24, 2026 and September 1, 2026. Submit your information now. You may also contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. at [email protected] or (888) SueWallSt.

FCEL shares fell $2.68, or 15.69%, to close at $14.40 on September 2, 2026, on unusually heavy volume, after closing as high as $36.01 on June 30, 2026. The same report disclosed $17.0 million in charges and a net loss of $45.3 million for fiscal third quarter 2026. The lead plaintiff deadline is November 10, 2026.

What the Company's SEC Disclosure Documents Stated

The July 8, 2026 prospectus supplement, issued in connection with an underwritten offering of approximately 12.3 million shares at $21.00 per share, incorporated by reference risk factors from the fiscal 2025 Form 10-K. Those SEC filings stated that the Company's manufacturing cost reduction strategy "may not succeed or may be significantly delayed," and that if the business "grows more quickly than we anticipate," existing manufacturing facilities "may be inadequate to meet demand." The filings described the Torrington facility's maximum annualized capacity as 100 MW in its current configuration.

Disclosure Gaps Alleged

That capacity was allegedly already inadequate to generate the production rate required under the Fit Energy capital equipment purchase agreement, rather than at risk of becoming inadequate.That the annualized production rate for deliveries under the agreement was allegedly already slower than expected.That product costs and manufacturing overhead were allegedly already exceeding the contractual pricing established under the agreement.That the slower rate allegedly made charges tied to the initial 30 MW Phase 0 commitment reasonably likely.That the condition was, as pleaded, a known trend affecting profitability and not a contingent future scenario. Why Generic Warnings May Not Protect Investors

On September 2, 2026, the Company reported operating at an annualized production rate of approximately 37.1 MW, a level that "remains below the production volume at which we expect our cost structure to align with market-based pricing for orders of this scale," and recorded charges reflecting contractual pricing provisions on specific inventory and firm purchase commitments. Quarterly revenue came in at $33.0 million, down approximately 29% year over year, with a gross loss of $(24.5) million. The complaint challenges whether conditional "may" language adequately described a cost and capacity problem that plaintiffs contend was already affecting results.

"Generic risk factor language cannot substitute for disclosing specific, known problems that are already affecting a company's operations. The complaint alleges that FuelCell's filings warned about capacity in hypothetical terms while production was allegedly running below the rate its Fit Energy commitment required." -- Joseph E. Levi, Esq.

Find out if you might qualify to recover losses or call (888) SueWallSt.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About the FCEL Lawsuit

Q: What is the FCEL class action lawsuit about? A: A securities class action has been filed against FuelCell Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCEL) alleging materially false and misleading statements between June 24, 2026 and September 1, 2026. Shares fell approximately 15.69% after the Company disclosed a $17.0 million charge tied to contractual pricing provisions under its Fit Energy agreement and an annualized production rate of approximately 37.1 MW. Investors who purchased shares during the Class Period and suffered losses may be eligible to seek compensation.

Q: Who is eligible to join the FCEL investor lawsuit? A: Investors who purchased FCEL stock or securities between June 24, 2026 and September 1, 2026 and suffered financial losses may be eligible. Eligibility is based on purchase date and documented losses -- not on whether you still hold the shares.

Q: What specific misstatements does the FCEL lawsuit allege? A: The complaint alleges FuelCell Energy, Inc. made materially false or misleading statements or otherwise omitted known information regarding the adequacy of its manufacturing capacity to generate the production rate required under the Fit Energy agreement, and the likelihood of incurring the resulting product cost and manufacturing overhead increases.

Q: What do FCEL investors need to do right now? A: Investors may gather brokerage records showing purchase dates, share quantities, and prices paid. Submit your information for a no-cost, no-obligation evaluation of your potential recovery. No immediate action is required to remain eligible as an absent class member.

Q: What happens after I submit my information? A: Your trading history will be reviewed at no cost for an initial assessment of your potential eligibility.

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

Q: What does it cost me to participate? A: There is no upfront cost to submit your information and review whether you may be eligible to recover. Should you choose to participate in the securities class action, they are generally handled on a contingency basis, with any attorneys' fees and expenses subject to court approval.

