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XPENG expands its collaboration with Google to offer Google Play directly inside of its AI-Powered cockpit. Google Play combines hundreds of third-party apps across 100+ countries and regions with XPENG's intelligent capabilities for a richer, more localized in-car experience. The integration is scheduled to go live in early 2027. RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE, /PRNewswire/ -- XPENG (NYSE: XPEV, HKEX: 9868), a leading Physical AI company, today announced a native integration with Google Play, marking an expansion of its strategic collaboration with Google.

XPENG will offer Google Play within its cars. This direct integration allows XPENG to offer its signature AI-Powered cockpit experience while giving users seamless, phone-optional access to a breadth of automotive-optimized apps available through Google Play. The integration is scheduled to go live in early 2027.

Through Google Play, XPENG users will have access to a thriving global ecosystem, with hundreds of apps from more than 100 countries built for the car screen across music and podcasts, video streaming, navigation, charging and parking, news, gaming while parked, and everyday lifestyle services. Whether relaxing at a charging stop or on the move, drivers can enjoy global services, alongside apps tailored to individual markets.

And because developers continuously publish new apps and updates through Google Play, the in-car experience will continually evolve without requiring major full-vehicle OTA updates.

Built on Android™ Automotive OS, the integration works seamlessly alongside XPENG's intelligent cockpit capabilities, enabling drivers and passengers to use XPENG's multilingual AI-powered voice assistant to open and interact with downloaded apps.

Dr. Xianming Liu, Vice President of XPENG and Head of General Intelligence Center, said, "The best technology partnerships build momentum. Our work with Google Maps demonstrated what our two companies can achieve together to integrate global technologies into a distinctive intelligent vehicle experience. That success created the foundation for deeper collaboration. With Google Play, we are extending that approach from navigation to the wider digital ecosystem, giving our customers an experience that can continue to grow wherever XPENG goes."

Haris Ramic, Android for Cars Product Director at Google, said: "Thanks to a thriving developer community, our in-car app ecosystem continues to grow rapidly. Bringing Google Play to XPENG vehicles gives drivers even more choice to enjoy the entertainment and everyday apps they love right from their dashboard, with no phone required."

Looking ahead, the two companies will continue exploring further collaborations to enable apps to do even more in the car, making digital services an even more natural part of XPENG's driver and passenger experience.

The announcement represents the latest milestone in the collaboration between XPENG and Google. It follows XPENG's successful integration of Google Maps' Auto SDK, announced in July 2026, which introduced a refreshed navigation experience for XPENG drivers and provided foundational map capabilities for the company's advanced driver-assistance systems in overseas markets.

Further details on participating vehicle models, markets, and app availability, which may vary by vehicle model and applicable safety requirements, will be announced in due course.

Google, Android, Google Play, Google Maps, YouTube and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC.

About XPENG

XPENG is a leading global Physical AI company, dedicated to bringing artificial intelligence into the physical world to reshape future mobility and smart living. Through in-house R&D, XPENG has developed a full-stack Physical AI architecture spanning Turing AI chips, world foundation models, and highly integrated software and hardware applications. This unified technology foundation of XPENG powers an expansive product portfolio of smart EVs, robotaxis, and humanoid robots, advancing the deployment of Physical AI at scale.

Headquartered in Guangzhou, China, XPENG is dual-primary listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. With global capabilities across R&D, manufacturing, sales, and services, XPENG drives continuous technological innovation and fosters an open Physical AI ecosystem, making life smarter, safer, and better for users worldwide. For more information, please visit https://www.xpeng.com/.

For media enquiries:

XPENG PR Department, Email: [email protected] 

SOURCE XPENG

JetBlue's new domestic first class, BlueFirst, is now available for booking on flights across more than 30 routes, the airline said Thursday.

This option will be available on domestic flights that are not currently served by the airline's lie-flat Mint business class, which it offers on longer flights. It's part of an overhaul of the carrier's fare options, which will include basic options that don't come with things like seat assignments, a standard option, and a "flex" option, which is refundable and more easily changed.

The new first-class section comes as JetBlue seeks to return to steady profitability by growing its higher-priced offerings amid strong demand for more expensive and roomier seats.

The first flight with BlueFirst seats will be on Dec. 8, between Boston and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, followed by routes between Fort Lauderdale and New York's LaGuardia Airport, with additional flights being rolled out in the following weeks and months.

JetBlue is offering some introductory fares for BlueFirst seats for select flights, including a $299 flight from Boston to Fort Lauderdale, a $249 option from New York to Fort Lauderdale and a $299 option from New York to Liberia, Costa Rica.

The first-class tickets will offer seats that recline up to 5 inches and have up to 7 inches more legroom than Main seats, JetBlue said. Other perks include Bluetooth-connected seatback screens, food and beverage options, Group 1 boarding and expedited security.

Within the BlueFirst class, there are three tiered fare options:

BlueFirst Base, a lower-cost option, includes one checked bag, priority check-in and security, and Group 1 boarding. Seat selection is free within 24 hours of departure, but there are fees for changes and cancellations.BlueFirst includes two checked bags, free seat selection, and no change or cancellation fees. BlueFirst Flex has the same perks as BlueFirst and additionally offers refunds if you cancel your flight ahead of the departure, with no fees for same-day switches or standby. "We designed BlueFirst to deliver a more accessible first-class experience that combines the thoughtful hospitality and service customers expect from JetBlue with exceptional value and comfort. We're excited that customers can now start making BlueFirst part of their travel plans," JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty said in a news release.

Rivian recently rolled out an AI assistant that lets drivers and passengers interact with the company’s electric vehicles just by talking to them. But the carmaker’s founder and CEO, RJ Scaringe, said at TechCrunch Disrupt this week that, in the future, Rivian’s cars will be able to run AI agents made by other companies like Anthropic.

“That’s where it becomes magical,” Scaringe said onstage.

Scaringe didn’t say when Rivian would implement this, and the company declined to offer more details, pointing instead to the “AI & Autonomy Day” event it’s hosting in December.

But it’s not hard to imagine how Rivian might integrate something like Claude, OpenAI’s Dots, or Meta’s Muse assistant into its software. The company has developed its in-car software from the ground up, instead of leaning on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and built a lot of its own applications, like navigation (though it has worked to integrate popular in-car apps like Apple Music).

Rivian says it has created its own in-house agentic framework that understands what action a person wants to take when they talk to the vehicle, and routes it to the right part of the car’s software. Most of the time, that involves what you’d expect: asking the car to turn down the temperature, activate the seat warmers, or summarize the news.

“Think of it as like a traffic light. So if you ask the vehicle something, it decides what model it’s going to use. It can use a local model that’s running on the edge and the vehicle. If it’s a more complex question, it can go up to the cloud. And then even for that, we have different models that we use,” Scaringe said.

As of May of this year, the agent could access external apps like Google Calendar. And Scaringe said at Disrupt the next step would be to add products from the frontier AI companies, though making them work in the car won’t be easy.

