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52-Week Range$37.57▼
$151.00Price Target$108.24
Rocket Lab NASDAQ: RKLB has been through a punishing stretch, to say the least. After peaking near $151 in May, the stock has fallen almost 45% from its record highs, closing at $82.55 on Thursday, July 10.
The post-SpaceX NASDAQ: SPCX IPO rotation out of space stocks, a broader risk-off tape, and heavy insider selling have all weighed on the name. But beneath the ugly chart, the past two weeks have delivered some significant bullish fundamental developments. For long-term investors, the disconnect between price action and recent developments might be hard to ignore and could even signal a potential entry point.
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Mission Success in Record TimeRocket Lab just delivered one of the more impressive operational feats in its history. As part of the U.S. Space Force's VICTUS HAZE mission, the company designed, built, and launched a spacecraft under tight deadlines, then executed a record-shattering responsive launch in just 16 hours and 42 minutes from notice to liftoff. The mission did not end there. Rocket Lab subsequently completed complex on-orbit rendezvous and proximity operations, proving its ability to track and inspect objects in space.
That capability matters enormously. Responsive launch and on-orbit inspection sit at the heart of what the Pentagon wants from commercial space partners, and no other company outside SpaceX has demonstrated it at this level. It is exactly the kind of execution that translates into future national security contracts, including work tied to the Golden Dome architecture and the Space-Based Interceptor program.
Morgan Stanley Sees a Path to $293Rocket Lab Stock Forecast Today12-Month Stock Price Forecast:
$108.24
31.11% Upside
Moderate Buy
Based on 21 Analyst Ratings
Current Price$82.55High Forecast$150.00Average Forecast$108.24Low Forecast$50.00Rocket Lab Stock Forecast Details
Despite the bearish price action and immense sell-off, analysts remain absolutely steadfast. On July 8, Morgan Stanley raised its bull-case price target for Rocket Lab to $293 from $185, while reiterating an Overweight rating and a $105 base-case target.
The bank's reasoning is straightforward: Rocket Lab is starting to look like a smaller SpaceX. The $8 billion acquisition of Iridium Communications, announced June 29, adds a global satellite network, L-band spectrum, and millions of recurring subscribers, continuing to transform Rocket Lab from a launch company into a vertically integrated space platform. As the analyst put it, the greatest value creation in the space economy comes not from launch alone, but from owning differentiated space-based infrastructure and monetizing recurring services.
Reaching $293 would require a clean, on-time Neutron debut, successful Iridium integration, and major defense awards converting into signed contracts. But even the $105 base case implies meaningful upside from current levels, and the consensus price target of $108.24 across 21 analysts sits over 31% above where the stock trades.
The Technical Line in the SandFrom a technical perspective, the picture is simpler. After a 45% drawdown, the big line in the sand for the bulls is the 200-day SMA, sitting around $76 per share. The stock has so far held above that level even through the worst of the selling. If it continues to defend that zone, a durable base could form, giving long-term buyers a defined-risk entry point. A decisive break below it, however, would put the broader uptrend that has been in place since early 2025 in genuine question. Until the stock reclaims higher levels, this remains a stabilization attempt rather than a confirmed reversal.
One notable caution for investors to note that could continue to weigh on the stock’s price action is insider selling. Insider selling has added to the negative sentiment, with CEO Peter Beck disclosing the sale of nearly 3 million shares over the past week. Insider sales after a massive multi-year run are not unusual, but the timing has not helped the tape.
August 6: The Next Big CatalystQ2 earnings are expected to arrive on August 6, and the report gives management the chance to reset the narrative. Investors should focus on four things. First, revenue was against the guided range of $225 million to $240 million, which came in well above consensus when issued. Second, any update on Neutron's debut timeline, the single most important variable in the Morgan Stanley bull case. Third, commentary on the Iridium deal, including the closing timeline and early integration planning. And fourth, backlog growth, which stood at a record $2.2 billion last quarter.
For long-term investors, the setup is compelling but conditional. The business is executing at the highest level in its history, the analyst community sees substantial upside, and the stock is down almost 45% from its peak. If the 200-day SMA holds and the August 6 report confirms the fundamental trajectory, this pullback may eventually be remembered as the opportunity it increasingly appears to be.
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Key Takeaways Crocs' LEGO Brick Clog drove strong social engagement and digital traffic.LoveShackFancy sold out globally, while Disney boosted accessories and premium Jibbitz charms.TikTok Shop expansion and Gen Z campaigns helped Crocs attract younger consumers and support DTC momentum. Strategic partnerships have been Crocs Inc.'s (CROX - Free Report) most effective tools for reinforcing brand relevance and expanding its appeal beyond its traditional customer base. In the first quarter of 2026, management highlighted collaborations as a key component of its consumer engagement strategy, using limited-edition launches, entertainment franchises and digital campaigns to create excitement around the brand. The company's multi-year global partnership with LEGO debuted with the LEGO Brick Clog, which management described as one of Crocs' best-performing partnerships on social media, generating significant consumer engagement and digital traffic.
Crocs also complemented this initiative with collaborations that directly supported product innovation. The LoveShackFancy collection sold out globally, reinforcing the demand for newer silhouettes such as the Classic Ballet Flat. At the same time, the Disney collaboration featuring Mickey Mouse helped drive strong growth in bags, accessories and premium Jibbitz charms, demonstrating that partnerships can extend spending beyond footwear into higher-margin personalization categories.
Management indicated that these initiatives contributed to strong consumer response across multiple product categories, including clogs, sandals and accessories, supporting the company's broader diversification strategy.
Beyond products, Crocs is using partnerships to deepen digital engagement. The company expanded its presence on TikTok Shop globally and was recognized as the platform's Top Seller of the Year for 2025. It also introduced innovative marketing campaigns, including a Gen Z-focused micro-drama series and experiential launches tied to events such as NBA All-Star Week.
Management believes that these collaborations and marketing activations are helping attract younger consumers while strengthening direct-to-consumer momentum. As Crocs broadens its product portfolio and global reach, strategic partnerships appear to be doing more than creating short-term buzz. They are reinforcing brand visibility, supporting product innovation and helping the company differentiate itself in an increasingly competitive casual footwear market.
Zacks Rundown for CROXCrocs’ shares have jumped 26.8% in the past three months against the industry’s decline of 3.2%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, CROX trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 8.94X, lower than the industry’s average 14.65X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CROX’s 2026 and 2027 EPS estimates imply year-over-year growth of 9.3% and 7.7%, respectively. The consensus mark for 2026 and 2027 EPS has been unchanged in the past 30 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
CROX stock presently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
Stocks to Consider in the Consumer Discretionary SpaceDuluth Holdings Inc. (DLTH - Free Report) is a specialty apparel retailer known for its durable, workwear-inspired clothing and accessories, serving men and women through its Duluth Trading brand across direct-to-consumer channels and retail stores. At present, the company sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DLTH’s current fiscal-year earnings implies growth of 39.5% from the year-ago reported figure. Duluth Holdings has delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 107.5%, on average.
Steven Madden Ltd. (SHOO - Free Report) designs, sources, markets and sells fashion-forward branded and private-label footwear, accessories, handbags and apparel for women, men and children across the world. SHOO currently flaunts a Zacks Rank #1.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Steven Madden’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 11.7% and 22.9%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures. SHOO delivered a trailing four-quarter negative earnings surprise of 1.9%, on average.
Columbia Sportswear Company (COLM - Free Report) engages in the design, development, marketing and distribution of outdoor, active and lifestyle products in the United States, Latin America, the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Canada. At present, COLM has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for COLM’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 2.6% and 4.6% from the year-ago reported numbers. COLM delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 44.1%, on average.
Andrew King, General Partner at Bastille Capital and President of Future Union, told CNBC on July 10 that the defense trade has decoupled from the traditional playbook. Record Pentagon budgets would ordinarily be expected to lift America’s largest defense contractors. Instead, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and other household names have fallen sharply since February, even as military spending reaches new highs.
King argues capital is rotating into private companies and allied international operators that own the fastest-growing pieces of modern warfare. “We got very frothy in the defense market. And there’s other ways to play other than just the public markets. What you’re seeing is a rotation into other public companies,” King said.
Record Defense Spending Is No Longer Lifting the Usual Winners Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT | LMT Price Prediction) has declined 20.34% from its February 20, 2026 close of $650.58 to $518.26.
And Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) has fared even worse, down 25.87% over the same window.
That underperformance sits against a Department of War budget request that keeps climbing. The FY 2027 plan totals $1.45 trillion, up $440.894 billion from FY 2026 enacted levels, with $52.9 billion for Critical Munitions and $59.7 billion in procurement and RDT&E funding for vital space capabilities. The money is flowing, but investors have decided the incumbents are no longer the best way to invest in the upcoming opportunity.
The New Defense Winners May Be Hiding Among 300 Allied Companies King proposed a new framework for investors considering investments in defense companies. “We are coming out with the Allied Defense League, which specifically focuses on the 300 companies that are the most important to compete against adversarial countries, many of which… one third of the list is international, which we’ve never seen before,” he said.
92 of the 300 companies are international, up from 84 last year, a structure King describes as unprecedented. That mirrors what Goldman Sachs Asset Management flagged as a 2026 megatrend, citing the +€800 billion in EU defense spending in the ReArm Europe Plan 2030 as evidence that allied balance sheets are now doing structural work.
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Recent contract flow reinforces the pattern. Raytheon UK’s Omnia Training consortium just secured a £2 billion, 15-year contract from the UK Ministry of Defence to build the British Army’s Collective Training System, with 270 new UK jobs created. The transaction is a template for how allied budgets now anchor programs that once ran through Washington first.
Space Has Become Its Own Defense Battleground King still sees the US as a winner. “The US still owns the AI, the compute, the strategic resources, but increasingly, the allies own the strike verticals, the iterable drone type things that are outside of the core,” he said. His conclusion for portfolio construction: “Instead of thinking US hegemony, now we’re thinking this is an allied play. That’s how we win in the future.”
Space is treated as its own vertical. “Space is [an] entire own category. SpaceX is one of those eight. SpaceX is dominated by the US, as you might imagine. But there’s other players that are coming out like ICEYE and others that do some very interesting things… really critical to the allied play,” King said. As an example of space companies coming into the public light, Blue Origin is raising $10 billion at a $130 billion valuation, its first outside capital.
What to Watch Next The FY 2027 budget request totals $1.45 trillion; Europe is committing more than €800 billion through its ReArm Europe Plan; and allied governments are awarding multibillion-dollar contracts for munitions, drones, space, training, and other strategic capabilities.
King’s argument is which stocks are benefiting from this increased military spending. Lockheed Martin has fallen more than 20% since February 20, Northrop Grumman has declined nearly 26%, and the leveraged DFEN aerospace and defense fund is down approximately 15% over the same period. Meanwhile, private companies, specialized operators, and international allies are gaining importance across the eight defense verticals King tracks.
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Wall Street watches a company's quarterly report closely to understand as much as possible about its recent performance and what to expect going forward. Of course, one figure often stands out among the rest: earnings.
Life and the stock market are both about expectations, and rising above what is expected is often rewarded, while falling short can come with negative consequences. Investors might want to try to capture stronger returns by finding positive earnings surprises.
Hunting for 'earnings whispers' or companies poised to beat their quarterly earnings estimates is a somewhat common practice. But that doesn't make it easy. One way that has been proven to work is by using the Zacks Earnings ESP tool.
The Zacks Earnings ESP, ExplainedThe Zacks Earnings ESP is more formally known as the Expected Surprise Prediction, and it aims to grab the inside track on the latest analyst estimate revisions ahead of a company's report. The idea is relatively intuitive as a newer projection might be based on more complete information.
With this in mind, the Expected Surprise Prediction compares the Most Accurate Estimate (being the most recent) against the overall Zacks Consensus Estimate. The percentage difference provides the ESP figure. The system also utilizes our core Zacks Rank to provide a stronger system for identifying stocks that might beat their next quarterly earnings estimate and possibly see the stock price climb.
In fact, when we combined a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better and a positive Earnings ESP, stocks produced a positive surprise 70% of the time. Perhaps most importantly, using these parameters has helped produce 28.3% annual returns on average, according to our 10 year backtest.
Most stocks, about 60%, fall into the #3 (Hold) category, and they are expected to perform in-line with the broader market. Stocks with a #2 (Buy) and #1 (Strong Buy) rating, or the top 15% and top 5% of stocks, respectively, should outperform the market, with Strong Buy stocks outperforming more than any other rank.
Should You Consider Woodward?The last thing we will do today, now that we have a grasp on the ESP and how powerful of a tool it can be, is to quickly look at a qualifying stock. Woodward (WWD - Free Report) holds a #2 (Buy) at the moment and its Most Accurate Estimate comes in at $2.51 a share 17 days away from its upcoming earnings release on July 27, 2026.
By taking the percentage difference between the $2.51 Most Accurate Estimate and the $2.39 Zacks Consensus Estimate, Woodward has an Earnings ESP of +5.10%. Investors should also know that WWD is one of a large group of stocks with positive ESPs. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.
WWD is just one of a large group of Aerospace stocks with a positive ESP figure. Northrop Grumman (NOC - Free Report) is another qualifying stock you may want to consider.
Northrop Grumman, which is readying to report earnings on July 21, 2026, sits at a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) right now. Its Most Accurate Estimate is currently $6.85 a share, and NOC is 11 days out from its next earnings report.
For Northrop Grumman, the percentage difference between its Most Accurate Estimate and its Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.84 is +0.22%.
WWD and NOC's positive ESP figures tell us that both stocks have a good chance at beating analyst expectations in their next earnings report.