CONTACT:

Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
33 Whitehall Street, 27th Floor
New York, NY 10004
[email protected]
Tel: (888) SueWallSt
Fax: (212) 363-7171

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Rithm (RITM - Free Report) closed the last trading session at $9.22, gaining 1.5% over the past four weeks, but there could be plenty of upside left in the stock if short-term price targets set by Wall Street analysts are any guide. The mean price target of $12.48 indicates a 35.4% upside potential.

The mean estimate comprises 11 short-term price targets with a standard deviation of $1.36. While the lowest estimate of $10.00 indicates an 8.5% increase from the current price level, the most optimistic analyst expects the stock to surge 51.8% to reach $14.00. It's very important to note the standard deviation here, as it helps understand the variability of the estimates. The smaller the standard deviation, the greater the agreement among analysts.

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

But, for RITM, an impressive average price target is not the only indicator of a potential upside. Strong agreement among analysts about the company's ability to report better earnings than they predicted earlier strengthens this view. While a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions doesn't gauge how much a stock could gain, it has proven to be powerful in predicting an upside.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Here's What You May Not Know About Analysts' Price TargetsAccording to researchers at several universities across the globe, a price target is one of many pieces of information about a stock that misleads investors far more often than it guides. In fact, empirical research shows that price targets set by several analysts, irrespective of the extent of agreement, rarely indicate where the price of a stock could actually be heading.

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

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

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

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

Why RITM Could Witness a Solid UpsideAnalysts' growing optimism over the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by strong agreement among them in revising EPS estimates higher, could be a legitimate reason to expect an upside in the stock. That's because empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased 2.8%, as two estimates have moved higher compared to no negative revision.

Moreover, RITM currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), which means it is in the top 20% of more than 4,000 stocks that we rank based on four factors related to earnings estimates. Given an impressive externally-audited track record, this is a more conclusive indication of the stock's potential upside in the near term. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .

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

JetBlue (JBLU +21.00%) stock crashed ahead of its Q3 earnings report yesterday, falling nearly 10% on worries the airline may be approaching bankruptcy -- but then a miracle happened.

Last night, after the crash, JetBlue reported its Q3 2026 financial results. The news wasn't great. Analysts expected the company to report only a $0.53 per share loss, but JetBlue lost $0.60 per share instead, and its $2.8 billion in revenue also fell short of expectations.

Regardless, investors seemed excited by management's outlook, and this morning, JetBlue stock is bouncing back big time -- up 13.9% as of 10 a.m. ET.

Image source: Getty Images.

JetBlue Q3 earningsLet's get the bad news out of the way before we address the forecast. JetBlue reported 21% growth in operating revenue in Q3, and grew its operating revenue per available seat mile ("RASM") 18.4% year-over-year. Expenses grew even faster than that, however, rising 19.4%, and preventing the company from earning a profit.

Hurting results especially was the rising cost of jet fuel, which soared 57% year over year. Absent that cost, expenses would have been up only 7% year over year -- meaning that right now, fuel costs may be the only thing that's preventing JetBlue from returning to profitability.

JBLU JetBlue Airways$2.87+$0.50 (+21.00%)

NASDAQ · As of 11:31 AM ET 10/27/26

What's next for JetBlue stockAt least, that's what investors seem to be betting on.JetBlue president Marty St. George sees the company's "strong revenue performance [as] encouraging," expects revenues to keep growing into 2027 "and beyond," and predicts profit margins will expand in Q4 "despite fuel prices forecasted to be 85% higher than in the same period last year."

Looking even farther out, JetBlue predicts it will be profitable and free cash flow-positive again by 2028, earning at least $1 per share. That's a long way from a bankruptcy prediction!

No wonder its shareholders are happy today.

Rich Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

The Transportation group has plenty of great stocks, but investors should always be looking for companies that are outperforming their peers. Is CSX (CSX - Free Report) one of those stocks right now? Let's take a closer look at the stock's year-to-date performance to find out.