“There’s a lot of plumbing behind the scenes we have to do to make sure that that works, and it’s not just within Rivian. That’s also a lot of coordination with the labs to make sure they enable that plumbing,” he said, adding that putting this kind of software near safety-critical systems means Rivian has to be extremely careful.

“You wouldn’t want an agent to determine, ‘hey, it’s time to apply the brakes, or time to steer the vehicle.’ So anything that’s vehicle-level controls are not being handed to an agent,” he said.

Instead, he thinks the implementation will look more like an extension of how people currently use these agentic apps. That would mean Rivian would have to find a way to connect the vehicle to all of the context that apps like Muse collect on their users.

For example, Scaringe said, a driver could ask the Rivian assistant to turn on the ventilated seats before going deeper. “And then simultaneously say, ‘We were talking yesterday about this meal. I’m planning to have guests over on Friday. Can you help me think through what we’re going to make?’,” he said. The car could then pull the driver’s context from a conversation they had with the assistant on another device.

Of course, Rivian wouldn’t be the first American car company to add AI agents to a car’s software. Earlier this year, Tesla added a feature that let users talk to both SpaceX’s Grok chatbot and also its Grok Bot assistant.

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Sean O’Kane is a reporter who has spent a decade covering the rapidly-evolving business and technology of the transportation industry, including Tesla and the many startups chasing Elon Musk. Most recently, he was a reporter at Bloomberg News where he helped break stories about some of the most notorious EV SPAC flops. He previously worked at The Verge, where he also covered consumer technology, hosted many short- and long-form videos, performed product and editorial photography, and once nearly passed out in a Red Bull Air Race plane.

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

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

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on October 22. 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 exchange operator is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.02 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +15.9%.

Revenues are expected to be $1.47 billion, up 11.7% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.6% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Nasdaq?For Nasdaq, 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 +0.98%.

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

So, this combination indicates that Nasdaq 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 Nasdaq would post earnings of $0.98 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.07, delivering a surprise of +9.18%.

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

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

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

Nasdaq 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 Securities and Exchanges industry, CME Group (CME - Free Report) , is soon expected to post earnings of $2.98 per share for the quarter ended September 2026. This estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +11.2%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $1.71 billion, up 11.4% from the year-ago quarter.

Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for CME has been revised 0.5% up to the current level. Nevertheless, the company now has an Earnings ESP of +0.68%, reflecting a higher Most Accurate Estimate.

When combined with a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold), this Earnings ESP indicates that CME will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate. Over the last four quarters, the company surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times.

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

Key Takeaways WTW's Q2 organic growth reached 7% in R&B, 4% in HWC and 6% in Insurance Consulting and Technology. Propel AI targets $400 million in annualized savings by 2028, aiding WTW's goal of a 30% operating margin. First-half free cash flow rose 66% to $360 million, while WTW plans $1 billion in share repurchases. Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company (WTW - Free Report) shares are trading at a discount compared with the Zacks Insurance – Brokerage industry. Its forward price-to-earnings multiple of 13.47X is lower than the industry average of 14.28X, the Finance sector’s 16.03X and the Zacks S&P 500 composite’s 19.81X.

The insurer has a market capitalization of $27.59 billion. The average volume of shares traded in the last three months was 0.5 million. The insurer’s earnings have a solid track record of beating estimates in each of the last four quarters, with an average of 3.88%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Shares of other insurers like Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (AJG - Free Report) are trading at a multiple higher than the industry average, while Brown & Brown, Inc. (BRO - Free Report) and Aon plc. (AON - Free Report) are trading at a discount.

WTW Price PerformanceWillis Towers Watson shares have lost 9.4% over the past year compared with the industry’s 19.1% decline.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

WTW’s Growth Projection EncouragesThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for Willis Towers Watson's 2026 earnings per share indicates a year-over-year increase of 15.9%. The consensus estimate for 2026 revenues is $10.51 billion, implying an 8.2% year-over-year improvement.

The consensus estimate for 2027 earnings per share and revenues indicates an increase of 14.4% and 4.9%, respectively, from the corresponding 2026 estimates.

Expected long-term earnings growth is pegged at 17.5%, above the industry average of 14.3%.

Optimistic Analyst Sentiment on WTWTwo of the 11 analysts covering the stock have raised estimates for 2026 and 2027 over the past 60 days. Thus, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 and 2027 moved 0.1% and 0.4% north, respectively, in the last 60 days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

WTW’s Favorable Return on CapitalWillis Towers Watson’s return on equity (ROE) of 22.2% for the trailing 12 months compared favorably with the industry’s 19.1%, reflecting the company’s efficiency in utilizing shareholders’ funds. This insurer targets mid-teens ROE over the long term.

Average Target Price for WTW Suggests UpsideBased on short-term price targets offered by 20 analysts, the Zacks average price target is $373.35 per share. The average suggests a potential 25.7% upside from the last closing price.

Factors Impacting WTWWillis Towers Watson Public is positioned for sustainable growth, driven by its diversified business mix, strong Health consulting demand, specialized risk expertise and technology-led productivity gains. In the second quarter of 2026, Health, Wealth & Career (HWC) grew 4% organically, Risk & Broking (R&B) increased 7%, and Insurance Consulting and Technology advanced 6%, highlighting broad-based business momentum.

Health remains a key growth engine, delivering 8% organic growth in the quarter as rising healthcare costs and benefits complexity drove demand. Meanwhile, WTW’s specialization strategy supported 7% growth in CRB despite softer insurance pricing, demonstrating its ability to win business through expertise rather than market-rate increases alone. Acquisitions, including FlowStone Partners, Newfront and Cushon, further expand its wealth management, brokerage and retirement capabilities.

Profitability offers additional upside. Second-quarter operating margins expanded 100 basis points to 22.2% in R&B and 30 basis points to 24.1% in HWC. WTW’s Propel AI program targets approximately $400 million in annualized savings by 2028, with about $350 million expected to remain after reinvestment. Management is targeting an adjusted operating margin of approximately 30% in 2028.

Strong cash generation reinforces the investment case, with first-half 2026 free cash flow rising 66% year over year to $360 million. Planned technology investments and at least $1 billion in share repurchases reflect WTW’s focus on productivity and shareholder returns.

End NotesOverall, WTW’s investment thesis rests on resilient organic growth, market-share gains and operating-margin expansion. A robust capital position over the years reflects its financial flexibility.

Key risks include softer insurance pricing, acquisition integration and execution of its AI-driven cost-saving initiatives.

Its solid growth projections as well as attractive valuations are other positives. Optimistic analyst sentiment and favorable ROE should continue to benefit Willis Towers over the long term. The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Warren Buffett's track record running Berkshire Hathaway (BRKA +0.43%) (BRKB +0.47%) is hard to top. From 1965 through the end of 2025, the stock delivered a phenomenal annualized return of 19.7%. The S&P 500 index was far behind, with a yearly total return that averaged 10.5% during that time.

Buffett's strategy focused on buying high-quality businesses at reasonable valuations. And the real money was made in holding these positions indefinitely, letting compounding do the work.