Find Stocks to Buy or Sell Before They're ReportedUse the Zacks Earnings ESP Filter to turn up stocks with the highest probability of positively, or negatively, surprising to buy or sell before they're reported for profitable earnings season trading. Check it out here >>
Pottery Barn Teen, a portfolio brand of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM), the world's largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, announc
Key Takeaways Baker Hughes wins three contracts for Cheniere's Sabine Pass LNG expansion and turbine upgrades.Train 7 and related projects will support more than 6 MTPA of incremental LNG capacity.The awards expand Baker Hughes' equipment backlog and create recurring lifecycle service opportunities. Baker Hughes (BKR - Free Report) has strengthened its position in the global liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) market by securing three major awards from Cheniere Energy, Inc. (LNG - Free Report) and Bechtel Energy Inc. for Cheniere’s Sabine Pass LNG facility in Louisiana. The contracts, which were booked in the second quarter, include liquefaction equipment for the Train 7 expansion, a boil-off gas re-liquefaction unit and fleet-wide gas turbine technology upgrades. These awards reinforce Baker Hughes' long-standing partnership with Cheniere while expanding its role in one of the world's largest LNG export facilities.
The Phase 1 expansion will feature seven PGT25+ G4 gas turbines driving 15 centrifugal compressors, supporting approximately 6 million tons per annum (MTPA) of additional LNG production capacity.
BKR will upgrade the facility's installed fleet of aeroderivative PGT25+ G4 gas turbines over the next four years, improving turbine power output and operational efficiency across Sabine Pass' existing 30 MTPA production capacity. Together with Train 7 and the boil-off gas re-liquefaction unit, these upgrades are expected to add more than 6 MTPA of incremental LNG capacity.
The awards strengthen Baker Hughes' business model while expanding its exposure to the growing global LNG market. The contracts not only generate equipment sales but also create recurring lifecycle service opportunities. As global natural gas demand continues to rise, LNG infrastructure investment remains robust.
BKR's diverse portfolio of liquefaction equipment, gas turbines and digital services positions the company to capitalize on this long-term growth trend. The Cheniere awards enhance BKR's cash flow generation, strengthen its project backlog and bolster its overall investor appeal.
Baker Hughes and Cheniere carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) each at present.
Some better-ranked stocks in the energy sector are National Energy Services Reunited Corp. (NESR - Free Report) and Cenovus Energy Inc. (CVE - Free Report) . NESR and CVE currently sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) each. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (“EIA”) short-term energy outlook, daily U.S. LNG exports are projected to increase to 18.6 billion cubic feet (Bcf) in 2027, up from 15.1 Bcf recorded in 2025. Rising LNG exports are expected to boost demand for natural gas, benefiting producers such as Cenovus, which is exposed to natural gas production.
LNG exporters like Cheniere also stand to gain from higher export volumes and transportation demand. Energy service providers such as Baker Hughes and NESR could benefit from increased drilling, production and infrastructure activity required to support increased natural gas development and production.
National Energy Services Reunited delivers integrated drilling and reservoir services across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia-Pacific, helping producers maximize output and efficiency. With the rising global demand for electricity fueling a shift toward natural gas, NESR is well-positioned to capitalize on growing upstream energy investments.
By leveraging its fully integrated upstream and downstream operations across Canada and the United States, Cenovus consistently generates robust cash flow. To further expand production, CVE is advancing key optimization initiatives at Christina Lake North, Sunrise, West White Rose and Foster Creek.
Po roce 2008 byla v americké a nejen americké ekonomice patrné znatelné dezinflační tlaky. Růst také nebyl nijak zářný. Fed tak snížil sazby co to šlo a držel se nákupu aktiv i poté, co již nešly ani náhodou považovat za preventivní protikrizovou politiku. K tomu se začaly objevovat další úvahy o tom, co by šlo ještě „stimulačně“ dělat s monetární politikou. Mimo jiné se hovořilo o zvednutí inflačního cíle. To se vrátilo i po roce 2020 a zdá se mi, že obecně šlo o odmítanou tezi. A nyní ke zvednutí cíle došlo a nic moc se kolem toho neděje.
Nový předseda Fedu Kevin Warsh podle svých slov klade váhu hlavně na to, aby oficiální inflace začínala dvojkou. Co je za ní, už jej prý zase tolik nezajímá. Jinak řečeno, podle tohoto pohledu je to s inflací v pořádku, pokud nepřesáhne 2,99 %. Přehnal jsem to, když jsem to nazval zvednutím inflačního cíle? Oficálně, ze zákona, k ničemu takovému nedošlo a většina členů vedení Fedu může dál považovat za cíl 2 %. Třeba Mohamed El-Erian ale již nějakou dobu hovoří o tom, že Fed by měl cíl zvednout neoficiálně někam ke 3 %. Připadá mi, že tohle je docela dost postatný krok tímto směrem. A bezesporu můžeme hovořit o tom, že onen 2 % cíl značně změknul tím, jak dlouho jej není dosahováno.
Následující graf od Gavekal Research ukazuje, že nyní je cíle pana Warshe dosahováno jen u tzv. trimmed PCE a mediánu PCE. V druhém případě jde o inflaci u střední položky koše zboží a služeb, v prvním o inflaci bez extrémních hodnot.
Zdroj: X
Po roce 2008 se zvedla docela velká vlna proti politice Fedu a některých dalších centrálních bank. Byly kritizovány nízké sazby i zmíněné kvantitativní uvolňování, častým argumentem byl hodně obecný koncept, či dojem „ničení hodnoty peněz“. Hovořilo se mimo jiné o „tištění peněz“, kupodivu i mezi odborníky i přesto, že jde o výraz značně zavádějící. Což ukazuje i to, že když rozvaha centrální banky klesá, nikdo nemluví, či se neraduje z „ničení peněz“. Hovoříme tu totiž fakticky o výměně aktiv mezi centrální bankou a bankami soukromými, což je přece jen něco jiného. V oné době jsem napsal řadu článků poukazujících na to, že tehdejší monetární politika nemusí být ani zdaleka bez chyby, ale celkové nastavení má své rácio. A některé obavy jsou hodně přehnané.
Nyní mám opět opačný pohled, než to, co vypadá jako konsenzus. Nyní se totiž ani zdaleka neobjevuje tolik úvah o nevhodně nastavené monetární politice, jen občas nějaká o nezodpovědnosti fiskální. Přitom mám dojem, že nyní by mohly být více namístě než před cca deseti lety. A důvodem není zdaleka jen chování současné vlády. Uvažme mimo jiné následující: Obě hlavní politické strany v USA mají podle mne jasnou tendenci utrácet a uvolňovat. Demokraté flirtují s teoriemi typu MMT, Republikáni si na potřebu nějakého teoretického rámce ani nehrají. Nový předseda Fedu provedl osobní veřejnou změnu inflačního cíle (i přesto se o něm začalo hovořit jako o jestřábovi). Skutečná inflace vyjma celkem speciálních ukazatelů už dlouhou řadu let ani tohoto cíle nedosahuje.
Dá se tvrdit, že kdyby neutrální sazby byly v USA kolem 3 %, současná „kvalitativní“ stránka monetární politiky (sazby) je stále restriktivní. Tedy nastavena tak, aby inflace po vyvanutí přechodných faktorů pokračovala v poklesu k 2 %. A mohu mít celkově špatný dojem a vše se může vrátit k monetárně inflační rovnováze u 2 %. Mám ale pocit, že když to nebylo zase tolik namístě, hemžilo se to všude přehnanými teoriemi a kritikou. Nyní v podstatě nic takového neslyšíme, přesto se situace podle mne posunuje tím méně vítaným směrem. Snad se mýlím.
Významným faktorem je tu pak samozřejmě ona přechodnost inflačních faktorů. V této souvislosti bych poukázal na určitý jev: Neustále se střídající skutečně přechodné faktory dávají dohromady už jeden velký, nepřechodný. Každá velká vlna, která bije do lodi, je přechodná a už se nevrátí. Ale dohromady mohou ukazovat na nějaký přetrvávající jev
For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.
Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.
Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFor value investors, it's all about finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value before the broader market catches on. The Value Style Score utilizes ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to help pick out the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.
Momentum ScoreMomentum investors, who live by the saying "the trend is your friend," are most interested in taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Utilizing one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, among other factors, the Momentum Style Score can help determine favorable times to buy high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank A proprietary stock-rating model, the Zacks Rank utilizes the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings outlook, to help investors create a successful portfolio.
It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% 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.
To have the best chance of big returns, you'll want to always consider stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B, which will give you the highest probability of success. If you're looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, it's important they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.
A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Invesco (IVZ - Free Report) Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Invesco Ltd. operates as an independent investment manager and offers a wide range of investment products and services. The company was incorporated in 1935. As of March 31, 2026, Invesco served clients in more than 120 countries and had AUM worth $2.16 trillion.
IVZ is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
Momentum investors should take note of this Finance stock. IVZ has a Momentum Style Score of A, and shares are up 1.1% over the past four weeks.
Three analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.03 to $2.60 per share. IVZ boasts an average earnings surprise of +7.9%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, IVZ should be on investors' short list.
Investors interested in Computer and Technology stocks should always be looking to find the best-performing companies in the group. Cognex Corporation (CGNX - Free Report) is a stock that can certainly grab the attention of many investors, but do its recent returns compare favorably to the sector as a whole? By taking a look at the stock's year-to-date performance in comparison to its Computer and Technology peers, we might be able to answer that question.
Cognex Corporation is one of 613 individual stocks in the Computer and Technology sector. Collectively, these companies sit at #3 in the Zacks Sector Rank. 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 emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find stocks with improving earnings outlooks. This system has a long record of success, and these stocks tend to be on track to beat the market over the next one to three months. Cognex Corporation is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy).
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CGNX's full-year earnings has moved 51.5% 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, CGNX has gained about 82.8% so far this year. Meanwhile, stocks in the Computer and Technology group have gained about 16.8% on average. This shows that Cognex Corporation is outperforming its peers so far this year.
One other Computer and Technology stock that has outperformed the sector so far this year is Applied Materials (AMAT - Free Report) . The stock is up 129.1% year-to-date.
The consensus estimate for Applied Materials' current year EPS has increased 9.3% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
Looking more specifically, Cognex Corporation belongs to the Electronics - Testing Equipment industry, which includes 4 individual stocks and currently sits at #23 in the Zacks Industry Rank. On average, this group has gained an average of 18.3% so far this year, meaning that CGNX is performing better in terms of year-to-date returns.
On the other hand, Applied Materials belongs to the Electronics - Semiconductors industry. This 50-stock industry is currently ranked #42. The industry has moved +51.1% year to date.
Going forward, investors interested in Computer and Technology stocks should continue to pay close attention to Cognex Corporation and Applied Materials as they could maintain their solid performance.
LOS ANGELES, July 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, reminds investors of a class action lawsuit against Hub Group, Inc. (“Hub” or “the Company”) (NASDAQ: HUBG) for violations of §§10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Investors who purchased the Company’s securities between April 28, 2023 and May 11, 2026, inclusive (the “Class Period”), are encouraged to contact the firm before August 28, 2026.
If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.
We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at [email protected].
The class, in this case, has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member.
According to the Complaint, the Company made false and misleading statements to the market. Hub suffered from material misstatements in its financial statements from Q1 2023 to Q4 2024 including its annual reports for 2023 and 2024. The Company’s misstatements included operating revenue, operating income, and revenue recognition. The Company’s financial statements from Q1 2025 to Q3 2025 contained misstatements related to the understatement of purchased transportation costs amongst other errors. Based on these facts, the Company’s public statements were false and materially misleading throughout the class period. When the market learned the truth about Hub, investors suffered damages.
Join the case to recover your losses
The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.
CONTACT:
The Schall Law Firm
Brian Schall, Esq.,
www.schallfirm.com
Office: 310-301-3335 [email protected]
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 10, 2026) - Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Hub Group, Inc. ("Hub Group" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: HUBG) on behalf of investors that purchased or otherwise acquired Hub Group securities between April 28, 2023 and May 11, 2026 (the "Class Period").
CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS INVESTIGATION
If you are an investor in Hub Group and have suffered losses, you may CLICK HERE to contact us. You may also contact Kaplan Fox by emailing [email protected] or by calling (646) 315-9003.
DEADLINE REMINDER: If you are a member of the proposed Class, you may move the court no later than August 28, 2026 to serve as a lead plaintiff for the purported class. If you have losses we encourage you to contact us to learn more about the lead plaintiff process. You need not seek to become a lead plaintiff in order to share in any possible recovery.
On February 5, 2026, Hub Group announced preliminary fourth quarter and full year 2025 results and disclosed the identification of a $77 million accounting error due to "the understatement of purchased transportation costs and accounts payable in the first nine months of 2025." Additionally, the Company said it "plans to restate its financial statements for the first, second and third quarters of 2025," and "is continuing to assess the potential impact to its consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023."
On this news, the price of Hub Group stock fell $9.37 per share, or 18.25%, to close at $41.96 per share on February 6, 2026.
Then, on May 12, 2026, Hub Group announced that it had "identified certain transactions that were prematurely or incorrectly recognized or not adequately supported," causing its 2023 and 2024 annual reports filed with the SEC to be "materially misstated," such that they "should no longer be relied upon." The Company did not quantify the expected misstatement, although it stated that it "expects to conclude that it did not maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting for each of the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023."
On this news, the price of Hub Group stock fell $5.24 per share, about 12.5%, to close at $36.62 per share on May 12, 2026.
The complaint alleges, among other things, that throughout the Class Period, the Company's financial statements contained material misstatements caused by the premature and incorrect recognition of certain transactions and other material misstatements caused by the understatement of purchased transportation costs and accounts payable.
WHY CONTACT KAPLAN FOX?
Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP is a nationally recognized law firm focused on complex litigation, with offices in New York, Oakland, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New Jersey. Founded in 1956, the firm has spent more than 50 years prosecuting securities, antitrust, and consumer protection actions in federal and state courts nationwide, recovering more than $10 billion for clients and the classes it has represented.
Kaplan Fox is widely regarded as one of the nation's premier plaintiffs' securities litigation firms and has received recognition from Chambers and Partners, Benchmark Litigation, Super Lawyers, and Lawdragon. Serving as lead or co-lead counsel in many landmark cases, the firm has secured some of the largest recoveries in the history of securities litigation, including a $2.425 billion recovery on behalf of Bank of America shareholders in In re Bank of America-the largest recovery ever obtained for claims under Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act-$800 million recovered for the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System and other pension funds in ATRS v. Allianz Global Investors, and a $475 million settlement in In re Merrill Lynch.