CSX is a member of our Transportation group, which includes 114 different companies and currently sits at #12 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank includes 16 different groups and is listed in order from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors.

The Zacks Rank is a proven model that highlights a variety of stocks with the right characteristics to outperform the market over the next one to three months. The system emphasizes earnings estimate revisions and favors companies with improving earnings outlooks. CSX is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CSX's full-year earnings has moved 3% higher within the past quarter. This signals that analyst sentiment is improving and the stock's earnings outlook is more positive.

Based on the latest available data, CSX has gained about 41.5% so far this year. In comparison, Transportation companies have returned an average of 8.6%. This means that CSX is performing better than its sector in terms of year-to-date returns.

Another Transportation stock, which has outperformed the sector so far this year, is Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings (KNX - Free Report) . The stock has returned 15.6% year-to-date.

In Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings' case, the consensus EPS estimate for the current year increased 1.1% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Breaking things down more, CSX is a member of the Transportation - Rail industry, which includes 9 individual companies and currently sits at #104 in the Zacks Industry Rank. On average, this group has gained an average of 27.5% so far this year, meaning that CSX is performing better in terms of year-to-date returns.

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, however, belongs to the Transportation - Truck industry. Currently, this 12-stock industry is ranked #91. The industry has moved +17.2% so far this year.

Investors interested in the Transportation sector may want to keep a close eye on CSX and Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings as they attempt to continue their solid performance.

It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.

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

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

What are the Zacks Style Scores? Developed alongside the Zacks Rank, the Zacks Style Scores are a group of complementary indicators that help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

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

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

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

Growth ScoreGrowth investors are more concerned with a stock's future prospects, and the overall financial health and strength of a company. Thus, the Growth Style Score analyzes characteristics like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will see sustainable growth over time.

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

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

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

It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.82% average annual return since 1988. That's more than double the S&P 500. But because of the large number of stocks we rate, there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

But it can feel overwhelming to pick the right stocks for you and your investing goals with over 800 top-rated stocks to choose from.

That's where the Style Scores come in.

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

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

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

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

Stock to Watch: Cigna (CI - Free Report) Headquartered in Bloomfield, CT and formed in 1982 through the combination of Connecticut General Life Insurance Company and Insurance Company of North America, Cigna Corporation has rebranded itself as The Cigna Group. Cigna completed the acquisition of Express Scripts Holding Company in December 2018. Shares of the new combined company trade on the NYSE under the stock ticker symbol “CI”.

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

Additionally, the company could be a top pick for growth investors. CI has a Growth Style Score of B, forecasting year-over-year earnings growth of 2.3% for the current fiscal year.

For fiscal 2026, one analyst revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.00 to $30.51 per share. CI boasts an average earnings surprise of +2.3%.

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

Key Takeaways Mondelez's Q3 revenues may rise 2.4% to nearly $10 billion, while EPS is expected to fall 1.4%. North American momentum, emerging market strength and Europe's improving volumes may aid Mondelez. Inflation, cautious consumer spending and elevated input costs may pressure Mondelez's Q3 margins. Mondelez International, Inc. (MDLZ - Free Report) is likely to witness top-line growth when it reports third-quarter 2026 earnings on Oct. 29. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at almost $10 billion, indicating a 2.4% increase from the year-ago reported number.

The consensus mark for earnings has risen by a cent over the past 30 days to 72 cents a share, which, however, suggests a 1.4% drop from the year-ago period’s figure. MDLZ has a trailing four-quarter surprise of 5.8%, on average.

Factors Likely to Influence MDLZ’s Upcoming ResultsMondelez International's third-quarter results are likely to benefit from sustained snacking demand, improving volume trends and market share gains. North America's momentum, supported by disciplined promotional execution, refined price-pack offerings and innovation, may have aided performance. Expansion across online, convenience and value channels is likely to have provided additional support.