The Oracle of Omaha is no longer the CEO. Greg Abel, previously vice chairman of non-insurance operations, is now in the driver's seat. There should be no issue keeping the conglomerate's culture alive. But can the new CEO continue Berkshire's incredible streak of outperformance?

Here's the stock that could help.

Berkshire CEO Greg Abel. Image source: Getty Images.

The conglomerate is backing an AI front-runner
In the third quarter of 2025, Berkshire made headlines when it announced a stake in Alphabet (GOOGL +0.06%) (GOOG +0.06%). After adding to the position, the internet giant, combining Class A and Class C shares, makes up the Omaha company's third largest holding. Even more surprising is the fact that Buffett said he initiated the stake last year.

Although the Alphabet position represents just 3.4% of Berkshire's entire market capitalization, it could help the conglomerate's shares outperform should the leadership team continue to add more capital to the stake. Alphabet shares have skyrocketed 49% in the past 12 months (as of Oct. 13). Even so, they trade at a compelling forward price-to-earnings ratio of 22.8.

Buffett ended his run as CEO by showing the world just how much his circle of competence has evolved. The tech sector was previously considered off-limits by him, since he believed it was extremely difficult to assess the durability of companies' competitive advantages.

GOOGL Alphabet$347.84+$0.20 (+0.06%)

NASDAQ · As of 12:39 PM ET 10/15/26

The Alphabet investment is a vote of confidence that its digital advertising, streaming video, and cloud computing operations have a bright future. And it's a bullish signal about the business' artificial intelligence (AI) strategy.

Alphabet touches nearly every layer of the AI industry -- from research and model development to chips and cloud services. The company also employs its AI capabilities for advertisers and its app users to further improve their experiences. There are very few businesses structured to gain financially from AI in such a comprehensive manner.

Uncertainty at a huge scale
After Buffett's lucrative track record, it's almost impossible for anyone to fill his shoes. Abel certainly seems like the right man for the job, but he faces an uphill battle trying to keep the streak of outperformance alive.

$793,000.00+$3,414.99 (+0.43%)

NYSE · As of 12:29 PM ET 10/15/26

Berkshire's huge scale is a headwind that will get in the way of posting strong returns. Over the past decade, its shares have climbed 260%, lagging the overall market. Bigger isn't better.

And the company has a huge cash pile of $359 billion. Unless there are sizable opportunities to take advantage of, this will be a drag on Berkshire's share-price performance. Cash doesn't possess the return potential that great businesses do.

Alphabet also comes with heightened risk right now, especially compared to its capital-light history. It's in the middle of a spending spree, with capital expenditures set to total $200 billion in 2026 before rising meaningfully next year.

Free cash flow turned negative in the second quarter, marking a new era for the company as it invests aggressively in AI-related infrastructure. From a financial perspective, the uncertainty is high; no one knows how the AI boom will play out.

In the past six decades, Berkshire Hathaway has built tremendous wealth for shareholders under the leadership of Warren Buffett. With Greg Abel as CEO, Alphabet can help grow the conglomerate's intrinsic value. However, investors hoping for the outperformance to continue might want to temper their expectations.

BOSTON, Oct. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Block & Leviton is investigating FMC (NYSE: FMC) for potential securities law violations. Investors who have lost money in their FMC investment should contact the firm to learn more about how they might recover those losses. For more details, visit https://blockleviton.com/cases/fmc.

What is this all about?

Block & Leviton is investigating whether FMC Corporation misled investors about how much of its higher-priced product was sitting unsold with distributors. On October 15, 2026, about two weeks after the third quarter ended, FMC announced that it now expected quarterly revenue of only $65 million to $125 million and an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $510 million to $565 million. Those results included $625 million to $675 million in charges from cutting prices on FMC products already held by distributors and changing how it sells and prices products in the United States. FMC acknowledged it had been working through this inventory over several quarters. Yet on its July 30, 2026 earnings call, the CEO reportedly blamed weak sales on weather, geopolitics, and cautious buying without mentioning the inventory problem. After the October announcement, FMC's stock fell roughly 39%.

Who is eligible?

Anyone who purchased FMC common stock and has seen their shares fall may be eligible, whether or not they have sold their investment. Investors should contact Block & Leviton to learn more.

What is Block & Leviton doing?

Block & Leviton is investigating whether the Company committed securities law violations and may file an action to attempt to recover losses on behalf of investors who have lost money.

What should you do next?

If you've lost money on your investment, you should contact Block & Leviton to learn more via our case website, by email at [email protected], or by phone at (888) 256-2510.

Whistleblower?

If you have non-public information about FMC, you should consider assisting in our investigation or working with our attorneys to file a report with the Securities Exchange Commission under their whistleblower program. Whistleblowers who provide original information to the SEC may receive rewards of up to 30% of any successful recovery. For more information, contact Block & Leviton at [email protected] or by phone at (888) 256-2510.

Why should you contact Block & Leviton?

Block & Leviton is widely regarded as one of the leading securities class action firms in the country. Our attorneys have recovered billions of dollars for defrauded investors and are dedicated to obtaining significant recoveries on behalf of our clients through active litigation in the federal courts across the country. Many of the nation's top institutional investors hire us to represent their interests. You can learn more about us at our website, www.blockleviton.com, call (888) 256-2510 or email [email protected] with any questions.

This notice may constitute attorney advertising.

CONTACT:
BLOCK & LEVITON LLP
260 Franklin St., Suite 1860
Boston, MA 02110
Phone: (888) 256-2510
Email: [email protected]

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

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on October 22. 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 bank holding company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.61 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +15%.

Revenues are expected to be $287.45 million, up 6.3% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 1.35% 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 WSFS?For WSFS, 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 -3.88%.

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

So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that WSFS 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 WSFS would post earnings of $1.51 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.66, delivering a surprise of +9.93%.

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.

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

Expected Results of an Industry PlayerAnother stock from the Zacks Financial - Savings and Loan industry, Great Southern Bancorp (GSBC - Free Report) , is soon expected to post earnings of $1.39 per share for the quarter ended September 2026. This estimate indicates a year-over-year change of -10.9%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $55.6 million, down 3.9% from the year-ago quarter.

The consensus EPS estimate for Great Southern Bancorp has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. However, an equal Most Accurate Estimate has resulted in an Earnings ESP of 0.00%.

This Earnings ESP, combined with its Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Great Southern Bancorp will beat the consensus EPS estimate. The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.

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

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

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report. 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 student loan company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.12 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -81%.

Revenues are expected to be $353.66 million, down 5.2% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 27.23% 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 Sallie Mae?For Sallie Mae, 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 -15.73%.

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

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

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Sallie Mae would post earnings of $0.46 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.29, delivering a surprise of -36.96%.

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

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

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

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

An Industry Player's Expected ResultsAlly Financial (ALLY - Free Report) , another stock in the Zacks Financial - Consumer Loans industry, is expected to report earnings per share of $1.32 for the quarter ended September 2026. This estimate points to a year-over-year change of +14.8%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $2.28 billion, up 5.1% from the year-ago quarter.