For decades, Kaplan Fox has represented public pension funds, institutional investors, businesses, and individuals in high-stakes litigation. Through its successful advocacy and precedent-setting victories, the firm has helped shape important areas of securities and corporate law while advancing accountability and protecting investor interests.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
If you have any questions about this Notice, your rights, or your interests, please contact:
Contacting or submitting information to Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor an obligation on the part of Kaplan Fox to retain you as a client.
https://www.kaplanfox.com/case/hub-group-inc/
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/304703
Source: Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP
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LOS ANGELES, July 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, reminds investors of a class action lawsuit against Insulet Corporation (“Insulet” or “the Company”) (NASDAQ: PODD) for violations of §§10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Investors who purchased the Company’s securities between February 21, 2025 and May 26, 2026, inclusive (the “Class Period”), are encouraged to contact the firm before August 31, 2026.
If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.
We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at [email protected].
The class, in this case, has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member.
According to the Complaint, the Company made false and misleading statements to the market. Insulet suffered from defective controls over its manufacturing processes. The Company faced increased risks of safety violations due to these deficiencies. The Company’s manufacturing problem necessitating its March 2026 Medical Device Cirrection impacted a greater number of its Pod Products than it claimed. Based on these facts, the Company’s public statements were false and materially misleading throughout the class period. When the market learned the truth about Insulet, investors suffered damages.
Join the case to recover your losses
The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.
CONTACT:
The Schall Law Firm
Brian Schall, Esq.,
www.schallfirm.com
Office: 310-301-3335 [email protected]
, /PRNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania American Water is encouraging customers throughout portions of its statewide service territory to voluntarily reduce their water consumption in response to the drought watch declaration expansion announced recently by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). While the company always encourages wise water use, Pennsylvania American Water is asking residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce their nonessential water use by 10-15% (a reduction of approximately 11-16 gallons per day) in accordance with DEP's guidance.
"We're asking our customers in affected areas to observe the DEP's request and be mindful of their nonessential water use during this drought watch," said Brandy Braun, director of water quality and environmental compliance for Pennsylvania American Water. "Our sources of supply are currently adequate to meet the needs of our customers, but we want to prepare for the potential for more severe conditions that could lead to stricter conservation measures in the future."
Of the 18 counties currently included in DEP's drought watch declaration, nine are within areas where Pennsylvania American Water provides water service. Those counties include Adams, Berks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Northampton and York.
Following a meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force on June 29, 2026, DEP worsened its declaration from Watch to Warning for four counties – Berks, Lancaster, Lebanon and Lehigh – based on public water supply levels and data related to four indicators: precipitation, surface water flow, groundwater level and soil moisture. According to DEP, a drought warning declaration is the second level of the state's three drought classifications. Learn more on DEP's drought information webpage.
Pennsylvania American Water offers multiple water conservation resources in the Wise Water Use section of its website. It also is a member of the Alliance for Water Efficiency, which developed an online Water Use Calculator that allows visitors to input water use information specific to their household and offers tips on where they can save water and energy based on that data. The company also periodically shares water conservation tips and reminders with customers through email campaigns, bill enclosures and social media posts.
Below are tips for conserving water inside and outside the home:
Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are full. If you have a water-saver cycle, use it. Regularly check your toilet, faucets, and pipes for leaks with our free leak detection kits. If you find a leak, have it fixed as soon as possible. Install water-saving showerheads, toilets and faucet aerators. Consider water and energy-efficient appliances. Products and services that have earned the WaterSense label have been certified to be at least 20% more efficient while maintaining performance. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes in the sink. Water your lawn only when it needs it. When you do, water in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your sidewalk, driveway or patio. Set up a rain barrel to be ready to repurpose rain when it does fall. For information, see this Penn State Extension guide. About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
About Pennsylvania American Water
Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 1,200 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.5 million people.
AppLovin (APP - 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 mobile app technology company have returned +8.8% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2.2% change. The Zacks Technology Services industry, to which AppLovin belongs, has gained 0.6% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?
While media releases or rumors about a substantial change in a company's business prospects usually make its stock 'trending' and lead to an immediate price change, there are always some fundamental facts that eventually dominate the buy-and-hold decision-making.
Earnings Estimate RevisionsRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.
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.
AppLovin is expected to post earnings of $3.72 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +64.6%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed -0.2%.
For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $15.93 points to a change of +58.7% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has changed -0.3%.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $20.89 indicates a change of +31.2% from what AppLovin is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed -0.7%.
With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- is a more conclusive indicator of a stock's near-term price performance, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) for AppLovin.
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Revenue Growth ForecastEven though a company's earnings growth is arguably the best indicator of its financial health, nothing much happens if it cannot raise its revenues. It's almost impossible for a company to grow its earnings without growing its revenue for long periods. Therefore, knowing a company's potential revenue growth is crucial.
In the case of AppLovin, the consensus sales estimate of $1.94 billion for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +54%. The $8.24 billion and $10.59 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +42% and +28.4%, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryAppLovin reported revenues of $1.84 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +24.2%. EPS of $3.56 for the same period compares with $1.67 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.77 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +3.86%. The EPS surprise was +4.71%.
The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. The company topped consensus revenue estimates each time over this period.
ValuationWithout considering a stock's valuation, no investment decision can be efficient. In predicting a stock's future price performance, it's crucial to determine whether its current price correctly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects.
Comparing the current value of a company's valuation multiples, such as its price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), to its own historical values helps ascertain whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, whereas comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of how reasonable its stock price is.
As part of the Zacks Style Scores system, the Zacks Value Style Score (which evaluates both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics) organizes stocks into five groups ranging from A to F (A is better than B; B is better than C; and so on), making it helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
AppLovin is graded C on this front, indicating that it is trading at par with its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
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 AppLovin. However, its Zacks Rank #2 does suggest that it may outperform the broader market in the near term.
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In Commvault To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options
If you purchased or acquired securities in Commvault between January 28, 2025 and January 26, 2026 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).
[You may also click here for additional information]
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 10, 2026) - Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Commvault Systems, Inc. ("Commvault" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: CVLT) and reminds investors of the July 17, 2026 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.
Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.
Defendants provided investors with material information pertaining to Commvault's projected ARR growth for fiscal year 2026. Defendants' statements included, among other things, misleading guidance and projections related to the Company's new net ARR growth. Defendants provided these overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of Commvault's ARR growth environment; pertinently, Commvault knew or recklessly disregarded that the Company's ARR growth guidance failed to properly factor in crucial variables, such as the type of sale. Such statements absent these material facts caused Plaintiff and other shareholders to purchase Commvault's securities at artificially inflated prices.
On January 27, 2026, Commvault reported financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 ended December 31, 2025, including "40% growth in SaaS ARR to $364 million," as noted by the Company's Chief Accounting Officer ("CAO") during the earnings call to discuss these results. Additionally, the CAO said "60% of our deals actually closed in the last few weeks of the quarter." According to Bloomberg Intelligence, "SaaS ARR growth of 40% represents a meaningful deceleration from 56%" reported for the second quarter fiscal 2026.
Following this news, Commvault stock declined over 31% on January 27, 2026.
The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Commvault's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.
To learn more about the Commvault class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/CVLT or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Investors Regarding the Commvault Systems Securities Class Action Lawsuit:
What is the Commvault Systems securities fraud lawsuit about?
The Commvault Systems securities fraud lawsuit is a federal securities class action alleging that Commvault Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CVLT) and its executives made false and misleading statements to investors by providing materially misleading guidance and projections related to the Company's annual recurring revenue (ARR) growth while concealing that its ARR growth guidance failed to properly account for crucial variables - such as the type of sale - that significantly affected the Company's true growth trajectory. As the truth emerged on January 27, 2026, when Commvault reported Q3 fiscal 2026 results showing SaaS ARR growth of only 40% - a meaningful deceleration from 56% in the prior quarter - CVLT's stock price fell over 31% in a single day, causing significant losses for investors.
Who may be eligible to participate in the Commvault Systems class action lawsuit?
Investors who purchased or acquired Commvault Systems (CVLT) stock between April 29, 2025 and January 26, 2026 - the Class Period - and suffered financial losses may be eligible to participate in the Commvault securities class action. Participation as a class member does not require taking any affirmative legal action; eligible investors may recover losses simply by remaining members of the class. Whistleblowers, former Commvault employees, and others with relevant information about the Company's conduct are also encouraged to come forward.
What is a lead plaintiff, and how can I seek appointment in the Commvault Systems lawsuit?
A lead plaintiff in the Commvault Systems class action is a court-appointed investor - typically the one with the largest financial interest in the case - who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of all class members. Any Commvault investor who purchased CVLT stock during the Class Period may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice. The deadline to seek lead plaintiff appointment is July 17, 2026. Importantly, choosing not to seek the lead plaintiff role does not affect an investor's ability to share in any recovery obtained for the class.
What should investors do if they purchased Commvault Systems stock during the Class Period?
Investors who purchased Commvault Systems (CVLT) stock between January 28, 2025 and January 26, 2026 and suffered losses should contact Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP immediately to discuss their legal rights. The deadline to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Commvault Systems securities class action is July 17, 2026. To speak directly with securities litigation partner Josh Wilson, call 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310), or visit www.faruqilaw.com/CVLT for more information.
Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/304612
Source: Faruqi & Faruqi LLP
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Wall Street analysts expect First Horizon National (FHN - Free Report) to post quarterly earnings of $0.52 per share in its upcoming report, which indicates a year-over-year increase of 15.6%. Revenues are expected to be $873.47 million, up 5.2% from the year-ago quarter.
The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has undergone an upward revision of 0.2% 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.
In light of this perspective, let's dive into the average estimates of certain First Horizon metrics that are commonly tracked and forecasted by Wall Street analysts.
The consensus among analysts is that 'Efficiency Ratio' will reach 57.5%. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of 59.2%.
Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'Average Balance - Total interest earning assets' should arrive at $78.03 billion. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported $75.89 billion in the same quarter of the previous year.
The average prediction of analysts places 'Net Interest Margin (FTE)' at 3.5%. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of 3.4%.
Analysts forecast 'Total nonperforming assets' to reach $604.50 million. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $606.00 million.
The consensus estimate for 'Total nonperforming loans and leases' stands at $603.00 million. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $593.00 million.
Analysts predict that the 'Net Interest Income' will reach $678.48 million. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $641.00 million.
The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Total Non-Interest Income' of $198.21 million. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $189.00 million in the same quarter last year.
According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Net interest income (FTE)' should come in at $680.14 million. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $645.00 million in the same quarter last year.
View all Key Company Metrics for First Horizon here>>>
Over the past month, First Horizon shares have recorded returns of +2.8% versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2.2% change. Based on its Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), FHN will likely exhibit a performance that aligns with the overall market in the upcoming period. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
Here at Zacks, we focus on our proven ranking system, which places an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions, to find winning stocks. But we also understand that investors develop their own strategies, so we are constantly looking at the latest trends in value, growth, and momentum to find strong companies for our readers.
Of these, value investing is easily one of the most popular ways to find great stocks in any market environment. Value investors use fundamental analysis and traditional valuation metrics to find stocks that they believe are being undervalued by the market at large.
On top of the Zacks Rank, investors can also look at our innovative Style Scores system to find stocks with specific traits. For example, value investors will want to focus on the "Value" category. Stocks with high Zacks Ranks and "A" grades for Value will be some of the highest-quality value stocks on the market today.
One stock to keep an eye on is Post Holdings (POST - Free Report) . POST is currently sporting a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and an A for Value. The stock is trading with a P/E ratio of 12.87, which compares to its industry's average of 14.40. Over the past year, POST's Forward P/E has been as high as 19.52 and as low as 12.72, with a median of 16.42.
We should also highlight that POST has a P/B ratio of 1.44. The P/B ratio pits a stock's market value against its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. This stock's P/B looks solid versus its industry's average P/B of 1.69. Over the past year, POST's P/B has been as high as 1.75 and as low as 1.42, with a median of 1.62.
Value investors also frequently use the P/S ratio. This metric is found by dividing a stock's price with the company's revenue. Some people prefer this metric because sales are harder to manipulate on an income statement. This means it could be a truer performance indicator. POST has a P/S ratio of 0.45. This compares to its industry's average P/S of 0.67.
Finally, investors should note that POST has a P/CF ratio of 7.45. This figure highlights a company's operating cash flow and can be used to find firms that are undervalued when considering their impressive cash outlook. This stock's P/CF looks attractive against its industry's average P/CF of 10.70. Over the past year, POST's P/CF has been as high as 9.41 and as low as 7.35, with a median of 8.35.
These are only a few of the key metrics included in Post Holdings's strong Value grade, but they help show that the stock is likely undervalued right now. When factoring in the strength of its earnings outlook, POST looks like an impressive value stock at the moment.
Key Takeaways Super Micro Computer earned over $1B in nine-month net income but used $7.6B in operating cash.Receivables hit $8.4B, inventories reached $11.1B, and the cash conversion cycle rose to 106 days.SMCI sees fourth-quarter gross margin at 8.2-8.4%, making DCBBS crucial to capturing more value. Super Micro Computer (SMCI - Free Report) is chasing explosive AI-driven revenue growth, while its rising working-capital intensity is something to look at. During the first nine months of fiscal 2026, the company generated more than $1 billion in net income but consumed $7.6 billion in operating cash.
Since June 2025, accounts receivable increased from $2.2 billion to $8.4 billion, while inventories surged from $4.7 billion to $11.1 billion. The cash conversion cycle also nearly doubled sequentially to 106 days. Therefore, it is important to monitor whether receivables and inventory normalize as delayed AI deployments come online or whether heavy working-capital requirements are becoming structural.
Margin sustainability is another critical aspect. SMCI’s non-GAAP gross margin recovered to 10.1% from 6.4% sequentially. However, the company expects it to fall back to 8.2-8.4% in the fourth quarter. Large AI customers generate enormous volumes but also possess significant pricing power.
One customer alone represented 27% of third-quarter revenues, making the customer mix a major determinant of profitability. For SMCI, the success of Data Center Building Block Solutions (DCBBS) will therefore be crucial. By bundling servers with cooling, power, networking, software and services, SMCI aims to capture more value from each deployment and improve margins.