Resilient consumer spending across Emerging Markets is expected to have supported growth. Continued distribution expansion in India, strength across Brazil, Mexico and Southeast Asia, and favorable pricing strategies may have contributed to performance. Innovations such as Biscoff biscuits and Cadbury Milkinis in India, alongside value packs and premiumization, are likely to have strengthened demand.

Europe's improving volume trends and stabilizing market share performance may have supported results. On its second-quarter earnings call, management expected volume improvement to continue through the second half of 2026. Innovations involving Biscoff and Milka Croissant, increased brand investments and enhanced in-store execution may have aided the region's recovery. Ongoing productivity initiatives and supply-chain modernization may have supported cost efficiencies.

However, subdued consumer confidence, inflationary pressures and cautious spending could have weighed on volumes. Elevated input costs associated with the Middle East conflict, alongside continued advertising and consumer promotion investments, may have pressured operating margins.

Earnings Whispers for MDLZOur proven model doesn’t conclusively predict an earnings beat for Mondelez 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 not the case here.

 Mondelez currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 and has an Earnings ESP of -0.71%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Stocks With the Favorable CombinationHere are some companies worth considering, as our model shows that these 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 upcoming report from VALE S.A. (VALE - Free Report) is expected to reveal quarterly earnings of $0.33 per share, indicating a decline of 47.6% compared to the year-ago period. Analysts forecast revenues of $10.14 billion, representing a decline of 2.6% year over year.

The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has undergone an upward revision of 2% in the past 30 days, bringing it to its present level. This represents how the covering analysts, as a whole, have reassessed their initial estimates during this timeframe.

Prior to a company's earnings release, it is of utmost importance to factor in any revisions made to the earnings projections. These revisions serve as a critical gauge for predicting potential investor behaviors with respect to the stock. Empirical studies consistently reveal a strong link between trends in earnings estimate revisions and the short-term price performance of a stock.

While investors typically use consensus earnings and revenue estimates as a yardstick to evaluate the company's quarterly performance, scrutinizing analysts' projections for some of the company's key metrics can offer a more comprehensive perspective.

With that in mind, let's delve into the average projections of some VALE metrics that are commonly tracked and projected by analysts on Wall Street.

Analysts expect 'Revenue- Vale Base Metals' to come in at $2.50 billion. The estimate suggests a change of +25.3% year over year.

Analysts forecast 'Revenue- Iron ore solutions- fines' to reach $6.57 billion. The estimate suggests a change of -7.2% year over year.

Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'Revenue- Vale Base Metals- Copper' should arrive at $1.36 billion. The estimate points to a change of +56.1% from the year-ago quarter.

The consensus among analysts is that 'Revenue- Vale Base Metals- Nickel' will reach $1.24 billion. The estimate suggests a change of +87.7% year over year.

It is projected by analysts that the 'Volume sold in tons - Pellets' will reach 7881 thousands metric tons. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 8769 thousands metric tons in the same quarter last year.

The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Volume sold in tons - Nickel' of 47 thousands metric tons. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 43 thousands metric tons.

According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Volume sold in tons - Fins' should come in at 75454 thousands metric tons. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 75020 thousands metric tons in the same quarter last year.

The consensus estimate for 'Volume sold in tons - ROM' stands at 2025 thousands metric tons. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 2208 thousands metric tons.

The average prediction of analysts places 'Volume sold in tons - Copper' at 86 thousands metric tons. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 70 thousands metric tons in the same quarter last year.

The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Average Price - Iron ore pellets realized price' will likely reach $133.94 . Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $130.80 in the same quarter last year.

Analysts' assessment points toward 'C1 cash cost - Iron ore fins - excluding third-party purchase costs' reaching $23.75 . Compared to the current estimate, the company reported $20.70 in the same quarter of the previous year.

Analysts predict that the 'Cash cost per ton - Pellets' will reach $85.67 . Compared to the current estimate, the company reported $77.20 in the same quarter of the previous year.

View all Key Company Metrics for VALE here>>>

Over the past month, shares of VALE have returned -11.7% versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.8% change. Currently, VALE carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), suggesting that it may underperform the overall market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .

Western Digital (WDC - 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 maker of hard drives for businesses and personal computers have returned -21.4%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.8% change. During this period, the Zacks Computer- Storage Devices industry, which Western Digital falls in, has lost 25.5%. 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 RevisionsRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.

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.

Western Digital is expected to post earnings of $5.21 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +144.6%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +0.1%.

The consensus earnings estimate of $22.13 for the current fiscal year indicates a year-over-year change of +116.5%. This estimate has changed +2.9% over the last 30 days.

For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $40.59 indicates a change of +83.4% from what Western Digital is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed +0.4%.

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, Western Digital is rated Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

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.

For Western Digital, the consensus sales estimate for the current quarter of $5.09 billion indicates a year-over-year change of +68.6%. For the current and next fiscal years, $20.11 billion and $28.22 billion estimates indicate +55.6% and +40.3% changes, respectively.

Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryWestern Digital reported revenues of $4.38 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +55.5%. EPS of $4.64 for the same period compares with $1.78 a year ago.

Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.17 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +5.16%. The EPS surprise was +13.45%.

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

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

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.

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

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

Key Takeaways WDC expects Q2 revenue of $5.1 billion, up 16% sequentially and 69% year over year.Pricing momentum lifted average price per terabyte 28% year over year, while gross margin reached 58.1%.WDC targets 40TB ePMR and HAMR drives, with HAMR volume shipments expected in first-half fiscal 2027. Western Digital Corporation (WDC - Free Report) is entering the second quarter of fiscal 2027 with strong momentum, driven by rising demand for high-capacity HDDs, favorable pricing and growing data-storage requirements from cloud and AI infrastructure providers. It appears to be benefiting from both increasing sales and improving profitability. Management expects these trends to continue into the fiscal second quarter, led by strong customer demand, higher-capacity products and improved pricing.

At the midpoint of its guidance, WDC expects revenue of $5.1 billion (+/- $100 million), representing a sequential increase of approximately 16% and a year-over-year rise of 69%. Management projects a non-GAAP gross margin of 60-61%, fueled by a favorable shift toward higher-capacity drives and a strong pricing environment. Non-GAAP EPS is expected to reach $5.8 (+/- 20 cents). WDC expects operating expenses to be between $400 million and $410 million, reflecting a sequential increase due to higher spending on product qualification activities.

A major factor behind Western Digital's stronger outlook is its pricing environment. Pricing momentum remains strong, with average price per terabyte rising 28% year over year and gross margin reaching 58.1% in the quarter. Margins are benefiting from higher-capacity drives, operational efficiencies and contractual price increases. When customers pay more for each terabyte of storage, the company can generate additional revenue without needing an equivalent increase in shipment volumes. Another encouraging development is WDC's improving visibility into future customer demand.

Exabyte growth is expected to accelerate through 2027 and beyond with momentum from new product platforms. Long-term demand remains durable, with good visibility up to 2030-2031 for top customers, supported by expanding cloud and AI workloads. Western Digital is also benefiting from its transition toward higher-capacity hard drives. It is advancing its technology roadmap with 40TB ePMR and next-generation HAMR drives to boost exabyte shipments and higher-capacity storage adoption. HAMR volume shipments are expected to begin in the first half of 2027, with additional hyperscale customer qualifications supporting broader commercialization and second-generation development.

Can Intense Storage Rivalry Derail WDC's Growth Prospect?Seagate Technology Holdings plc (STX - Free Report) is set to report fiscal first-quarter results today, after market close. Seagate's BTO model points to sustained demand for high-capacity nearline drives amid rising AI adoption. It expects continued revenue and margin growth in the September quarter, backed by the Mozaic rollout and disciplined pricing. Management anticipates fiscal first-quarter revenues of $4.1 billion (+/- $100 million), up 56% year over year at midpoint. Non-GAAP earnings are expected to be $7.3 per share (+/- 20 cents). For the quarter, non-GAAP operating expenses are expected to be around $300 million. At the midpoint of revenue guidance, non-GAAP operating margin is projected to be roughly 50%.