The consensus EPS estimate for Ally Financial has been revised 5% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. However, an equal Most Accurate Estimate has resulted in an Earnings ESP of 0.00%.

This Earnings ESP, combined with its Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Ally Financial will beat the consensus EPS estimate. Over the last four quarters, the company surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times.

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

In 2012, Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX +2.44%) earned approval for the first medicine that targeted the underlying causes of cystic fibrosis (CF), a rare disease that harms patients' lungs and pancreases. Since then, the biotech has launched several more medicines, become the undisputed leader in this field, and delivered excellent stock market returns.

However, Vertex Pharmaceuticals is entering a new era with a more diversified portfolio of approved products. And recent developments could enable the company to generate significant sales in the hormone disorder market over the medium term. Here's what investors should know.

Image source: The Motley Fool.

The largest acquisition in Vertex's history In September, Vertex Pharmaceuticals closed its acquisition of Crinetics Pharmaceuticals for about $10 billion in cash. This was the largest acquisition in Vertex's history, and the company got several exciting assets in the process. Crinetics, which focuses on developing medicines for rare endocrine diseases, had one approved product called Palsonify. This medicine was approved in the U.S. last year and is indicated for the treatment of acromegaly, a rare hormonal condition in which the body produces too much growth hormone, causing patients' bones and organs to grow larger than they should.

If left untreated, acromegaly can be life-threatening. Surgery is typically the first option for patients with this disease. But Palsonify was approved as a first-line treatment in patients who are not eligible for surgery, or for whom surgery did not work. Its broad indication and fairly convenient once-daily oral dosing (the first once-daily oral pill for acromegaly) could make it a competitive option.

Vertex estimates that there are 20,000 patients diagnosed with acromegaly in the U.S., and another 35,000 outside the U.S. And according to the company, only 40% to 50% of patients achieve durable remission after surgery. So, there is an opportunity to target those who aren't so lucky. Palsonify wasn't the only exciting asset Vertex got its hands on thanks to its Crinetics acquisition.

The biotech giant also inherited Atumelnant, a medicine being developed to treat congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and Cushing's syndrome, both of which are rare hormonal disorders. Atumelnant is undergoing Phase 3 studies in CAH, and Phase 2 trials in Cushing's syndrome.

VRTX Vertex Pharmaceuticals$510.66+$12.16 (+2.44%)

NASDAQ · As of 12:27 PM ET 10/15/26

Vertex Pharmaceuticals has estimated that Palsonify and Atumelnant could eventually generate peak revenue exceeding $5 billion. Note that this is slightly less than half of the $12 billion in revenue the company reported last year. But sales growth within Vertex's core CF franchise has slowed in recent years. Meanwhile, Palsonify hit the market about a year ago, and Atumelnant could do so within the next couple of years, provided clinical trial results are strong. If these two medicines prove as successful as Vertex expects, its hormone disorder franchise could become a meaningful growth driver over the medium term.

Beyond CF and hormone disorders Of course, Vertex won't rely solely on this new franchise for top-line growth. In recent years, the company has earned approvals for such products as Casgevy, a gene-editing medicine for two rare blood diseases, and Journavx, a therapy for acute pain.

Neither is contributing meaningfully to top-line growth yet, but they should in time. Further, Vertex Pharmaceuticals is racing toward other brand-new launches. The company's povetacicept, a medicine for IgA nephropathy (a kidney disease), could earn approval by the end of November.

Vertex also has several exciting pipeline candidates, such as inaxaplin, an investigational drug for APOL-1-mediated kidney disease, among others. Amid all these diversification efforts, Vertex's core CF franchise should continue delivering consistent revenue, perhaps until the company loses patent exclusivity for its most important CF drugs in the late 2030s.

All that to say, Vertex's business looks robust. The company could make important clinical and regulatory progress over the next few years, leading to improved financial results and strong stock market returns. That makes Vertex a top healthcare stock to buy for long-term investors.

Wall Street analysts forecast that Atlantic Union (AUB - Free Report) will report quarterly earnings of $0.96 per share in its upcoming release, pointing to a year-over-year increase of 14.3%. It is anticipated that revenues will amount to $391.81 million, exhibiting an increase of 4.4% compared to the year-ago quarter.

The current level reflects a downward revision of 0.1% in the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter over the past 30 days. This demonstrates how the analysts covering the stock have collectively reappraised their initial projections over this period.

Before a company announces its earnings, it is essential to take into account any changes made to earnings estimates. This is a valuable factor in predicting the potential reactions of investors toward the stock. Empirical research has consistently shown a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and the short-term price performance of a stock.

While investors usually depend on consensus earnings and revenue estimates to assess the business performance for the quarter, delving into analysts' forecasts for certain key metrics often provides a more comprehensive understanding.

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

The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Efficiency Ratio' of 50.7%. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 64.3% in the same quarter last year.

Analysts predict that the 'Net Interest Margin' will reach 3.9%. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 3.8%.

The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Average Balance - Total earning assets' will likely reach $34.11 billion. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $33.56 billion in the same quarter last year.

The consensus among analysts is that 'Tier 1 capital ratio' will reach 10.8%. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported 10.5% in the same quarter of the previous year.

Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'Total capital ratio' should arrive at 14.0%. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported 13.8% in the same quarter of the previous year.

Analysts expect 'Total Noninterest Income' to come in at $57.34 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of $51.75 million.

According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Fiduciary and asset management fees' should come in at $21.13 million. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $18.60 million.

Analysts forecast 'Bank owned life insurance income' to reach $5.43 million. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $5.12 million in the same quarter last year.

It is projected by analysts that the 'Net interest income (FTE)' will reach $334.83 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of $323.63 million.

Analysts' assessment points toward 'Interchange fees, net' reaching $4.00 million. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $4.09 million in the same quarter last year.

The average prediction of analysts places 'Service charges on deposit accounts' at $12.81 million. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $12.84 million in the same quarter last year.

The consensus estimate for 'Loan-related interest rate swap fees' stands at $5.31 million. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $5.91 million.

View all Key Company Metrics for Atlantic Union here>>>

Atlantic Union shares have witnessed a change of -4.3% in the past month, in contrast to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.4% move. With a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), AUB is expected closely follow the overall market performance in the near term. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .

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

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on October 22. 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 auto parts supplier is expected to post quarterly earnings of $2.35 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +9.3%.

Revenues are expected to be $936.99 million, up 2.2% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 1% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Visteon?For Visteon, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -4.05%.

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

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

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Visteon would post earnings of $2.23 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.91, delivering a surprise of -14.35%.

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

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

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

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

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

IonQ (IONQ +4.79%) is making some major moves in the quantum computing industry. Just the other day, it entered into a $1.3 billion agreement to buy Elisity, a zero-trust cybersecurity company. This is a big deal, as it starts to unveil what kind of company IonQ is looking to be.

I think this indicates IonQ will have multiple ways to profit in the quantum computing era. Given how cheap its stock is, it could be the ultimate quantum computing investment.

Image source: The Motley Fool.

Why is this acquisition a big deal? IonQ is a pure-play quantum computing company. It's focused on developing a quantum computer to bring this technology to the mainstream.