However, investors need clearer evidence that DCBBS is materially changing the company’s economics. SMCI also faces stiff competition as the AI data center market is likely to grow at an unprecedented pace throughout 2026 and 2027.
How Competitors Fare Against SMCIBig players like Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE - Free Report) and Dell Technologies (DELL - Free Report) are competing with SMCI in this space.
Dell Technologies is a major supplier of servers and storage systems, with a broad customer base across enterprises and cloud providers. Its scale, established distribution and service offerings give it an edge in winning large contracts. However, Dell Technologies has not grown as quickly as SMCI in AI-specific systems; its ability to bundle hardware with services makes it a strong rival.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise is also expanding aggressively into AI and high-performance computing. Its GreenLake platform provides customers with flexible, cloud-like consumption models, which can be attractive to enterprises. Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s focus on hybrid cloud and AI workloads positions it as a direct competitor in areas where SMCI is seeking growth through its DCBBS strategy.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise offers a range of servers, including HPE ProLiant, HPE Synergy, HPE BladeSystem and HPE Moonshot servers. Dell Technologies has built the Dell AI Factory in collaboration with NVIDIA. Dell also collaborated with Red Hat Enterprise Linux AI for Dell PowerEdge servers.
SMCI’s Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesShares of Super Micro Computer have lost 3.6% year to date against the Zacks Computer – Storage Devices industry’s growth of 280.7%.
SMCI YTD Performance Chart
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, SMCI is trading at a discount at a forward 12 Month P/S multiple of 0.33X compared with the industry’s P/S multiple of 4.28X.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Super Micro Computer’s fiscal 2026 and 2027 earnings implies a year-over-year increase of approximately 24.27% and 22.9%, respectively. Estimates for fiscal 2026 and 2027 earnings have been revised upward in the past 30 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Super Micro Computer currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Bloom Energy stock is showing positive momentum. What’s the outlook for BE shares? What Is Bloom Energy’s Response to Short Report?Management rejected a short report from Hunterbrook Media as "false and misleading," saying it stands behind the accuracy and integrity of its audited financial statements and pointing investors to its latest 10-K and 10-Q filings. The company also disputed claims around scandium oxide sourcing, saying it has enough supply to meet current demand and backlog and that its supply is not dependent on China.
Bloom’s supply-chain debate is also being framed against specific prior executive language, including CEO KR Sridhar’s April 2025 earnings-call line: "We are not dependent on China for scandium." The short thesis leans on trade data and other analysis to challenge that claim, while Bloom has said it will "correct the record" and emphasized a diversified, multi-country supply chain built over two decades.
Bloom Energy Stock: Key Levels To WatchFrom a longer-term view, the stock is still in a powerful uptrend, up 894.27% over the past 12 months and trading well above its 200-day SMA ($168.64) and 100-day SMA ($223.97). The near-term picture is choppier: price is below the 20-day SMA ($284.09) and 50-day SMA ($282.17), which keeps the recent pullback/consolidation structure in play.
RSI is the cleaner momentum lens right now, sitting at 45.18, which signals neutral-to-soft momentum rather than an overbought "blow-off" or an oversold washout. In plain terms, RSI helps gauge whether buying or selling pressure is getting stretched; here it suggests the stock may need more basing before momentum improves.
Key Resistance: $303.00 — a nearby round-number area that also sits above the short-term moving-average zone, where rebounds can stall Key Support: $247.50 — a nearby pivot area just below current price where buyers previously showed up How Bloom Energy Operates in the Fuel Cell MarketBloom Energy designs, manufactures, sells, and installs solid oxide fuel cell systems for on-site power generation, with "Bloom Energy Servers" that can run on natural gas, biogas, and hydrogen to deliver 24/7 stationary electricity. The company sells in the U.S. and internationally, so investors tend to focus on scaling, component sourcing, and the durability of its supply chain.
That’s why the current debate around scandium oxide matters: the short report questioned whether Bloom’s supply assumptions could constrain production, while the company says it has visibility to support production of 25GW per year and isn’t dependent on China to scale supply. When a stock is already extended on the long-term chart, these credibility and execution questions can quickly drive volatility around key technical levels.
Bloom Energy Earnings Preview for July 2026Looking further out, the next major catalyst for the stock arrives with the July 28, 2026 (confirmed) earnings report.
EPS Estimate: 36 cents (Up from 10 cents YoY) Revenue Estimate: $804.17 million (Up from $401.24 million YoY) Analyst Consensus & Recent Actions: The stock carries a Buy rating with an average price target of $259.50. Recent analyst moves include:
Susquehanna: Positive (Raises Target to $298.00) (July 10) Baird: Outperform (Maintains Target to $310.00) (July 9) Jefferies: Hold (Raises Target to $246.00) (July 6) Bloom Energy’s Benzinga Edge Scorecard BreakdownBelow is the Benzinga Edge scorecard for Bloom Energy, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses compared to the broader market:
The Verdict: Bloom Energy’s Benzinga Edge signal reveals a classic High-Flyer setup—very strong momentum and growth paired with extremely weak value. For longer-term holders, that usually means the trend can stay intact, but drawdowns can be sharp when the narrative gets challenged.
Bloom Energy ETF Exposure: Key Funds to WatchSignificance: Because BE carries such a heavy weight in these funds, any significant inflows or outflows for these ETFs will likely force automatic buying or selling of the stock.
Bloom Energy Stock Price Activity TodayBE Stock Price Activity: Bloom Energy shares were down 1.29% at $253.71 during premarket trading on Friday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
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Fuel-cell stocks are losing a chunk of their monster 2026 gains on Friday morning, with three high-profile names all trading sharply lower. FuelCell Energy (NASDAQ:FCEL) is leading the decline, off 11% to $20.49, while Bloom Energy (NYSE:BE) is down 8% to $235.69 and Plug Power (NASDAQ:PLUG) is lower by 6% to $2.24.
The moves come after an extraordinary run. Year to date, FuelCell Energy stock is up 181%, Bloom Energy stock is up 174%, and Plug Power stock has advanced 14%. Investors have bid the group up on the AI data center power thesis, and profit-taking looks like the dominant force this morning.
None of the three currently carries a trailing P/E ratio, as each remains unprofitable. Trailing EPS stands at -$6.20 for FuelCell Energy, -$0.05 for Bloom Energy, and -$1.39 for Plug Power.
Three Separate Threads, One Sector Unwind FuelCell Energy is the clearest story. The company’s $225 million share offering priced at $21 was set to close on or about July 9, and FuelCell Energy shares have now slipped below that offering price. That dilution overhang is compounding after a Q2 FY2026 report that showed revenue of $35.59 million, down 5% year over year, and a $42.57 million non-cash impairment tied to the Groton project.
Bloom Energy shares are contending with a different overhang. On July 8, Hunterbrook alleged that Bloom Energy depends on China for scandium and questioned its accounting and production goals. Bloom Energy rebutted the claims as “false and misleading,” citing sufficient scandium inventories, no China dependence, and visibility to up to 25 GW. The market initially shrugged off the report, with Bloom Energy stock bouncing on July 9, but the report appears to be weighing again today alongside garden-variety profit-taking.
Plug Power has no fresh company-specific catalyst. PLUG stock appears to be moving in sympathy with the broader hydrogen and fuel-cell complex.
Act now: the analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks — and Plug Power didn't make the cut. Grab the names FREE today.
Sector Rotation and the Hydrogen ETF Read-Through The Global X Hydrogen ETF (NYSEARCA:HYDR) is a useful gauge here. Bloom Energy is its top U.S. holding at 15% of net assets, followed by Plug Power at 9% and FuelCell Energy at 5%. Together, the three names represent 29% of HYDR’s net assets, so today’s move hits the fund squarely. HYDR is a narrow, volatile thematic vehicle, and that concentration cuts both ways.
Retail sentiment on Bloom Energy has been mixed. A single high-engagement r/wallstreetbets post titled “1,100 Shares $BE (Margin + Cash): Margin Called + Naked Options” drew 112 upvotes and 87 comments as the selloff took hold, a reminder that leveraged retail positioning tends to accelerate downside in these names.
Bull and Bear on the Primary Name The bull case for FuelCell Energy stock rests on momentum and clean-energy exposure to AI data center power demand. Management flagged a 4 GW pipeline, 90% data center-related, and cash of $373 million to fund the Torrington capacity build-out. The analyst target price of $22 sits near current levels, with a rating mix of 6 hold and 2 sell/strong sell ratings.
The bear case is dilution, chronic unprofitability, and a beta of 2.31 that means outsized swings in both directions. FuelCell Energy stock is still down 91.5% over five years, so the recent gains sit on a fragile base.
Investors may want to keep their position sizes modest in FuelCell Energy stock given the volatility profile, and can watch for whether FCEL can reclaim the $21 offering price. The next scheduled catalyst worth watching is Bloom Energy’s next quarterly report, followed by Plug Power’s Q4 2026 target for positive EBITDA including stock-based compensation (EBITDAS).
Act now: the analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks — and Plug Power didn't make the cut. Grab the names FREE today.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
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.
It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores is a unique set of guidelines that rates stocks based on three popular investing types, and were developed as complementary indicators for the Zacks Rank. This combination helps investors choose securities with the highest chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Each stock is given an alphabetic rating of A, B, C, D or F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities. With this system, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on, meaning the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFor value investors, it's all about finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value before the broader market catches on. The Value Style Score utilizes ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to help pick out the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors 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 ScoreWhat if you like to use all three types of investing? The VGM Score is a combination of all Style Scores, making it one of the most comprehensive indicators to use with the Zacks Rank. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, which helps narrow down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.
Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
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.
Here's an example: a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one with Style Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings outlook, and a bigger chance its share price will decrease too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Marathon Petroleum (MPC - Free Report) Findlay, OH-based Marathon Petroleum Corporation is a leading independent refiner, transporter and marketer of petroleum products. The company, in its current form, came into existence following the 2011 spin-off of Houston, TX-based Marathon Oil Corporation’s refining/sales business into a separate, independent and publicly-traded entity. In October 2018, Marathon Oil completed the acquisition of its rival Andeavor in a $23.3 billion deal, thereby becoming the nationwide largest refining company by market capitalization. The deal also made the company the largest U.S. refiner and the fifth largest in the world by capacity.
MPC is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of A thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 8.6; value investors should take notice.
Four analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $4.13 to $32.96 per share. MPC also boasts an average earnings surprise of +49.5%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, MPC should be on investors' short list.
The recommendations of Wall Street analysts are often relied on by investors when deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock. Media reports about these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts changing their ratings often affect a stock's price. Do they really matter, though?
Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about Boston Scientific (BSX - Free Report) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.
Boston Scientific currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.48, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 29 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.48 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.
Of the 29 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 21 are Strong Buy and four are Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 72.4% and 13.8% of all recommendations.
Brokerage Recommendation Trends for BSX
Check price target & stock forecast for Boston Scientific here>>>
The ABR suggests buying Boston Scientific, but making an investment decision solely on the basis of this information might not be a good idea. According to several studies, brokerage recommendations have little to no success guiding investors to choose stocks with the most potential for price appreciation.
Are you wondering why? The vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover often results in a strong positive bias of their analysts in rating it. Our research shows that for every "Strong Sell" recommendation, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations.
This means that the interests of these institutions are not always aligned with those of retail investors, giving little insight into the direction of a stock's future price movement. It would therefore be best to use this information to validate your own analysis or a tool that has proven to be highly effective at predicting stock price movements.
Zacks Rank, our proprietary stock rating tool with an impressive externally audited track record, categorizes stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), and is an effective indicator of a stock's price performance in the near future. Therefore, using the ABR to validate the Zacks Rank could be an efficient way of making a profitable investment decision.
Zacks Rank Should Not Be Confused With ABRIn spite of the fact that Zacks Rank and ABR both appear on a scale from 1 to 5, they are two completely different measures.
The ABR is calculated solely based on brokerage recommendations and is typically displayed with decimals (example: 1.28). In contrast, the Zacks Rank is a quantitative model allowing investors to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
Analysts employed by brokerage firms have been and continue to be overly optimistic with their recommendations. Since the ratings issued by these analysts are more favorable than their research would support because of the vested interest of their employers, they mislead investors far more often than they guide.
On the other hand, earnings estimate revisions are at the core of the Zacks Rank. And empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
In addition, the different Zacks Rank grades are applied proportionately to all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide current-year earnings estimates. In other words, this tool always maintains a balance among its five ranks.
There is also a key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank when it comes to freshness. When you look at the ABR, it may not be up-to-date. Nonetheless, since brokerage analysts constantly revise their earnings estimates to reflect changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in predicting future stock prices.
Is BSX Worth Investing In?In terms of earnings estimate revisions for Boston Scientific, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has declined 0.2% over the past month to $3.36.
Analysts' growing pessimism over the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by strong agreement among them in revising EPS estimates lower, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to plunge in the near term.
The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) for Boston Scientific. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
Therefore, it could be wise to take the Buy-equivalent ABR for Boston Scientific with a grain of salt.
Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.
The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.
It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.
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 given an alphabetic rating of A, B, C, D or F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities. With this system, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on, meaning the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.
Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank A proprietary stock-rating model, the Zacks Rank utilizes the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings outlook, to help investors create a successful portfolio.
Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
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.
To have the best chance of big returns, you'll want to always consider stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B, which will give you the highest probability of success. If you're looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, it's important they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.
Here's an example: a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one with Style Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings outlook, and a bigger chance its share price will decrease too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: TransUnion (TRU - Free Report) Headquartered in Chicago, IL, TransUnion is one of the leading global providers of risk and information solutions to businesses and consumers. The company provides consumer reports, risk scores, analytical services and decision-making capabilities to businesses. What sets TransUnion apart are its distinctive and comprehensive datasets, next-generation technology and its analytics and decision-making capabilities — which enable it to deliver insights across the complete consumer lifecycle. TransUnion boasts rich domain proficiency across key industry verticals, including insurance, healthcare and financial services. It also caters to verticals like wireless, real estate and general commercial/business information. Possession of both nationwide consumer credit data and comprehensive, diverse public records data, enables the company to better predict behavior, assess risk and address a broader set of business issues for its customers.