Sandisk (SNDK - Free Report) , a separate flash entity spun off from WDC, is set to report fiscal first-quarter results on Thursday. For the quarter, Sandisk expects revenues of $10.3-$10.8 billion. Sequential growth is projected to come from both bit growth and modest price increases. Non-GAAP gross margin is expected to be between 83% and 85%, with operating expenses of $520-$540 million. Non-GAAP earnings are expected at $44-$46 per share. Sandisk expects fiscal 2027 sellable bit growth in the mid-teens as it carries higher inventory to support customer commitments. Recently, it introduced the SANDISK Guardian Series, a portfolio of high-endurance memory cards designed for continuous recording in dash cams and home security cameras. 

WDC Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesIn the past year, shares of WDC have surged 181.2% compared with the Zacks Computer-Storage Devices industry’s growth of 182.2%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Going by the price/earnings ratio, the company’s shares currently trade at 14.57 forward earnings compared with 8.05 for the industry.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

WDC’s estimate revisions are currently on an upward trajectory. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its earnings for fiscal 2027 has been revised upward by 7.3% to $22.13 over the past 60 days, while the same for fiscal 2028 has gone up 0.4% to $40.59.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Currently, Western Digital has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Wall Street expects a year-over-year decline in earnings on higher revenues when Yum Brands (YUM - 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 parent company of KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.47 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -7%.

Revenues are expected to be $2.06 billion, up 3.9% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 6.31% 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 Yum?For Yum, 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 -4.08%.

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

So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Yum 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 Yum would post earnings of $1.59 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.62, delivering a surprise of +1.89%.

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.

Yum 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 Retail - Restaurants industry, Restaurant Brands (QSR - Free Report) , is soon expected to post earnings of $1.08 per share for the quarter ended September 2026. This estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +4.9%. This quarter's revenue is expected to be $2.54 billion, up 3.6% from the year-ago quarter.

The consensus EPS estimate for Restaurant Brands has been revised 0.5% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. However, a higher Most Accurate Estimate has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +0.38%.

This Earnings ESP, combined with its Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), suggests that Restaurant Brands will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate. The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.

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

The Consumer Discretionary group has plenty of great stocks, but investors should always be looking for companies that are outperforming their peers. Is Marriott International (MAR - Free Report) one of those stocks right now? By taking a look at the stock's year-to-date performance in comparison to its Consumer Discretionary peers, we might be able to answer that question.

Marriott International is a member of the Consumer Discretionary sector. This group includes 259 individual stocks and currently holds a Zacks Sector Rank of #11. The Zacks Sector Rank gauges the strength of our 16 individual sector groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups.

The Zacks Rank is a proven system that emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions, highlighting a variety of stocks that are displaying the right characteristics to beat the market over the next one to three months. Marriott International is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

Over the past 90 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for MAR's full-year earnings has moved 0.5% higher. This means that analyst sentiment is stronger and the stock's earnings outlook is improving.

Our latest available data shows that MAR has returned about 27.2% since the start of the calendar year. Meanwhile, stocks in the Consumer Discretionary group have lost about 11.9% on average. This means that Marriott International is performing better than its sector in terms of year-to-date returns.

Another stock in the Consumer Discretionary sector, Target Hospitality (TH - Free Report) , has outperformed the sector so far this year. The stock's year-to-date return is 75.5%.

The consensus estimate for Target Hospitality's current year EPS has increased 76% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Breaking things down more, Marriott International is a member of the Hotels and Motels industry, which includes 15 individual companies and currently sits at #159 in the Zacks Industry Rank. On average, this group has gained an average of 18.5% so far this year, meaning that MAR is performing better in terms of year-to-date returns.

On the other hand, Target Hospitality belongs to the Leisure and Recreation Services industry. This 29-stock industry is currently ranked #152. The industry has moved -6% year to date.