The company is taking a slightly different approach from some of its peers, using a technique called trapped-ion technology, which yields more accurate calculations rather than faster ones. IonQ is working diligently toward the release of its innovative 256-qubit computer, which could spur early-stage quantum computing adoption. This device is expected to be released sometime in early 2027 and could bring about some huge innovations.

However, quantum computing brings some problems of its own. The sheer computing capacity of quantum computers allows them to easily break current encryption and security methods. In fact, Google informed the world that current cryptocurrency security measures will be bypassed by 2029 using quantum computers. That's a scary proposition, and if a quantum computer falls into the hands of a bad actor, it could cause some chaos.

$32.93+$1.51 (+4.79%)

NYSE · As of 12:28 PM ET 10/15/26

IonQ is well aware of the security threat posed by the technology it is developing, which is why it purchased Elisity. By bringing this technology in-house, IonQ can start developing a security platform that's quantum-proof and give its users peace of mind that their data and systems are safe from quantum computing-backed threats.

I think this is a smart move by IonQ, bringing it into closer competition with giants in the quantum computing industry, such as Microsoft, Alphabet, and International Business Machines. However, the market wasn't super impressed by IonQ's actions, and the stock dropped nearly 10% following the announcement. I think this is really short-sighted, and given how poorly the stock has performed in 2026, it's well worth buying at today's prices.

The reality is that it's impossible to know which quantum computing stock will end up paying out. IonQ is leading the way in quantum computing accuracy and building an ecosystem around its product. This could prove to be a winning strategy, and if it does, the stock could easily skyrocket. However, it could also flop on its face, so investors should keep a fairly small position size in IonQ's stock; that way, it doesn't tank the whole portfolio if it doesn't pan out.

Keithen Drury has positions in Alphabet, IonQ, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, International Business Machines, IonQ, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Key Takeaways NGVT's Q2 adjusted EBITDA rose to $115 million from $101 million, with its margin reaching 36.6%.Higher pricing, favorable product mix, improved asset utilization and increased volumes drove NGVT's growth.NGVT raised its 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance to $380-$400 million and adjusted EPS outlook to $5-$5.45. Ingevity Corporation (NGVT - Free Report) reported an adjusted EBITDA of $115 million in the second quarter, up from the prior-year quarter’s $101 million. This was supported by higher prices, favorable product mix, and increased volumes in Performance Materials and Pavement Technologies, along with improved product mix and asset utilization in Advanced Polymer Technologies.

NGVT also outdid its last year’s second-quarter adjusted EBITDA margin by 6.1%, with second-quarter 2026 adjusted EBITDA margin reaching 36.6%. The company’s efforts to strengthen commercial and operational execution keep its profitability positioned for further improvement.

The actions for its portfolio transformation are underway, particularly the divestiture of the Road Markings segment and directing resources towards higher-return opportunities, which favor the company in the long run. With a more focused company and differentiated technology, Ingevity is poised for higher organic growth opportunities that ensure lucrative returns. Its first municipal water-treatment contract for PFAS filtration is also a growth driver.

The expectation of continued strength in adjusted EBITDA generation is also underlined by the company’s raised guidance released in the second-quarter earnings call. The company increased its 2026 adjusted EBITDA forecast to $380-$400 million from $370-$395 million. A raised full-year 2026 adjusted earnings guidance to $5-$5.45 per share from the previous projection of $4.7-$5.2 also reinforces NGVT’s expectations of higher growth.

Among its peers, Cabot Corporation (CBT - Free Report) generated a relatively lower adjusted EBITDA of $194 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2026 compared with $211 million in the year-ago quarter. The company’s Performance Chemicals segment aided the performance through higher volumes and expanded unit margins. Cabot is also preparing itself to support higher global battery demand by targeting additive capacity investments in both the United States and China. For fiscal 2026, Cabot tightened its adjusted earnings guidance to $6.15-$6.45 per share from the previous range of $6-$6.5.

Element Solutions Inc. (ESI - Free Report) recorded second-quarter adjusted EBITDA of roughly $184 million, up from the previous-year quarter’s $136 million. As the company is favored by a healthy core market, its own efforts to improve operational excellence complement its growth in profits. ESI now expects adjusted EBITDA for the fiscal year 2026 to be in the range of $690-$710 million, revised upwards from its previous projection of $665-$685 million.

The Zacks Rundown for NGVTShares of NGVT have gained 26.3% in the past year against the Zacks Chemical - Specialty industry’s rise of 4.8%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, NGVT is currently trading at a forward price-to-sales multiple of 2.1, a discount to the industry average of 2.45X. It carries a Value Score of C.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NGVT’s 2026 and 2027 earnings implies a year-over-year rise of 30.75% and 9.26%, respectively. The EPS estimates for 2026 and 2027 have been trending higher over the past 90 days.

NGVT stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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

The earnings report, which is expected to be released on October 22, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

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

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis bank holding company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.77 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -9.4%.

Revenues are expected to be $687.28 million, up 18.1% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.95% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Columbia Banking?For Columbia Banking, 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 +0.42%.

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

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

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Columbia Banking would post earnings of $0.73 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.76, delivering a surprise of +4.11%.

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

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

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

Columbia Banking 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 PlayerAmong the stocks in the Zacks Banks - West industry, Plumas Bancorp (PLBC - Free Report) , is soon expected to post earnings of $1.46 per share for the quarter ended September 2026. This estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +8.2%. This quarter's revenue is expected to be $29.03 million, up 5.9% from the year-ago quarter.

The consensus EPS estimate for Plumas Bancorp has been revised 2.1% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. However, a lower Most Accurate Estimate has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -1.15%.

When combined with a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy), this Earnings ESP makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Plumas Bancorp will beat the consensus EPS estimate. The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.

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

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

The earnings report, which is expected to be released on October 22, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

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

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis bank holding company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.76 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +4.1%.

Revenues are expected to be $464.03 million, up 20.1% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 1.17% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Associated Banc-Corp?For Associated Banc-Corp, 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 +1.71%.

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

So, this combination indicates that Associated Banc-Corp will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Associated Banc-Corp would post earnings of $0.72 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.73, delivering a surprise of +1.39%.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on October 22. 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 oil refiner is expected to post quarterly earnings of $21.23 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +480.1%.

Revenues are expected to be $38.8 billion, up 20.6% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 11.29% 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 Valero Energy?For Valero Energy, the Most Accurate Estimate is the same as the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that there are no recent analyst views which differ from what have been considered to derive the consensus estimate. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of 0%.

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

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

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Valero Energy would post earnings of $9.87 per share when it actually produced earnings of $12.54, delivering a surprise of +27.05%.

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

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

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

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

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

Progressive (PGR +1.55%) is one of the largest insurance companies in the U.S., and while insurance companies aren't typically known for being growth stocks, Progressive stock has turned $10,000 into $90,000 over the past 10 years. That's double the S&P 500's return over the same time.