TRU is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.
Momentum investors should take note of this Business Services stock. TRU has a Momentum Style Score of B, and shares are up 16.2% over the past four weeks.
Three analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.01 to $4.75 per share. TRU also boasts an average earnings surprise of +6.3%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, TRU should be on investors' short list.
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 research service features daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, all of which will help you become a smarter, more confident investor.
Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.
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 given an alphabetic rating of A, B, C, D or F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities. With this system, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on, meaning the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFor value investors, it's all about finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value before the broader market catches on. The Value Style Score utilizes ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to help pick out the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.
Momentum ScoreMomentum trading is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook, and these investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." The Momentum Style Score can pinpoint good times to build a position in a stock, using factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates.
VGM ScoreIf you want a combination of all three Style Scores, then the VGM Score will be your friend. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, helping you find the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum. It's also one of the best indicators to use with the Zacks Rank.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.
#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, which is more than double the S&P 500's performance over the same time frame. However, the Zacks Rank examines a ton of stocks, and there can be more than 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, and another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.
Since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank, the direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy.
A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: CDW (CDW - Free Report) Headquartered in Vernon Hills, IL, CDW Corporation, founded in 1984, provides discrete hardware and software products alongside integrated IT solutions that support mobility, security, data center optimization, cloud computing, virtualization and collaboration environments.
CDW is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.
Momentum investors should take note of this Computer and Technology stock. CDW has a Momentum Style Score of B, and shares are up 8.6% over the past four weeks.
For fiscal 2026, three analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.22 to $10.75 per share. CDW boasts an average earnings surprise of +3.3%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, CDW should be on investors' short list.
The market expects Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB - Free Report) to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. This widely-known consensus outlook is important in assessing the company's earnings picture, but a powerful factor that might influence its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.
The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 17. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.
While management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call will mostly determine the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations, it's worth having a handicapping insight into the odds of a positive EPS surprise.
Zacks Consensus EstimateThis company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.98 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +8.9%.
Revenues are expected to be $3.25 billion, up 44.8% from the year-ago quarter.
Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.44% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.
Investors should keep in mind that an aggregate change may not always reflect the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts.
Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. Our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) -- has this insight at its core.
The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.
Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.
A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.
Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).
How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Fifth Third Bancorp?For Fifth Third Bancorp, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -0.61%.
On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.
So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Fifth Third Bancorp 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 Fifth Third Bancorp would post earnings of $0.84 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.83, delivering a surprise of -1.19%.
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.
Fifth Third Bancorp 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 PlayerU.S. Bancorp (USB - Free Report) , another stock in the Zacks Banks - Major Regional industry, is expected to report earnings per share of $1.28 for the quarter ended June 2026. This estimate points to a year-over-year change of +15.3%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $7.62 billion, up 8.7% from the year-ago quarter.
The consensus EPS estimate for U.S. Bancorp has been revised 0.9% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. However, a higher Most Accurate Estimate has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +0.34%.
This Earnings ESP, combined with its Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), suggests that U.S. Bancorp 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.
For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.
The research service features daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, all of which will help you become a smarter, more confident investor.
Zacks Premium includes access to the Zacks Style Scores as well.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores is a unique set of guidelines that rates stocks based on three popular investing types, and were developed as complementary indicators for the Zacks Rank. This combination helps investors choose securities with the highest chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Each stock is given an alphabetic rating of A, B, C, D or F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities. With this system, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on, meaning the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors, on the other hand, are more concerned with a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score examines things like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will experience sustainable growth over time.
Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.
It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% 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.
To have the best chance of big returns, you'll want to always consider stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B, which will give you the highest probability of success. If you're looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, it's important they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.
A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Fair Isaac (FICO - Free Report) Fair Isaac Corporation, better known as FICO, offers analytical tools, software and solutions that help in making informed decisions.
FICO is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.
Additionally, the company could be a top pick for growth investors. FICO has a Growth Style Score of A, forecasting year-over-year earnings growth of 46% for the current fiscal year.
One analyst revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.07 to $43.63 per share. FICO also boasts an average earnings surprise of +8.8%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Growth and VGM Style Scores, FICO should be on investors' short list.
Wall Street analysts forecast that The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc (PNC - Free Report) will report quarterly earnings of $4.51 per share in its upcoming release, pointing to a year-over-year increase of 17.1%. It is anticipated that revenues will amount to $6.47 billion, exhibiting an increase of 13.7% compared to the year-ago quarter.
Over the last 30 days, there has been a downward revision of 0.3% in the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter, leading to its current level. This signifies the covering analysts' collective reconsideration of their initial forecasts over the course of this timeframe.
Ahead of a company's earnings disclosure, it is crucial to give due consideration to changes in earnings estimates. These revisions serve as a noteworthy factor in predicting potential investor reactions to the stock. Numerous empirical studies consistently demonstrate a strong relationship between trends in earnings estimate revision and the short-term price performance of a stock.
While investors typically rely on consensus earnings and revenue estimates to gauge how the business may have fared during the quarter, examining analysts' projections for some of the company's key metrics often helps gain a deeper insight.
Bearing this in mind, let's now explore the average estimates of specific The PNC Financial Services Group metrics that are commonly monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts.
Analysts expect 'Efficiency ratio' to come in at 58.9%. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 60.0%.
The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Total nonperforming assets' will likely reach $2.55 billion. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of $2.14 billion.
Analysts' assessment points toward 'Book value per common share' reaching $146.34 . Compared to the current estimate, the company reported $131.61 in the same quarter of the previous year.
Analysts predict that the 'Total interest-earning assets - Average balance' will reach $552.40 billion. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $507.61 billion.
The consensus estimate for 'Total nonperforming loans' stands at $2.45 billion. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $2.11 billion in the same quarter last year.
The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Tier 1 risk-based ratio' of 11.3%. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 11.9%.
The consensus among analysts is that 'Leverage Ratio' will reach 9.0%. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 9.3%.
According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Net Interest Income' should come in at $4.09 billion. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $3.56 billion.
Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'Total Noninterest Income' should arrive at $2.33 billion. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $2.11 billion in the same quarter last year.
It is projected by analysts that the 'Net interest income (Fully Taxable-Equivalent - FTE) (non-GAAP)' will reach $4.12 billion. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported $3.58 billion in the same quarter of the previous year.
The average prediction of analysts places 'Capital markets and advisory' at $478.35 million. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $321.00 million in the same quarter last year.
Analysts forecast 'Card and cash management' to reach $765.86 million. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported $737.00 million in the same quarter of the previous year.
View all Key Company Metrics for The PNC Financial Services Group here>>>
Shares of The PNC Financial Services Group have demonstrated returns of +7.3% over the past month compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2.2% change. With a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), PNC is expected to mirror the overall market performance in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
Wall Street watches a company's quarterly report closely to understand as much as possible about its recent performance and what to expect going forward. Of course, one figure often stands out among the rest: earnings.
The earnings figure itself is key, of course, but a beat or miss on the bottom line can sometimes be just as, if not more, important. Therefore, investors should consider paying close attention to these earnings surprises, as a big beat can help a stock climb and vice versa.
Hunting for 'earnings whispers' or companies poised to beat their quarterly earnings estimates is a somewhat common practice. But that doesn't make it easy. One way that has been proven to work is by using the Zacks Earnings ESP tool.
The Zacks Earnings ESP, ExplainedThe Zacks Earnings ESP is more formally known as the Expected Surprise Prediction, and it aims to grab the inside track on the latest analyst estimate revisions ahead of a company's report. The idea is relatively intuitive as a newer projection might be based on more complete information.
Now that we understand the basic idea, let's look at how the Expected Surprise Prediction works. The ESP is calculated by comparing the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the percentage difference between the two giving us the Zacks ESP figure.
When we join a positive earnings ESP with a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or stronger, stocks posted a positive bottom-line surprise 70% of the time. Plus, this system saw investors produce roughly 28% annual returns on average, according to our 10 year backtest.
Most stocks, about 60%, fall into the #3 (Hold) category, and they are expected to perform in-line with the broader market. Stocks with a #2 (Buy) and #1 (Strong Buy) rating, or the top 15% and top 5% of stocks, respectively, should outperform the market, with Strong Buy stocks outperforming more than any other rank.
Should You Consider EOG Resources?Now that we understand what the ESP is and how beneficial it can be, let's dive into a stock that currently fits the bill. EOG Resources (EOG - Free Report) earns a #3 (Hold) right now and its Most Accurate Estimate sits at $5.07 a share, just 25 days from its upcoming earnings release on August 4, 2026.
EOG has an Earnings ESP figure of +0.36%, which, as explained above, is calculated by taking the percentage difference between the $5.07 Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.05. EOG Resources is one of a large database of stocks with positive ESPs. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.
EOG is one of just a large database of Oils and Energy stocks with positive ESPs. Another solid-looking stock is Talos Energy (TALO - Free Report) .
Slated to report earnings on August 5, 2026, Talos Energy holds a #3 (Hold) ranking on the Zacks Rank, and its Most Accurate Estimate is $0.43 a share 26 days from its next quarterly update.
For Talos Energy, the percentage difference between its Most Accurate Estimate and its Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.32 is +35.79%.
EOG and TALO's positive ESP metrics may signal that a positive earnings surprise for both stocks is on the horizon.
Find Stocks to Buy or Sell Before They're ReportedUse the Zacks Earnings ESP Filter to turn up stocks with the highest probability of positively, or negatively, surprising to buy or sell before they're reported for profitable earnings season trading. Check it out here >>
Investors often turn to recommendations made by Wall Street analysts before making a Buy, Sell, or Hold decision about a stock. While media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm employed (or sell-side) analysts often affect a stock's price, do they really matter?
Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let's see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about Comfort Systems (FIX - Free Report) .
Comfort Systems currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.33, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 12 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.33 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.
Of the 12 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 10 are Strong Buy, representing 83.3% of all recommendations.
Brokerage Recommendation Trends for FIX
Check price target & stock forecast for Comfort Systems here>>>
While the ABR calls for buying Comfort Systems, it may not be wise to make an investment decision solely based on this information. Several studies have shown limited to no success of brokerage recommendations in guiding investors to pick stocks with the best price increase potential.
Do you wonder why? As a result of the vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover, their analysts tend to rate it with a strong positive bias. According to our research, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations for every "Strong Sell" recommendation.
This means that the interests of these institutions are not always aligned with those of retail investors, giving little insight into the direction of a stock's future price movement. It would therefore be best to use this information to validate your own analysis or a tool that has proven to be highly effective at predicting stock price movements.
With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, which classifies stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), is a reliable indicator of a stock's near-term price performance. So, validating the Zacks Rank with ABR could go a long way in making a profitable investment decision.
ABR Should Not Be Confused With Zacks RankIn spite of the fact that Zacks Rank and ABR both appear on a scale from 1 to 5, they are two completely different measures.
The ABR is calculated solely based on brokerage recommendations and is typically displayed with decimals (example: 1.28). In contrast, the Zacks Rank is a quantitative model allowing investors to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
It has been and continues to be the case that analysts employed by brokerage firms are overly optimistic with their recommendations. Because of their employers' vested interests, these analysts issue more favorable ratings than their research would support, misguiding investors far more often than helping them.
On the other hand, earnings estimate revisions are at the core of the Zacks Rank. And empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
In addition, the different Zacks Rank grades are applied proportionately to all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide current-year earnings estimates. In other words, this tool always maintains a balance among its five ranks.
There is also a key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank when it comes to freshness. When you look at the ABR, it may not be up-to-date. Nonetheless, since brokerage analysts constantly revise their earnings estimates to reflect changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in predicting future stock prices.
Is FIX a Good Investment?In terms of earnings estimate revisions for Comfort Systems, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has remained unchanged over the past month at $43.08.
Analysts' steady views regarding the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by an unchanged consensus estimate, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for Comfort Systems. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
It may therefore be prudent to be a little cautious with the Buy-equivalent ABR for Comfort Systems.
Key Takeaways Comfort Systems targets 4M square feet of modular capacity by end-2026 as demand drives expansion.Q1 CapEx surged to $147M, funding a Texas modular assembly building and automation investments.Large customers need more capacity, while new customers are placing sizable trial orders. Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (FIX - Free Report) is expanding its modular capabilities as customer demand creates a need for greater off-site production capacity. Modular revenues accounted for 17% of total revenues in the first quarter of 2026, making the business a meaningful part of the company’s construction operations. The company is on track to reach 4 million square feet of modular capacity by the end of 2026 and is evaluating further investments.
The expansion is supported by a sharp increase in capital spending. Capital expenditures reached $147 million in the first quarter, up from $22 million a year ago, and represented 5.1% of revenues compared with 1.2%. Spending included the purchase of a large modular assembly building in Texas and other investments in modular capabilities. Full-year CapEx is expected to remain near 5% of revenues as Comfort Systems invests in facilities and automation equipment.
The capacity buildout is also tied to customer demand. Existing large customers require additional capacity, while new customers are placing sizable trial orders. For many facilities, Comfort Systems seeks multiyear customer commitments at agreed volume levels before committing capacity. This approach can improve visibility around asset use, support pricing and deepen customer relationships.
The broader operating environment also provides support. First-quarter revenues rose 56% to $2.9 billion, while same-store revenues increased 51% year over year. Mechanical segment revenues, which include modular activity, grew 47% year over year. Taken together, rising modular scale, customer-backed capacity additions and automation investments could strengthen Comfort Systems’ ability to serve larger project volumes. However, the higher capital requirement makes disciplined capacity deployment and sustained customer demand important to realizing returns from the expansion.
Comfort Systems’ Competitive LandscapeComfort Systems, alongside close peers, AAON, Inc. (AAON - Free Report) and Carrier Global Corporation (CARR - Free Report) , is pursuing different strategies to strengthen its position across the HVAC and infrastructure markets. All three are benefiting from demand for advanced cooling, energy-efficient systems and data center infrastructure.
Comfort Systems has distinguished itself through strong project execution and expanding mechanical, electrical and modular capabilities for complex data center and advanced technology projects. AAON focuses on highly engineered and configurable HVAC solutions, supported by capacity expansion and improved production. Demand for data center thermal management and specialized cooling applications is also supporting growth opportunities.