Marriott International and Target Hospitality could continue their solid performance, so investors interested in Consumer Discretionary stocks should continue to pay close attention to these stocks.

Key Takeaways NetApp's Q1 fiscal 2027 revenues surged 30% to $2.03 billion, aided by pricing gains and strong demand.NTAP's product revenues jumped 51% while improved pricing helped offset rising component costs.NetApp raised its fiscal 2027 revenue outlook by $650 million to $7.975-$8.225 billion amid stronger demand. NetApp, Inc. (NTAP - Free Report) is benefiting from improved pricing amid rising component and commodity costs, supporting its revenue growth despite a challenging cost environment. The company has adjusted product prices to offset higher input costs, which contributed to stronger-than-expected performance in the first quarter of fiscal 2027. On the last earnings call, management highlighted that pricing benefits, accelerated customer purchases and broad-based demand for AI and infrastructure modernization supported the quarter's results.

NetApp reported first-quarter revenues of $2.03 billion, up 30% year over year, including the benefit of an additional week. Excluding this impact, revenues increased 26%. Product revenues surged 51% to $987 million, reflecting robust demand across its portfolio. The company's product gross margin reached 54.6%, declining 150 basis points sequentially due to higher component costs, partially offset by improved pricing. However, product gross margin exceeded management's expectations, demonstrating its ability to capture higher prices despite cost pressures.

On the last earnings call, management stated that its pricing actions are translating into financial benefits faster than in previous cycles. Historically, price increases took two to three quarters to materialize, but greater pricing agility is now allowing NetApp to realize these benefits earlier. The company also noted that customers continue to prioritize spending on critical infrastructure despite higher prices. However, some customers are delaying less essential projects or shifting toward more cost-effective hybrid flash solutions.

NetApp expects its product gross margin performance for the remainder of fiscal 2027 to be slightly better than previously anticipated, reflecting improved confidence in recovering incremental costs. However, management does not expect pricing-related benefits to remain at the exceptional levels witnessed in the first quarter.

Supported by stronger demand and business momentum, NetApp raised its fiscal 2027 revenue guidance to $7.98-$8.23 billion. The midpoint of $8.1 billion implies 17% year-over-year growth and represents a $650 million increase from its previous forecast. For the second quarter, revenues are projected at $2.1 billion, plus or minus $75 million. Continued pricing improvements, alongside sustained AI-driven infrastructure spending, could support revenue growth despite ongoing component cost pressures.

Taking a Look at NTAP’s CompetitorsHewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE - Free Report) is benefiting from a broader shift toward AI infrastructure, networking modernization and hybrid cloud, with Juniper expanding its addressable market and integration synergies supporting earnings growth. Record orders and backlog show demand is outpacing shipments, while Private Cloud AI, Alletra and GreenLake deepen HPE’s exposure to software, services and recurring consumption. Management has raised its fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2027 outlooks as profitability, free cash flow and deleveraging advance. For fiscal 2026, HPE raised its revenue growth outlook to 34-37% and non-GAAP earnings per share guidance to $3.75-$3.85. For fiscal 2027, management raised its revenue growth framework to 13-17% and projected non-GAAP earnings per share growth of 16-20%.

Teradata Corporation (TDC - Free Report) is benefiting from rising recurring revenue, expanding operating leverage and a strengthened balance sheet that gives the company room to fund AI innovation and shareholder returns. The Autonomous Knowledge Platform broadens its hybrid data and AI proposition, while Teradata Factory and AI Studio target regulated, sovereign and production-scale agentic AI workloads. Customer interest and early wins support the strategic shift and stronger retention over time. For 2026, Teradata guided its non-GAAP earnings outlook to $2.65-$2.73 per share and adjusted free cash flow forecast to $330-$350 million.

NTAP Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesShares of NetApp have gained 27.5% in the past three months against the Computer-Storage Devices industry’s decline of 3%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Regarding the price/book ratio, NTAP is trading at 29.18, higher than the industry’s multiple of 12.81.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NTAP’s earnings for fiscal 2027 has been revised upward over the past 60 days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

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