^SPX data by YCharts

Progressive stock fell 7% after its third-quarter report on Wednesday, but it has a dominant position in U.S. insurance. Let's take a look at the business and whether or not it can still achieve high growth over the next 10 years.

A major player in U.S. insurance Progressive has a massive insurance business with auto insurance at the center, but it also offers multiple kinds of policies, including property and casualty. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, it's the second-largest auto insurer in the country, with 18.6% of the market. However, other research points to it moving into first place.

Image source: Getty Images.

Progressive has flourished over the past 10 years through a largely strong economy that's been beneficial for its business. It has a target combined ratio of 96%, and it has beaten it every year over the past decade. The combined ratio combines the loss ratio, or how much the company pays out as claims, and the expense ratio, which measures how much of revenue goes to expenses.

The lower the better, and under 100% implies that the company is profitable. It came in at 87.4% in 2025, coming after what management called its "most successful year in the history of Progressive" in 2024. It was 88.7% in the third quarter, 0.8 percentage points lower than last year.

Insurance companies rewrite their policies all the time based on algorithms that account for natural disasters, consumer behavior, and all sorts of other factors that are constantly changing. After the beginning of the pandemic, insurance companies had to rewrite policies to catch up to changing dynamics, and with the following inflation, rising costs. That led to the recent outstanding performance.

However, it's not so easy to keep surpassing its high levels, which has led to a recent decline in the stock price.

$216.77+$3.31 (+1.55%)

NYSE · As of 12:17 PM ET 10/15/26

Is progressive a good value? Management says that it recently slowed growth to address profitability issues. Having both problems at the same time hasn't been good for its stock, but it could be a buying opportunity. Progressive shares trade at a trailing P/E ratio of under 11 and a price-to-book value ratio of 3.5. Its book value is much higher than it was 10 years ago, while its P/E ratio is lower. Both are lower than their 10-year averages.

PGR PE Ratio data by YCharts

The current lower price could present a value for investors. However, its decline may not be over while the issues are still being addressed. At the same time, it sees a huge addressable market in new customers who have longer lifetime values, and its track record as a well-established industry giant can boost investor confidence.

It may not have bottomed out yet after another decline on third-quarter earnings, but you can't time the market, and this could be a good time to buy before it heads back up. It's both a value and a protective stock, which could cushion your portfolio if there's a market correction on the way,

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

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on October 22. 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 cable provider is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.98 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -12.5%.

Revenues are expected to be $29.35 billion, down 5.9% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 4.06% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Comcast?For Comcast, 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 +0.12%.

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

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

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Comcast would post earnings of $0.97 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.04, delivering a surprise of +7.22%.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The earnings report, which is expected to be released on October 22, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

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

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis distributor of supplies for swimming pools is expected to post quarterly earnings of $3.36 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -0.9%.

Revenues are expected to be $1.47 billion, up 1.5% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 1.89% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Pool Corp.?For Pool Corp., 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 +1.36%.

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

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

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Pool Corp. would post earnings of $5.3 per share when it actually produced earnings of $5.38, delivering a surprise of +1.51%.

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.

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

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

Paychex Plunges, Providing the Entry Investors Have Been Waiting ForPaychex NASDAQ: PAYX held its 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders virtually on Oct. 15, with shareholders voting on director elections, executive compensation, auditor ratification and a shareholder proposal related to special meetings.

Chairman Martin Mucci said the virtual format was intended to enable more stockholders to attend regardless of location. Approximately 356 million common shares were outstanding and eligible to vote as of the Aug. 17 record date, and about 91% of outstanding shares were represented at the meeting in person or by proxy, establishing a quorum.

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Paychex Stock Looks Beaten Down, But Not BrokenMucci also thanked Kara Wilson, who is not seeking re-election, for her 10 years of service on Paychex’s board.

Shareholder Proposals and Board Recommendations
Shareholders considered the election of 10 board nominees: Mucci, Thomas Bonadio, Joseph Doody, John Gibson, J. Michael Hansen, Pamela Joseph, Theresa Payton, Kevin Price, Joseph Tucci and Joseph Velli. The board recommended that shareholders vote in favor of each nominee.

The Late-Stage Bull Market Is a Buying Opportunity for TechThe company also sought advisory approval of named executive officer compensation, commonly called a “say-on-pay” vote. Mucci said approximately 96% of votes cast on the proposal in the prior year supported executive compensation. The board again recommended a vote in favor, saying the program aligns executive compensation with shareholder interests.

In addition, the board recommended ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers as Paychex’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2027.

The final ballot item was a shareholder proposal titled “Attainable Shareholder Right to Call for a Special Shareholder Meeting.” The board recommended shareholders vote against the measure.

John Chevedden, a private investor and the proposal’s proponent, argued that Paychex’s current requirement for more than 50% of outstanding shares to call a special meeting makes the right difficult to use because some shareholders do not vote. He said the threshold could require support from more than 60% of shares voted at an annual meeting.

Chevedden also said shareholder engagement was not a substitute for an attainable right to call a special meeting, arguing that engagement alone cannot bring an important matter to a shareholder vote. He urged shareholders to support the proposal.

Management Addresses Stock Split Questions
During the question-and-answer session, President and Chief Executive Officer John Gibson said Paychex’s board regularly discusses stock splits and other methods of returning value to shareholders.

Gibson said a stock split does not alter the company’s fundamental value or a shareholder’s proportional ownership, instead increasing the number of shares while lowering the price per share proportionally. He added that fractional-share investing options reduce the need for a split and that such actions carry costs.

“We certainly understand the interest in this topic, and we will continue to evaluate it periodically with other options to return value to our shareholders,” Gibson said.

AI Strategy and Governance
Gibson described artificial intelligence as an important area of focus for Paychex, both for innovation and for governance and oversight. He said the company has been using and investing in AI models and tools for some time.

According to Gibson, Paychex believes its proprietary data, scale as a human capital management and HR advisory provider, mission-critical platforms and client expertise position it to benefit from AI. The company is using the technology to deliver more personalized insights, automate routine work and help clients make more informed decisions, he said.

Gibson highlighted the company’s SixFifty compliance product, which he said helps clients navigate employment-law compliance and complete related workflows. He also cited the launch of WISE Hire, an AI-agent-based recruiting tool designed to assist with sourcing, screening and candidate outreach. Gibson said WISE was recognized as one of HR Tech’s top HR products of the year.

He said Paychex expects AI capabilities over time to support revenue through differentiation, new solutions and customer relationships, while also improving retention and operational efficiency. The board oversees the company’s AI approach, including ethical use and governance practices, he added.

Board Independence
Responding to a question regarding board independence, Gibson said Joseph Tucci serves as Paychex’s independent lead director. He said seven of the company’s nine current directors are independent and that the board has determined its current chairman and committee-leadership structure is appropriate.

Paychex said it will report final voting results in a Form 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission within four business days of the meeting.

About Paychex (NASDAQ:PAYX)Paychex, Inc NASDAQ: PAYX provides payroll, human resources and employee benefits solutions for businesses of varying sizes. Its services are designed to help employers manage workforce administration, compliance and employee-related processes through integrated software and professional support.