Carrier Global competes through a broad HVAC portfolio, product innovation and integrated building solutions. Its business is supported by commercial HVAC demand, aftermarket services, digital connectivity and energy-efficient offerings. While Comfort Systems emphasizes project execution and modular capabilities, AAON relies on specialized HVAC and cooling solutions and Carrier Global uses product breadth, system integration and a broad service network to compete across end markets.
FIX Stock’s Price Performance & Valuation TrendShares of this Texas-based heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical contracting service provider have surged 90.8% year to date, outperforming the Zacks Building Products - Air Conditioner and Heating industry, the Zacks Construction sector and the S&P 500 Index.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
FIX stock is currently trading at a premium compared with the industry peers, with a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 37.07, as the trend lines suggest below.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Earnings Estimate Trend of FIXFIX’s earnings estimates for 2026 and 2027 have moved upward in the past 60 days to $43.08 and $52.59 per share, respectively. The revised estimates for 2026 and 2027 imply year-over-year growth of 49.2% and 22.1%, respectively.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Comfort Systems currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
NEW YORK, July 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE: BTU).
Shareholders who purchased shares of BTU during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery.
ALLEGATIONS: According to the complaint, defendants provided overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of Peabody Energy’s Centurion mine and the multitude of issues causing delays to the ramp-up and the return to full longwall production dates. On March 30, 2026, Peabody Energy issued a press release lowering guidance pertaining to Centurion mine’s expected first quarter 2026 output ahead of the Company’s full earnings release. In pertinent part, defendants announced that sales volume from the Centurion mine was expected to deliver approximately 250,000 tons in the first quarter due to mining commissioning challenges (compared to previous estimates of around 700,000 tons). Following this news, the price of Peabody Energy’s common stock declined dramatically. From a closing market price of $39.50 per share on March 27, 2026, Peabody Energy’s stock price fell to $35.68 per share on March 30, 2026, a decline of about 9.7% in the span of a single trading day. On May 5, 2026, Peabody Energy issued a press release disclosing the Company’s failure to ramp-up Centurion by the long-awaited March 2026 deadline and cutting guidance related to full year met segment volumes to reflect the increased cost and substantial volume decrease. Following this news, Peabody Energy’s common stock declined from a closing market price of $26.52 per share on May 4, 2026, to $25.00 per share on May 5, 2025, a decline of 5.7%.
DEADLINE: August 24, 2026 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/peabody-energy-corporation-loss-submission-form-2/?id=192857&from=3
NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of BTU during the timeframe listed above, you will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to provide you with status updates throughout the lifecycle of the case. The deadline to seek to be a lead plaintiff is August 24, 2026. There is no cost or obligation to you to participate in this case.
WHY GROSS LAW FIRM? The Gross Law Firm is a nationally recognized class action law firm, and our mission is to protect the rights of all investors who have suffered as a result of deceit, fraud, and illegal business practices. The Gross Law Firm is committed to ensuring that companies adhere to responsible business practices and engage in good corporate citizenship. The firm seeks recovery on behalf of investors who incurred losses when false and/or misleading statements or the omission of material information by a company lead to artificial inflation of the company's stock. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
The Gross Law Firm
15 West 38th Street, 12th floor
New York, NY, 10018
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (646) 453-8903
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In Peabody Energy To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options
If you purchased or acquired securities in Peabody Energy between October 14, 2024 and May 4, 2026 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).
[You may also click here for additional information]
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 10, 2026) - Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Peabody Energy Corporation ("Peabody Energy" or the "Company") (NYSE: BTU) and reminds investors of the August 24, 2026 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.
Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.
As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: Defendants provided these overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of Peabody Energy's Centurion mine and the multitude of issues causing delays to the ramp-up and the return to full longwall production dates. Such statements absent these material facts caused Plaintiff and other shareholders to purchase Peabody Energy's securities at artificially inflated prices.
On March 30, 2026, Peabody Energy issued a press release lowering guidance pertaining to Centurion mine's expected first quarter 2026 output, announcing that sales volume from the Centurion mine was expected to deliver approximately 250,000 tons in the first quarter due to "greater-than-anticipated mine commissioning challenges" (compared to previous estimates of around 700,000 tons). On this news, Peabody Energy's stock price fell $3.82, or approximately 9.7%, to close at $35.68 per share on March 30, 2026.
On May 5, 2026, Peabody Energy issued a press release disclosing the Company's failure to ramp-up Centurion by the long-awaited March 2026 deadline and cutting guidance related to full year met segment volumes to reflect the increased cost and substantial volume decrease, reducing the full year sales outlook for Centurion to 2.5 million tons compared to the original expectation of 3.5 million tons. On this news, Peabody Energy's stock price fell $1.52, or 5.7%, to close at $25.00 per share on May 5, 2026.
The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Peabody Energy's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.
To learn more about the Peabody Energy class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/BTU or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Investors Regarding the Peabody Energy Securities Class Action Lawsuit:
What is the Peabody Energy securities fraud lawsuit about?
The lawsuit alleges that Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE: BTU) and certain of its officers and directors made materially false and misleading statements and/or concealed material adverse facts concerning the true condition of the Company's Centurion mine, including the nature and severity of issues allegedly causing delays to its ramp-up and return to full longwall production. The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, defendants provided investors with overwhelmingly positive statements about the Centurion mine while purportedly withholding information about the multitude of operational challenges affecting it. These allegedly false and misleading statements are said to have caused investors to purchase Peabody Energy securities at artificially inflated prices. The inflation in the stock price allegedly began to correct when Peabody Energy disclosed, on March 30, 2026, that first quarter 2026 output from the Centurion mine was expected to reach only approximately 250,000 tons - well below prior estimates of approximately 700,000 tons - due to "greater-than-anticipated mine commissioning challenges," and further when the Company disclosed on May 5, 2026 that it had failed to ramp up the mine by its March 2026 deadline and cut its full-year sales outlook for Centurion from 3.5 million tons to 2.5 million tons.
Who may be eligible to participate in the lawsuit?
Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE: BTU) securities on the NASDAQ between October 14, 2024 and May 4, 2026, inclusive, may be eligible to participate in this lawsuit as members of the proposed class. Eligibility to participate is not limited to investors who seek appointment as lead plaintiff; any qualifying class member may share in any recovery that may ultimately be obtained. Investors who purchased Peabody Energy securities during the Class Period and suffered losses are encouraged to review their transaction records to determine whether they fall within the defined class. Participation in a class action does not require that an investor take any individual legal action or incur separate legal fees to potentially benefit from any recovery achieved on behalf of the class.
What is a lead plaintiff, and how can I seek appointment?
A lead plaintiff is a court-appointed representative who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation, including making key decisions regarding litigation strategy and the selection of lead counsel. Any class member who purchased Peabody Energy securities during the Class Period and suffered a loss may move the court for appointment as lead plaintiff, and courts typically appoint the movant with the largest financial interest in the outcome of the litigation who otherwise satisfies applicable legal requirements. The deadline to file a motion seeking appointment as lead plaintiff is August 24, 2026. Importantly, investors are not required to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in order to participate in the class and share in any recovery that may result from the litigation - class members who do not serve as lead plaintiff retain the ability to benefit from any settlement or judgment.
What should investors do if they purchased Peabody Energy stock during the Class Period?
Investors who purchased Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE: BTU) securities between October 14, 2024 and May 4, 2026, inclusive, are encouraged to promptly review their brokerage records and account statements to confirm the dates and prices at which they acquired and, if applicable, sold their shares. Investors should take steps to preserve all relevant documentation, including transaction confirmations, account statements, and any communications relating to their Peabody Energy holdings, as such records may be relevant to establishing eligibility and calculating losses. Given that the lead plaintiff motion deadline is August 24, 2026, investors wishing to be considered for appointment as lead plaintiff should act well in advance of that date. Investors may wish to consult with Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP or other qualified securities counsel to evaluate their legal rights and options before the deadline.
Why should investors contact Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP?
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP has represented investors in securities litigation for decades and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for shareholders. Investors who purchased Peabody Energy securities during the Class Period may contact the firm to discuss their legal rights, potential claims, and the lead plaintiff process at no cost or obligation.
Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/304606
Source: Faruqi & Faruqi LLP
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LOS ANGELES, July 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, reminds investors of a class action lawsuit against Peabody Energy Corporation (“Peabody” or “the Company”) (NYSE: BTU) for violations of §§10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Investors who purchased the Company’s securities between October 14, 2024 and May 4, 2026, inclusive (the “Class Period”), are encouraged to contact the firm before August 24, 2026.
If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.
We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at [email protected].
The class, in this case, has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member.
According to the Complaint, the Company made false and misleading statements to the market. Peabody falsely led investors to believe it could reliably predict the ramp-up and growth of its Centurion mine. The Company suffered wide-ranging issues and delays at the Centurion mine. Based on these facts, the Company’s public statements were false and materially misleading throughout the class period. When the market learned the truth about Peabody investors suffered damages.
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Valero Energy (VLO - Free Report) has recently been on Zacks.com's list of the most searched stocks. Therefore, you might want to consider some of the key factors that could influence the stock's performance in the near future.
Shares of this oil refiner have returned +10% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2.2% change. The Zacks Oil and Gas - Refining and Marketing industry, to which Valero Energy belongs, has lost 1.5% 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 EstimatesRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.
Our analysis is essentially based on how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to take the latest business trends into account. When earnings estimates for a company go up, the fair value for its stock goes up as well. And when a stock's fair value is higher than its current market price, investors tend to buy the stock, resulting in its price moving upward. Because of this, empirical studies indicate a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock price movements.
For the current quarter, Valero Energy is expected to post earnings of $9.81 per share, indicating a change of +330.3% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +31.5% over the last 30 days.
For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $31.04 points to a change of +192.6% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has changed +8.2%.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $22.09 indicates a change of -28.8% from what Valero Energy is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed +2.6%.
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, Valero Energy is rated Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Revenue Growth ForecastEven though a company's earnings growth is arguably the best indicator of its financial health, nothing much happens if it cannot raise its revenues. It's almost impossible for a company to grow its earnings without growing its revenue for long periods. Therefore, knowing a company's potential revenue growth is crucial.
In the case of Valero Energy, the consensus sales estimate of $35.92 billion for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +20.2%. The $134.62 billion and $129.27 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +9.7% and -4%, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryValero Energy reported revenues of $32.38 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +7%. EPS of $4.22 for the same period compares with $0.89 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $30.88 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +4.86%. The EPS surprise was +37.46%.
The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. The company topped consensus revenue estimates each time over this period.
ValuationWithout considering a stock's valuation, no investment decision can be efficient. In predicting a stock's future price performance, it's crucial to determine whether its current price correctly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects.
Comparing the current value of a company's valuation multiples, such as its price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), to its own historical values helps ascertain whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, whereas comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of how reasonable its stock price is.
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.
Valero Energy 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.
Bottom LineThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about Valero Energy. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
Wall Street expects a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when Truist Financial Corporation (TFC - Free Report) reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.
The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 17. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.
While the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call, it's worth handicapping the probability of a positive EPS surprise.
Zacks Consensus EstimateThis company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.08 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +18.7%.
Revenues are expected to be $5.21 billion, up 4.5% from the year-ago quarter.
Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.1% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.
Investors should keep in mind that an aggregate change may not always reflect the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts.
Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. Our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) -- has this insight at its core.
The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.
Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.
A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.
Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).
How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Truist Financial?For Truist Financial, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +0.23%.
On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.
So, this combination indicates that Truist Financial will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.
Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?Analysts often consider to what extent a company has been able to match consensus estimates in the past while calculating their estimates for its future earnings. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.
For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Truist Financial would post earnings of $0.99 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.09, delivering a surprise of +10.10%.
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.
Truist Financial appears a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.
Expected Results of an Industry PlayerAnother stock from the Zacks Banks - Major Regional industry, State Street Corporation (STT - Free Report) , is soon expected to post earnings of $3.3 per share for the quarter ended June 2026. This estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +30.4%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $3.85 billion, up 11.5% from the year-ago quarter.
The consensus EPS estimate for State Street has been revised 4% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. However, a higher Most Accurate Estimate has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +0.35%.
When combined with a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy), this Earnings ESP indicates that State Street 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.
I've noticed that as the market turns its attention to stocks tied to artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, data centers, quantum computing, and space, many magnificent S&P 500 stocks have been cast aside. While there is certainly immense potential in these booming industries, I believe this outsize attention has left opportunities in the more "boring is beautiful" sectors, like industrials.
Today, I will look at three forgotten industrial stocks that not only lead their niches, but also trade at once-in-a-decade valuations, making them intriguing buy-now candidates.
1. Copart: 42% below 52-week high Copart (CPRT 0.69%) is the leading online auction platform for totaled vehicles and owns 250 salvage yards across North America and 11 countries in total. The typical transaction involves auto insurers selling (usually) totaled vehicles at auction to dismantlers, exporters, recyclers, and many other customers -- including the public.
It may sound like a fairly unassuming business, but Copart stock has been a 185-bagger since 1994, highlighting the durability of its operations.
The company's salvage yards benefit from "not-in-my-backyard" sentiment, meaning that communities generally put up a lot of resistance toward welcoming a new junkyard in town. This NIMBY-ism helps lock in Copart's status as the industry leader and provides Copart with a wide moat.
However, the company has struggled to lap catastrophe-aided, strong sales years in 2024 and 2025 , and Copart stock has been hammered. As two years of unusually strong hurricanes hit the U.S., Copart benefited from an outsize number of cars being totaled in the storms, but this set a higher than realistic benchmark for the stock to lap sales-wise.
Further aiding this drop was a recent leadership change that saw Jay Adair return to the CEO role, which was a move that caught the market by surprise.
Today's Change
(
-0.69
%) $
-0.20
Current Price
$
28.14
Over time, this leadership change and short-term slowdown should normalize, and the long-term drivers of Copart's business will propel the stock to an eventual rebound. The stronger driver working in the company's favor is soaring total-loss rates from insurers, stemming from the increasingly complex technology being used in cars, which makes them more expensive to repair.
While the company faces the threat of an "existential crisis" from reduced crashes from autonomous vehicles (AVs), I think this threat is overdone at today's valuation. Even if car crashes were greatly reduced, Copart would likely play a large role in AVs' end-of-life process and the parts recycling that would follow. Not even AVs run forever.
Currently trading at 21 times free cash flow (FCF) -- its lowest mark since 2017 -- Copart looks like a great long-term, buy-and-hold investment to consider right now.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
2. Rollins: 35% below 52-week high Rollins (ROL 1.35%) is North America's leading pest control services business and is a 106-bagger since 1990. Thanks to its non-discretionary offerings, industry-leading scale, robust pricing power, and successful track record as a serial acquirer in a highly fragmented niche, Rollins has long commanded a premium valuation alongside its market-smashing returns.
However, following a Federal Trade Commission ruling, Rollins won't be allowed to impose non-compete agreements on its technicians, which the FTC argued "locked" the employees in place. The market has apparently viewed the update as bad news for Rollins, which has dropped 35% over the past year, thanks in part to this ruling.
Today's Change
(
-1.35
%) $
-0.61
Current Price
$
44.17
Now, maybe I'm overly optimistic, but I don't believe this is a death knell for the company by any means. Now, Rollins has the opportunity to build its relationship with its technicians from the ground up. Yes, there will be some short-term departures that weigh on the company, but Rollins' immense scale should help it weather the storm until everything normalizes.
Furthermore, the company benefits from virtually inelastic pricing power thanks to its essential offerings. Restaurants simply can't have any infestations. Homeowners must deal with termites. The list goes on. Similarly, whether it costs $500 or $550 for a theoretical pest problem, customers aren't likely to balk at the price, as long as it isn't completely outrageous. Whatever concessions Rollins has to make with its technicians, it should eventually be able to recoup them through its pricing power.
Currently trading at 33 times FCF, Rollins is the cheapest it has been since 2015, and looks like an excellent contrarian investment in my opinion, as it rebounds from the impacts of the FTC's recent ruling over the longer haul.
3. Otis: 29% below 52-week high Otis Worldwide (OTIS +1.04%) is the largest elevator manufacturer, installer, and repair and maintenance company in the world. Even after the company's 29% decline over the last year, Otis has delivered annualized total returns of 9% since its market debut in 2020.
At the moment, Otis is battling through a slowdown in elevator installations in China and temporary issues weighing on its all-important service and maintenance margins, which prompted its recent decline. That said, management believes margins should return to their previous levels by the end of the year, so the ongoing sell-off may be overdone.
Today's Change
(
1.04
%) $
0.75
Current Price
$
72.75
Furthermore, while more elevator installations are almost always a good thing for Otis, they aren't really the company's bread and butter. The company's service segment accounts for two-thirds of Otis' sales and 94% of its operating profits and isn't likely to be disrupted, as elevators require recurring, mandatory maintenance and repairs. Since elevator servicing is required by law, Otis is well positioned to deliver utility-like returns for decades to come, while also offering upside from modernizing outdated equipment.
Trading at 19 times earnings and 17 times FCF -- the company's lowest mark since it debuted in 2020 -- Otis is very reasonably priced considering that its sales should continue to steadily outpace inflation over the long haul. While it may not be a multibagger anytime soon, Otis offers a well-funded 2.4% dividend yield and makes for an excellent buy-and-hold stock for decades of investment.
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.
It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.
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 given an alphabetic rating of A, B, C, D or F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities. With this system, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on, meaning the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFor value investors, it's all about finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value before the broader market catches on. The Value Style Score utilizes ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to help pick out the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors 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 A proprietary stock-rating model, the Zacks Rank utilizes the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings outlook, to help investors create a successful portfolio.
Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
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.
The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.
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: Ally Financial (ALLY - Free Report) Founded in 1919, Detroit, MI-based Ally Financial Inc. is a diversified financial services company providing several financial products and services to automotive dealers and their customers. It operates as a financial holding and a bank holding company. Ally Bank is an indirect, wholly-owned banking subsidiary of Ally Financial.
ALLY is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of A thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 8.47; value investors should take notice.
Two analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.03 to $5.33 per share. ALLY boasts an average earnings surprise of +17.6%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, ALLY should be on investors' short list.
For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.
Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.
It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.
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.
Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors, on the other hand, are more concerned with a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score examines things like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will experience sustainable growth over time.
Momentum ScoreMomentum 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 want a combination of all three Style Scores, then the VGM Score will be your friend. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, helping you find the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum. It's also one of the best indicators to use with the Zacks Rank.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.
Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
With more than 800 top-rated stocks to choose from, it can certainly feel overwhelming to pick the ones that are right for you and your investing journey.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.
The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.
Here's an example: a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one with Style Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings outlook, and a bigger chance its share price will decrease too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Amphenol (APH - Free Report) Amphenol designs, manufactures and markets electrical, electronic and fiber optic connectors, interconnect systems, antennas, sensors and sensor-based products, and coaxial, high-speed, fiber optic and specialty cable. The company is headquartered in Wallingford, Connecticut.
APH is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.
Additionally, the company could be a top pick for growth investors. APH has a Growth Style Score of A, forecasting year-over-year earnings growth of 42.5% 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 $4.76 per share. APH boasts an average earnings surprise of +14.1%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Growth and VGM Style Scores, APH should be on investors' short list.
The logo of energy services firm Baker Hughes is displayed during the LNG 2023 energy trade show in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, July 12, 2023. REUTERS/Chris Helgren/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
CompaniesBRUSSELS, July 10 (Reuters) - U.S. oilfield services firm Baker Hughes BKR.O, opens new tab secured EU antitrust approval on Friday for its of Chart Industries GTLS.N, opens new tab after agreeing to sell a Chart business.
Baker Hughes announced the deal in July last year to boost its presence in industrial technology servicing liquefied natural gas and data centres and to leverage its industrial and energy technology portfolio.
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The European Commission, which acts as the EU competition enforcer, said concessions offered by Baker Hughes addressed its concerns about the company's ability and incentive to favour Chart's LNG business.
It said the companies will divest Chart's proprietary process technology and its small-scale process technology business and will also ensure the interoperability of their equipment with third parties' LNG equipment. The remedies will be valid for 10 years.
Chart makes industrial equipment such as valves and measurement technology for gas and liquid molecule handling and has 65 manufacturing locations with more than 50 service centres globally.
Reporting by Foo Yun Chee
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab
An agenda-setting and market-moving journalist, Foo Yun Chee is a 21-year veteran at Reuters. Her stories on high profile mergers have pushed up the European telecoms index, lifted companies' shares and helped investors decide on their next move. Her knowledge and experience of European antitrust laws and developments helped her break stories on Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Meta and Apple, numerous market-moving mergers and antitrust investigations. She has previously reported on Greek politics and companies, when Greece's entry into the eurozone meant it punched above its weight on the international stage, as well as on Dutch corporate giants and the quirks of Dutch society and culture that never fail to charm readers.
The recommendations of Wall Street analysts are often relied on by investors when deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock. Media reports about these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts changing their ratings often affect a stock's price. Do they really matter, though?
Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let's see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about Datadog (DDOG - Free Report) .
Datadog currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.25, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 44 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.25 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.
Of the 44 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 38 are Strong Buy and three are Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 86.4% and 6.8% of all recommendations.
Brokerage Recommendation Trends for DDOG
Check price target & stock forecast for Datadog here>>>
While the ABR calls for buying Datadog, it may not be wise to make an investment decision solely based on this information. Several studies have shown limited to no success of brokerage recommendations in guiding investors to pick stocks with the best price increase potential.
Are you wondering why? The vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover often results in a strong positive bias of their analysts in rating it. Our research shows that for every "Strong Sell" recommendation, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations.
This means that the interests of these institutions are not always aligned with those of retail investors, giving little insight into the direction of a stock's future price movement. It would therefore be best to use this information to validate your own analysis or a tool that has proven to be highly effective at predicting stock price movements.
Zacks Rank, our proprietary stock rating tool with an impressive externally audited track record, categorizes stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), and is an effective indicator of a stock's price performance in the near future. Therefore, using the ABR to validate the Zacks Rank could be an efficient way of making a profitable investment decision.
ABR Should Not Be Confused With Zacks RankIn spite of the fact that Zacks Rank and ABR both appear on a scale from 1 to 5, they are two completely different measures.
The ABR is calculated solely based on brokerage recommendations and is typically displayed with decimals (example: 1.28). In contrast, the Zacks Rank is a quantitative model allowing investors to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
It has been and continues to be the case that analysts employed by brokerage firms are overly optimistic with their recommendations. Because of their employers' vested interests, these analysts issue more favorable ratings than their research would support, misguiding investors far more often than helping them.
On the other hand, earnings estimate revisions are at the core of the Zacks Rank. And empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
In addition, the different Zacks Rank grades are applied proportionately to all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide current-year earnings estimates. In other words, this tool always maintains a balance among its five ranks.
There is also a key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank when it comes to freshness. When you look at the ABR, it may not be up-to-date. Nonetheless, since brokerage analysts constantly revise their earnings estimates to reflect changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in predicting future stock prices.
Should You Invest in DDOG?Looking at the earnings estimate revisions for Datadog, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased 5.3% over the past month to $2.41.
Analysts' 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 for the stock to soar in the near term.
The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) for Datadog. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
Therefore, the Buy-equivalent ABR for Datadog may serve as a useful guide for investors.
After reaching an important support level, Carpenter Technology (CRS - Free Report) could be a good stock pick from a technical perspective. CRS surpassed resistance at the 20-day moving average, suggesting a short-term bullish trend.
The 20-day simple moving average is a popular investing tool. Traders like this SMA because it offers a look back at a stock's price over a shorter period and helps smooth out price fluctuations. The 20-day can also show more trend reversal signals than longer-term moving averages.
Like other SMAs, if a stock's price is moving above the 20-day, the trend is considered positive. When the price falls below the moving average, it can signal a downward trend.
Shares of CRS have been moving higher over the past four weeks, up 5.1%. Plus, the company is currently a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock, suggesting that CRS could be poised for a continued surge.
Looking at CRS's earnings estimate revisions, investors will be even more convinced of the bullish uptrend. There have been 3 revisions higher for the current fiscal year compared to none lower, and the consensus estimate has moved up as well.
Investors should think about putting CRS on their watchlist given the ultra-important technical indicator and positive move in earnings estimate revisions.
Key Takeaways PNC expects NII growth, supported by loans, deposits, market investments and efficiencies.Huntington's Cadence merger expands its reach, while acquisition synergies target higher returns.PNC's branch expansion, acquisitions and capital returns support its long-term growth outlook. When investors seek scale and stability among bank stocks, The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (PNC - Free Report) and Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (HBAN - Free Report) often emerge as prominent contenders. Both banks have built strong franchises through diversified lending operations, expanding deposit bases, and a broad focus on consumers, businesses and wealth management clients. However, both banks differ meaningfully in scale, profitability, growth strategy and shareholder returns.
PNC is expected to announce earnings on July 15 and Huntington is anticipated to report quarterly results on July 23. Ahead of these releases, investors may be wondering which of the two stocks offers the more compelling growth opportunity. Let us delve deeper and anlyze each bank growth prospects.
The Case for PNCPNC Financial expects net interest income (NII) momentum to continue, supported by loan growth, asset repricing, deposit expansion, market investments, operational efficiencies and stabilizing funding costs. Over the six years ended 2025, the company’s NII saw a compound annual growth rate of 6.3%. Management expects NII to increase 14% year over year in 2026.
The company is also undertaking a major expansion of its U.S. branch network. PNC plans to open more than 300 branches across nearly 20 markets, renovate its entire branch network by 2029 and hire more than 2,000 employees by 2030 to support growth and customer service. By expanding into high-growth markets, PNC aims to strengthen its position as a leading financial institution serving consumers and businesses of varying sizes.
PNC has also been diversifying its operations through acquisitions, partnerships and strategic alliances. In January 2026, the company completed its acquisition of FirstBank Holding Company, significantly expanding its presence in Colorado and Arizona. In May 2025, it agreed to acquire Aqueduct Capital Group, enhancing fund-placement capabilities at Harris Williams, its global investment banking subsidiary.
PNC remains committed to returning capital to shareholders. Following the 2026 stress test, the company announced an 18% increase in its quarterly cash dividend to $2 per share. It also has an active share-repurchase authorization. Of the 100 million shares approved for repurchase in July 2022, nearly 32 million remained available as of March 31, 2026.
However, PNC’s growth initiatives involve substantial costs. Management expects $325 million in merger and integration expenses in 2026, including $150 million in the second quarter of 2026. Technology investments, branch expansion and rising personnel expenses are also likely to keep operating costs elevated and pressure near-term profitability.
The Case for HBANHuntington has expanded its geographic reach and capabilities across several business lines through acquisitions. In February 2026, the company completed its merger with Cadence Bank, strengthening its presence in Texas and the southern United States while expanding its branch network to nearly 1,400 locations across 21 states. In October 2025, Huntington acquired Veritex Holdings, accelerating its organic growth strategy in Texas by increasing its presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston markets. HBAN expects acquisition synergies, fee-income growth and capital returns to help it generate a return on tangible common equity of 18-19% by 2027.
The bank’s organic growth prospects also appear favorable. Huntington expects stand-alone NII to increase 10-13%, while Cadence is projected to contribute an additional $1.77-$1.82 billion in 2026. Growth is expected to be supported by rising loan balances, and stabilizing deposit and funding costs.
Huntington is also expanding in faster-growing markets, including the Carolinas, Texas and Florida. The company has been hiring commercial bankers and opening branches to attract deposits and deepen relationships with middle-market customers.
On the capital-return front, Huntington increased its quarterly dividend by 3.3% in October 2021 and has maintained the payout since then. Management has indicated plans to repurchase at least $550 million of shares in 2026 and approved a $3-billion share-repurchase authorization to replace the prior program. However, the company continues to prioritize funding loan growth and investing in strategic initiatives. As a result, the pace of share repurchases could be constrained if loan growth, acquisition-related adjustments or regulatory capital requirements increase.