The company's offerings include payroll processing, time and attendance tracking, human resources administration, recruiting and onboarding tools, benefits administration, retirement services, workers' compensation and business insurance solutions.

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

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Key Takeaways PBH builds brands through advertising, innovation and broad distribution across consumer health categories.PBH's Breathe Right and LaCorium to contribute $190 million in fiscal 2027 revenues, boosting sales.PBH's e-commerce consumption grew at a double-digit rate, while competition and currency shifts pose risks. Prestige Consumer Healthcare (PBH - Free Report) continues to build its consumer health brands through advertising, innovation and broad distribution, with growth across established franchises and Women’s Health. Acquisitions of Breathe Right and LaCorium are expected to expand the company’s revenue base in fiscal 2027. E-commerce growth reflects continued consumer demand for value, broad product selection and price transparency. However, intense competition, pricing pressure and foreign exchange fluctuations remain key challenges for Prestige Consumer.

Over the past year, this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock has declined 20.5% compared with the 26.8% fall of the industry and the S&P 500 composite’s 18% growth.

The renowned consumer healthcare product company has a market capitalization of $2.30 billion. Its earnings yield of 9.4% is well ahead of the industry’s 2.7%. PBH surpassed earnings estimates in two of the trailing four quarters and missed on the other two occasions, delivering an average surprise of 1.8%.

Let’s delve deeper.

Upsides for PBH StockFocus on Brand-Building: Building consumer health brands remains central to Prestige Consumer’s long-term strategy, supported by targeted advertising, innovation and broad distribution across mass and e-commerce channels. First-quarter fiscal 2027 results continued to show traction across several established franchises. Dramamine and Fleet delivered ongoing consumption gains in Gastrointestinal, while Compound W led Dermatological growth. TheraTears and Debrox also grew, helping offset constrained Clear Eyes sales.

Management continues to develop Women’s Health through product innovation. Monistat maintained stable to growing market share despite continued category declines, while Summer’s Eve Ultimate Odor Protection remained a strong performer, with additional launches planned over the next several years. The company is applying the same model to Breathe Right.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Acquisitions Aid Growth: Prestige Consumer has expanded its portfolio through acquisitions, including TheraTears, Hydralyte and Pillar5. In fiscal 2027, the company added two larger consumer-health platforms: the Breathe Right portfolio, which was closed on June 12, 2026, and LaCorium Health, closed on July 1, 2026. Breathe Right is expected to contribute approximately $200 million to annual revenues, while LaCorium is anticipated to contribute roughly $40 million, together increasing Prestige’s revenue base by nearly 20%. For fiscal 2027, the acquisitions are expected to account for approximately $190 million of revenues, lifting reported revenue guidance to $1,290-$1,315 million, while organic growth guidance remains 1% to 3%.

Breathe Right was largely integrated within 60 days of closing, with consumer awareness exceeding 90%, distribution across more than 20 countries and additional product extensions, including Menthol and Sport. LaCorium adds Dermal Therapy and other therapeutic skin care brands in Australia, with management targeting distributor optimization, sales integration and operating efficiencies over time.

E-Commerce Strength: Prestige Consumer continues to benefit from its long-term investment in digital channels and channel-agnostic distribution. E-commerce represented about 18% of net sales in fiscal 2026, up from low single digits in fiscal 2019. In the first quarter of fiscal 2027, e-commerce consumption again grew at a double-digit rate as consumers continued to seek value, broad assortment and price transparency online. Reported shipments were affected by retailer order timing, with roughly two percentage points of first-quarter growth pulled forward from the second quarter, but management still expects organic revenue growth for the first half.

What Concerns PBH Stock?Intense Competition: The markets in which Prestige Consumer operates are highly competitive and include numerous national and global manufacturers, distributors, marketers and retailers. The company faces competition on brand recognition, product performance, value, price and product availability. Management also highlighted heightened quality scrutiny across sterile eye care following recent category headlines, increasing the importance of consistent supply and execution. Competitive innovation and lower-priced alternatives can constrain share gains and limit pricing flexibility, particularly during periods of sustained consumer caution. 

Currency Fluctuations: Prestige Consumer relies on brokers and distributors for the sale of its products in foreign countries, with International OTC Healthcare representing about 16% of fiscal 2026 revenues. As a result, foreign exchange movements can create variability in reported results and influence pricing dynamics for products sourced from foreign third-party manufacturers.

PBH Stock Estimate TrendIn the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for PBH’s fiscal 2027 earnings per share (EPS) has increased 0.3% to $4.56.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s fiscal 2027 revenues is pegged at $1.29 billion. This suggests a jump of 18.9% from the year-ago reported number.

Key PicksSome better-ranked stocks in the broader medical space are Phibro Animal Health (PAHC - Free Report) , Abbott (ABT - Free Report) and Globus Medical (GMED - Free Report) .

Phibro Animal Health has an earnings yield of 9.3% compared with the industry’s 2.7%. Shares of the company have dropped 3.1% compared with the industry’s 26.8% decline over the past year. PAHC’s earnings outpaced estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 18.4%. 

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

Abbott, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), has an earnings yield of 5.6% compared with the industry’s 2.6% yield. Its earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 0.8%. ABT shares have plunged 20.4% compared with the industry’s 26.7% decline over the past year.

Globus Medical, carrying a Zacks Rank #2, has an earnings yield of 6.8% against the industry’s negative 1.7% yield. Its earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 27.9%. GMED shares have rallied 30.8% compared with the industry’s 7.1% growth over the past year.

Key Takeaways Natera shares surged 118.1% in a year, outperforming the industry's 11.2% gain and the S&P 500's 18.1% rise.
Signatera adoption fueled 56% growth in second-quarter MRD testing volume to approximately 283,000 units.
NTRA raised its 2026 revenue outlook to $2.85-$2.91 billion, supported by growth across testing franchises.

Natera (NTRA - Free Report) has witnessed strong momentum over the past year. Shares of the company have risen 118.1%, outperforming the industry’s 11.2% growth. The S&P 500 composite has increased 18.1% during the same time frame.

With healthy fundamentals and strong growth opportunities, this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company appears to be a solid wealth creator for its investors at the moment.

Headquarter at Austin, TX, Nater applies proprietary molecular and bioinformatics technology to disease management, focusing on cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing. The company operates laboratories certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) in Austin, San Carlos and Boulder. Its single reportable segment covers development and commercialization of molecular testing in oncology, women's health and organ health.

Factors Favoring NTRA’s Share Price GrowthNatera’s share price is trending upward, prompted by the increasing adoption of Signatera, which detects circulating tumor DNA for molecular residual disease (MRD). This is supported by clinical evidence, guideline inclusion, regulatory validation and commercial execution. 

In the second quarter, Clinical MRD volume reached about 283,000 units, up 56% year over year, marking the largest quarterly increase to date. Growth was broad-based across tumor types, with colorectal and breast cancer remaining the largest indications, while new accounts and new patient starts were also elevated. 

Investors are also encouraged by Natera’s growing reliance on multiple franchises and product cycles to drive growth, reducing its dependence on oncology alone. Total tests processed rose from 234,000 in second-quarter 2020 to 1.04 million in second-quarter 2026, while revenues increased from $86 million to $753 million over the same period. Women's health delivered high-single-digit year-over-year growth in the second quarter of 2026 despite normal seasonality, aided by Fetal Focus and the enhanced Panorama launch. 

Organ health also has a clearer reimbursement catalyst after the final Medicare LCD expanded Prospera surveillance to six kidney tests and 12 heart or lung tests in the first year, followed by four annual tests across all three organs in each of the next two years. These drivers broaden the volume base supporting Natera’s raised 2026 revenue outlook of $2.85-$2.91 billion.

From a solvency viewpoint, Natera exited the second quarter with cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash totaling $1.09 billion, up from $1.08 billion as of Dec. 31, 2025. Second-quarter 2026 gross margin improved to 64.5% from 63.4% in second-quarter 2025. The company continues to expect positive cash flow for 2026 despite maintaining R&D guidance of $800-$900 million and SG&A guidance of $1.13-$1.23 billion. This combination of substantial liquidity, margin expansion and positive cash generation should support continued investment in clinical trials, new products and capacity while preserving balance sheet flexibility.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Factors That May Offset NTRA’s GainsNatera faces rising competition in oncology as rivals expand their MRD testing offerings. Maintaining Signatera’s edge requires continued investment in clinical evidence, test performance and commercial execution. Stronger rival data or broader reimbursement could slow market-share gains and pressure margins.

The company’s heavy investment also poses a risk to near-term profitability. Second-quarter 2026 R&D expenses rose 55.8% year over year to $228.1 million, with full-year spending projected to be in the band of $800-$900 million. Early cancer detection programs and newer products are adding costs before generating meaningful returns. Although losses narrowed, continued spending could delay operating leverage and limit earnings visibility.

A Look at NTRA’s EstimatesThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 loss per share has remained unchanged at $1.10 in the past 30 days.

The company has an estimated 2027 EPS growth rate of 100.9% compared with the industry’s 15.7%. 

Stocks to ConsiderSome better-ranked stocks in the broader medical space are Veracyte (VCYT - Free Report) , OPKO Health (OPK - Free Report) and Teleflex (TFX - Free Report) .

Veracyte has an earnings yield of 4.7% against the industry’s negative 1.4% yield. Shares of the company have risen 28.2% against the industry’s 3.8% decline. VCYT’s earnings outpaced estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 41.8%. 

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

OPKO Health, sporting a Zacks Rank of 1 at present, has an estimated 2026 earnings growth rate of 23.3% compared with the industry’s 16.6% growth. Its earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 95.1%. OPK shares have rallied 27.3% against the industry’s 3.8% decline over the past year.

Teleflex, currently carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), has an estimated long-term earnings growth rate of 20.7% compared with the industry’s 14.5% growth. Its earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed in one, the average surprise being 3.2%. TFX shares have gained 4% against the industry’s 3.7% decline over the past year.

Analysts on Wall Street project that Valmont Industries (VMI - Free Report) will announce quarterly earnings of $5.71 per share in its forthcoming report, representing an increase of 14.7% year over year. Revenues are projected to reach $1.12 billion, increasing 6.7% from the same quarter last year.

The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.5% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This reflects how the analysts covering the stock have collectively reevaluated their initial estimates during this timeframe.

Before a company announces its earnings, it is essential to take into account any changes made to earnings estimates. This is a valuable factor in predicting the potential reactions of investors toward the stock. Empirical research has consistently shown a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and the short-term price performance of a stock.

While it's common for investors to rely on consensus earnings and revenue estimates for assessing how the business may have performed during the quarter, exploring analysts' forecasts for key metrics can yield valuable insights.

In light of this perspective, let's dive into the average estimates of certain Valmont metrics that are commonly tracked and forecasted by Wall Street analysts.

Analysts' assessment points toward 'Net Sales- Agriculture' reaching $225.47 million. The estimate points to a change of -5.8% from the year-ago quarter.

The average prediction of analysts places 'Total Sales- Infrastructure' at $886.55 million. The estimate suggests a change of +9.7% year over year.

The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Total Sales- Agriculture' will likely reach $227.21 million. The estimate indicates a change of -5.9% from the prior-year quarter.

Analysts forecast 'Net Sales- Infrastructure' to reach $899.49 million. The estimate suggests a change of +11.5% year over year.

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Over the past month, shares of Valmont have returned -2.1% versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.4% change. Currently, VMI carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), suggesting that its performance may align with the overall market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .

Jito [JTO] continued its decline, dropping roughly 14% over the past day and 17% over the past seven days.

The slide coincided with falling Total Value Locked (TVL), lower Fees, and net outflows from the perpetual market. Together, these signals suggested weakening participation, although Spot Exchange Outflows offered a possible counterpoint.

Why did Jito’s TVL fall $193 million?
On-chain activity showed signs of weakness, with Jito’s TVL shrinking notably.

TVL measures the value of assets deposited in a protocol. However, changes can reflect both withdrawals and movements in deposited assets’ prices.

Source: DeFiLlama
Jito’s TVL fell by over $193 million between the 5th of October and press time, reaching $1.076 billion. That decline suggested a smaller capital base, although TVL alone could not establish whether users had withdrawn funds.

Fees weakened too. According to DeFiLlama, Fees fell from $532,600 to roughly $220,729 across the period, a 58.56% decline.

Lower Fees were consistent with reduced revenue-generating activity, adding to the pressure surrounding Jito’s performance.

What are JTO’s derivatives traders signaling?
The weakness extended into the perpetual market, where Netflows remained negative.

Over the past 24 hours, JTO recorded roughly $3.8 million in net outflows. Gross outflows reached about $30.59 million. These figures pointed to capital leaving the market, although they did not independently establish which positions traders closed.

Source: CoinGlass
Meanwhile, the Funding Rate fell to -0.0020%, signaling bearish pressure in perpetual pricing. A negative Funding Rate generally means shorts pay longs. It does not establish how total capital is divided between them.

JTO’s reported $46.93 million in Open Interest therefore represented outstanding contracts, rather than evidence of more capital allocated to shorts.

Could JTO withdrawals offer some relief?
Spot Exchange Netflows offered a different signal, reaching roughly -$635,000 over the past 24 hours.

Negative Exchange Netflows meant more JTO left tracked exchanges than entered them. Those withdrawals could reflect accumulation or transfers into custody.

Traders sometimes withdraw tokens when preparing to hold them longer. Still, exchange withdrawals alone could not confirm fresh buying.

Source: CoinGlass
Cumulative Netflows also remained negative across the 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day periods, showing that withdrawals persisted. That offered a possible bullish counterpoint. Whether those withdrawals translate into price support remains an open question.

Final Summary

Jito’s TVL fell over $193 million, while Fees dropped 58.56%, signaling weaker protocol activity.
JTO’s persistent Spot Exchange Outflows suggested possible accumulation, although fresh buying remained unconfirmed.