Huntington’s rapid expansion also presents meaningful execution risks. Management expects $1.1 billion in incremental Cadence-related expenses in 2026, excluding nearly $500 million of remaining one-time costs. Successful integration and cost realization will therefore be crucial to Huntington’s earnings outlook.
PNC & HBAN’s Earnings Growth ProspectsThe Zacks Consensus Estimate projects Huntington’s earnings to rise 8.7% in 2026 and 17.8% in 2027.
Earnings Estimates
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
For PNC, the consensus estimate indicates earnings to increase 13.5% in 2026 and 11.5% in 2027.
Earnings Estimates
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
PNC & HBAN: Price Performance, Valuation & Other ComparisonsOver the past six months, PNC shares have jumped 16.3%, whereas Huntington shares have declined 0.8%. In comparison, the S&P 500 Index has advanced 7.9%.
Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Based on price performance, investor sentiment toward PNC has clearly been stronger.
Huntington, however, appears more attractive from a valuation standpoint. HBAN currently trades at a 12-month forward price-to-earnings ratio of 10.06X, below PNC’s multiple of 12.57X.
Price-to-Earnings F12M
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
PNC also has an edge in profitability. Huntington’s return on equity of 11.42% trails PNC’s 12.1%, suggesting that PNC is using shareholder capital more efficiently to generate profits.
Return on Equity
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
HBAN or PNC: Which Has Better PotentialWhile Huntington offers stronger near-term revenue growth and a more attractive valuation, much of its expansion is acquisition-driven and accompanied by elevated integration costs, rising expenses and execution risks.
PNC, conversely, presents a more balanced investment case, supported by solid NII growth, superior profitability, stronger recent share-price performance and a more consistent capital-return strategy. Its expanding branch network, strategic acquisitions and improving operating momentum further strengthen its long-term growth outlook.
Therefore, despite trading at a premium valuation, PNC provides a more balanced investment profile by combining income generation with long-term growth potential.
Currently, HBAN and PNC carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va., July 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII (NYSE: HII) will release its second quarter 2026 financial results on Thursday, July 30 and host an earnings conference call at 9 a.m. Eastern time the same day. The call will be webcast live on HII’s website: https://www.hii.com/.
The company’s remarks will be supplemented by a series of slides available on the investor relations website. Listeners are encouraged to view these materials in conjunction with the call.
Replays of the call will be available on the website for a limited time.
About HII
HII is America’s largest shipbuilder, delivering the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain mission technologies, including unmanned systems, to U.S. and allied defense customers. HII is the largest producer of unmanned underwater vehicles for the U.S. Navy and the world.
With a more than 140-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII builds and integrates defense capabilities extending from the core fleet to C6ISR, AI/ML, EW and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit:
HII on the web: https://www.HII.com/HII on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHIIHII on X: https://www.twitter.com/WeAreHIIHII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreHIIHII on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearehii Contacts:
Arista Networks (ANET - 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 cloud networking company have returned +18.1%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2.2% change. During this period, the Zacks Internet - Software industry, which Arista Networks falls in, has gained 7%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's future direction?
While media releases or rumors about a substantial change in a company's business prospects usually make its stock 'trending' and lead to an immediate price change, there are always some fundamental facts that eventually dominate the buy-and-hold decision-making.
Revisions to Earnings EstimatesRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.
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, Arista Networks is expected to post earnings of $0.89 per share, indicating a change of +21.9% 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 $3.63 points to a change of +21.8% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has remained unchanged.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $4.39 indicates a change of +20.8% from what Arista Networks is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has remained unchanged.
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, Arista Networks is rated Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Revenue Growth ForecastEven though a company's earnings growth is arguably the best indicator of its financial health, nothing much happens if it cannot raise its revenues. It's almost impossible for a company to grow its earnings without growing its revenue for long periods. Therefore, knowing a company's potential revenue growth is crucial.
For Arista Networks, the consensus sales estimate for the current quarter of $2.82 billion indicates a year-over-year change of +28%. For the current and next fiscal years, $11.57 billion and $14.07 billion estimates indicate +28.5% and +21.7% changes, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryArista Networks reported revenues of $2.71 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +35.1%. EPS of $0.87 for the same period compares with $0.65 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.62 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +3.48%. The EPS surprise was +7.41%.
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.
Arista Networks is graded F on this front, indicating that it is trading at a premium to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
Bottom LineThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about Arista Networks. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
Key Takeaways Natera's Signatera earned EU IVDR certification across multiple types of cancer and care settings.The certification covers the assay, specimen kit and software after a comprehensive review.NTRA gained 2.7% yesterday as the approval supported Signatera's commercial expansion in Europe. Natera (NTRA - Free Report) announced that its molecular residual disease (MRD) test, Signatera, received certification as a Class C device under the European Union’s In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR) for use across multiple types of cancer. Signatera is certified to be used in adjuvant and surveillance settings across a broad range of cancers, including gastrointestinal, genitourinary, breast, skin, gynecological, head and neck, non-small cell lung cancer, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and pan-cancer immunotherapy monitoring.
The certification makes Signatera the first personalized MRD test for solid tumors to achieve IVDR certification in the European Union.
Per management, achieving the IVDR certification reaches a milestone in Natera's strategy to expand Signatera MRD testing across Europe. Supported by extensive clinical evidence across multiple cancer types, the certification builds on the company's recent regulatory successes in the United States and Japan.
Likely Trend of NTRA Stock Following the NewsFollowing the announcement, Natera’s shares gained 2.7% at yesterday’s closing. Year to date, the NTRA stock has risen 23% against the industry’s 0.1% decline. The S&P 500 has returned 10.3% in the same timeframe.
The IVDR certification is likely to strengthen investor sentiment by supporting Signatera’s commercial expansion across European markets. The approval reduces regulatory hurdles for future clinical trial launches and allows Natera to continue offering the test beyond the European Union’s IVDD transition deadline in 2028. As adoption of MRD-diagnosed cancer management continues to grow, the latest certification may further enhance Natera’s competitive position in the evolving precision oncology diagnostics market.
NTRA currently has a market capitalization of $39.30 billion.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
More on the NewsThe IVDR certification is regarded as one of the world's most stringent regulatory frameworks for in vitro diagnostic medical devices. The certification covers the entire Signatera platform, including the assay, specimen collection kit and associated software, following a comprehensive review of its analytical validity, clinical performance and quality management systems.
The latest achievement builds on Natera’s two major regulatory achievements for Signatera in recent months. In June 2026, Signatera received approval from Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency for colorectal cancer patients, while in May 2026, the FDA approved Signatera CDx as a companion diagnostic for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Together, these milestones strengthen Natera’s global presence and position the company to drive broader adoption of personalized MRD testing across international markets.
Industry Prospects Favoring the MarketGoing by the data provided by Precedence Research, the minimal residual disease testing market was valued at $1.70 billion in 2025 and is expected to witness a CAGR of 12% through 2034.
Factors such as the demand for highly sensitive technologies like next-generation sequencing and digital PCR, which accurately detect minimal residual cancer cells to guide treatment decisions and predict patient outcomes, are boosting the market’s growth.
Other NewsNatera recently partnered with Aveta Biomics to support AVTA 30-01, a global Phase 3 registrational trial of its oral immunotherapy, APG-157, in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Natera’s Signatera test will be integrated into the AVTA 30-01 Phase 3 study to assess MRD and treatment response during neoadjuvant, induction, adjuvant and follow-up care.
Natera partnered with Eledon Pharmaceuticals to integrate its Prospera kidney transplant assessment test into Eledon’s planned Phase 3 clinical trial of tegoprubart, an investigational therapy designed to prevent organ rejection in kidney transplantation.
Natera announced a collaboration with CytoDyn to evaluate ctDNA dynamics and generate real-world molecular data in support of the latter’s metastatic colorectal cancer program.
NTRA’s Zacks Rank & Key PicksNatera currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some better-ranked stocks from the broader medical space are Veracyte (VCYT - Free Report) , West Pharmaceutical (WST - Free Report) and Pacific Biosciences of California (PACB - Free Report) .
Veracyte, currently sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of 52 cents per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 52.9%. Revenues of $139.1 million surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.6%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rankstocks here.
Veracyte has an estimated earnings growth rate of 5.1% for 2026. VCYT’s earnings surpassed estimates in the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 45.9%.
West Pharmaceutical, currently carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), reported first-quarter 2026 earnings per share of $2.13, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 26.8%. Revenues of $844.9 million surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 8.5%.
West Pharmaceutical has an estimated long-term earnings growth rate of 13.9%. WST’s earnings surpassed estimates in the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 19.4%.
Pacific Biosciences, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 at present, reported a first-quarter 2026 adjusted loss per share of 12 cents, which was narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 29.4%. Revenues of $37.2 million missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 9.3%.
Pacific Biosciences has an estimated earnings growth rate of 22.6% for 2026. PACB’s earnings surpassed estimates in the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 29.8%.
When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important?
Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let's see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about CRH (CRH - Free Report) .
CRH currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.16, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 19 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.16 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.
Of the 19 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 17 are Strong Buy and one is Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 89.5% and 5.3% of all recommendations.
Brokerage Recommendation Trends for CRH
Check price target & stock forecast for CRH here>>>
While the ABR calls for buying CRH, it may not be wise to make an investment decision solely based on this information. Several studies have shown limited to no success of brokerage recommendations in guiding investors to pick stocks with the best price increase potential.
Are you wondering why? The vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover often results in a strong positive bias of their analysts in rating it. Our research shows that for every "Strong Sell" recommendation, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations.
In other words, their interests aren't always aligned with retail investors, rarely indicating where the price of a stock could actually be heading. Therefore, the best use of this information could be validating your own research or an indicator that has proven to be highly successful in predicting a stock's price movement.
Zacks Rank, our proprietary stock rating tool with an impressive externally audited track record, categorizes stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), and is an effective indicator of a stock's price performance in the near future. Therefore, using the ABR to validate the Zacks Rank could be an efficient way of making a profitable investment decision.
ABR Should Not Be Confused With Zacks RankAlthough both Zacks Rank and ABR are displayed in a range of 1--5, they are different measures altogether.
The ABR is calculated solely based on brokerage recommendations and is typically displayed with decimals (example: 1.28). In contrast, the Zacks Rank is a quantitative model allowing investors to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
Analysts employed by brokerage firms have been and continue to be overly optimistic with their recommendations. Since the ratings issued by these analysts are more favorable than their research would support because of the vested interest of their employers, they mislead investors far more often than they guide.
In contrast, the Zacks Rank is driven by earnings estimate revisions. And near-term stock price movements are strongly correlated with trends in earnings estimate revisions, according to empirical research.
Furthermore, the different grades of the Zacks Rank are applied proportionately across all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide earnings estimates for the current year. In other words, at all times, this tool maintains a balance among the five ranks it assigns.
There is also a key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank when it comes to freshness. When you look at the ABR, it may not be up-to-date. Nonetheless, since brokerage analysts constantly revise their earnings estimates to reflect changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in predicting future stock prices.
Should You Invest in CRH?Looking at the earnings estimate revisions for CRH, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has remained unchanged over the past month at $5.92.
Analysts' steady views regarding the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by an unchanged consensus estimate, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for CRH. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
It may therefore be prudent to be a little cautious with the Buy-equivalent ABR for CRH.
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In AeroVironment To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options
If you purchased or acquired securities in AeroVironment between June 25, 2025 and March 10, 2026 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).
[You may also click here for additional information]
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 10, 2026) - Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against AeroVironment, Inc. ("AeroVironment" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: AVAV) and reminds investors of the July 27, 2026 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.
Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.
As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) AeroVironment understated the likelihood that it would imminently face competition from other vendors for the work it performed in connection with the SCAR program and the U.S. Space Force's ongoing efforts to modernize the SCN; (2) accordingly, Defendants overstated AeroVironment's business and financial prospects; and (3) as a result, Defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.
The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding AeroVironment's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.
To learn more about the AeroVironment class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/AVAV or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Investors Regarding the AeroVironment Securities Class Action Lawsuit:
What is the AeroVironment securities fraud lawsuit about?
The AeroVironment securities fraud lawsuit is a federal securities class action alleging that AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) and its executives made false and misleading statements to investors by concealing that the Company faced imminent competition for its SCAR program contracts and overstating its business and financial prospects. As the truth emerged through a series of disclosures - including a U.S. government stop work order on January 20, 2026, a Space Force announcement that it was reopening the SCAR program on March 2, 2026, and AeroVironment's disclosure of a $151.3 million goodwill impairment and contract termination on March 10, 2026 - AVAV's stock price dropped sharply, causing significant losses for investors.
Who may be eligible to participate in the lawsuit?
Investors who purchased or acquired AeroVironment (AVAV) stock between June 25, 2025 and March 10, 2026 - the Class Period - and suffered financial losses may be eligible to participate in the AeroVironment securities class action. Participation as a class member does not require taking any affirmative legal action; eligible investors may recover losses simply by remaining members of the class. Whistleblowers, former AeroVironment employees, and others with relevant information about the Company's conduct are also encouraged to come forward.
What is a lead plaintiff, and how can I seek appointment?
A lead plaintiff in the AeroVironment class action is a court-appointed investor - typically the one with the largest financial interest in the case - who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of all class members. Any AeroVironment investor who purchased AVAV stock during the Class Period may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice. The deadline to seek lead plaintiff appointment is July 27, 2026. Importantly, choosing not to seek the lead plaintiff role does not affect an investor's ability to share in any recovery obtained for the class.
What should investors do if they purchased AeroVironment stock during the Class Period?
Investors who purchased AeroVironment (AVAV) stock between June 25, 2025 and March 10, 2026 and suffered losses should contact Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP immediately to discuss their legal rights. The deadline to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the AeroVironment securities class action is July 27, 2026. To speak directly with securities litigation partner Josh Wilson, call 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310), or visit www.faruqilaw.com/AVAV for more information.
Why should investors contact Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP?
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP has represented investors in securities litigation for decades and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for shareholders. Investors who purchased AeroVironment securities during the Class Period may contact the firm to discuss their legal rights, potential claims, and the lead plaintiff process at no cost or obligation.
Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/304616
Source: Faruqi & Faruqi LLP
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