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BENSALEM, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Law Offices of Howard G. Smith reminds investors of the upcoming August 24, 2026 deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in the case filed on behalf of investors who purchased Peabody Energy Corporation (“Peabody” or the “Company”) (NYSE: BTU) common stock between October 14, 2024 to May 4, 2026, inclusive (the “Class Period”).

IF YOU ARE AN INVESTOR WHO SUFFERED A LOSS IN PEABODY ENERGY CORPORATION (BTU), CONTACT THE LAW OFFICES OF HOWARD G. SMITH TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ONGOING SECURITIES FRAUD LAWSUIT.

Contact the Law Offices of Howard G. Smith to discuss your legal rights by email at [email protected], by telephone at (215) 638-4847 or visit our website at www.howardsmithlaw.com.

What Happened?

On March 30, 2026, Peabody issued a press release lowering guidance concerning its Centurion mine’s first quarter 2026 output due to mining commissioning challenges.

On this news, Peabody’s stock price fell $3.82, or 9.7%, to close at $35.68 per share on March 30, 2026, thereby injuring investors.

Then, on May 5, 2026, Peabody disclosed that it had failed to complete its goal to fully ramp-up Centurion by March 2026 and that it was cutting guidance related to full year metallurgical segment volumes to reflect the increased cost and substantial volume decrease.

On this news, Peabody’s stock price fell $1.52, or 5.7%, to close at $25.00 per share on May 5, 2026, thereby injuring investors further.

What Is The Lawsuit About?

The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) Peabody’s overly optimistic March 2026 Centurion ramp-up date and promises regarding the Company’s inflated guidance fell short of reality when numerous issues at Centurion caused a significant delay to the mine’s ramp-up and Peabody’s first quarter metallurgical segment volumes; and (2) as a result, Defendants’ positive statements about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

If you purchased or otherwise acquired Peabody common stock during the Class Period, you may move the Court no later than August 24, 2026 to ask the Court to appoint you as lead plaintiff if you meet certain legal requirements.

Contact Us To Participate or Learn More:
If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact us:
Law Offices of Howard G. Smith,
3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112,
Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020,
Telephone: (215) 638-4847
Email: [email protected],
Visit our website at: www.howardsmithlaw.com.

To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action.

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

More News From Law Offices of Howard G. Smith

If you are looking for a stock that has a solid history of beating earnings estimates and is in a good position to maintain the trend in its next quarterly report, you should consider Lamb Weston (LW - Free Report) . This company, which is in the Zacks Food - Miscellaneous industry, shows potential for another earnings beat.

This frozen foods supplier has an established record of topping earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The company boasts an average surprise for the past two quarters of 10.51%.

For the most recent quarter, Lamb Weston was expected to post earnings of $0.61 per share, but it reported $0.72 per share instead, representing a surprise of 18.03%. For the previous quarter, the consensus estimate was $0.67 per share, while it actually produced $0.69 per share, a surprise of 2.99%.

Price and EPS Surprise

Thanks in part to this history, there has been a favorable change in earnings estimates for Lamb Weston lately. In fact, the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) for the stock is positive, which is a great indicator of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with its solid Zacks Rank.

Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. 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.

Lamb Weston currently has an Earnings ESP of +0.98%, which suggests that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This positive Earnings ESP when combined with the stock's Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) indicates that another beat is possibly around the corner. We expect the company's next earnings report to be released on July 24, 2026.

When the Earnings ESP comes up negative, investors should note that this will reduce the predictive power of the metric. But, a negative value is not indicative of a stock's earnings miss.

Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, but that may not be the sole basis for their stocks moving higher. On the other hand, some stocks may hold their ground even if they end up missing the consensus estimate.

Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Looking for a stock that has been consistently beating earnings estimates and might be well positioned to keep the streak alive in its next quarterly report? Truist Financial Corporation (TFC - Free Report) , which belongs to the Zacks Banks - Major Regional industry, could be a great candidate to consider.

This company has seen a nice streak of beating earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The average surprise for the last two quarters was 6.43%.

For the last reported quarter, Truist Financial came out with earnings of $1.09 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.99 per share, representing a surprise of 10.10%. For the previous quarter, the company was expected to post earnings of $1.09 per share and it actually produced earnings of $1.12 per share, delivering a surprise of 2.75%.

Price and EPS Surprise

With this earnings history in mind, recent estimates have been moving higher for Truist Financial. In fact, the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) for the company is positive, which is a great sign of an earnings beat, especially when you combine this metric with its nice Zacks Rank.

Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. 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.

Truist Financial has an Earnings ESP of +0.23% at the moment, suggesting that analysts have grown bullish on its near-term earnings potential. When you combine this positive Earnings ESP with the stock's Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), it shows that another beat is possibly around the corner. The company's next earnings report is expected to be released on July 17, 2026.

Investors should note, however, that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss, but a negative value does reduce the predictive power of this metric.

Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, though this is not the only reason why their shares gain. Additionally, some stocks may remain stable even if they end up missing the consensus estimate.

Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Trex Company, Inc. [NYSE: TREX], the world's largest manufacturer of wood-alternative composite decking and railing, and a leader in high-performance, low-main

Key Takeaways VRT expanded in Johor to boost AI and high-density computing infrastructure capacity across APAC. The site will make power, cooling and integrated infrastructure solutions, including liquid cooling systems. VRT shares have surged 88.6% year to date, while its Price/Book valuation stands above the sector. Vertiv (VRT - Free Report) is benefiting from the accelerating global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and its expansion in Malaysia is a strategic move to capture growth in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. In the first quarter of 2026, Vertiv reported robust organic sales growth across multiple regions, with the Americas leading at 44% organic growth and APAC up 12%. In 2026, the company expects high-30s organic growth in the Americas, mid-20s in APAC and a return to growth in EMEA in the second half of the year.

The expansion in Malaysia is part of VRT’s broader strategy to increase its manufacturing and service footprint across APAC. The company recently opened a new manufacturing facility in Johor, Malaysia, expanding its production capacity to meet rising demand for AI and high-density computing infrastructure across Asia. The site strengthens Vertiv’s regional manufacturing, engineering, logistics and deployment capabilities while enhancing supply-chain resilience.

It will manufacture advanced power, cooling and integrated infrastructure solutions, including liquid cooling systems and prefabricated power modules, supported by full-scale testing. The expansion is expected to accelerate the deployment of AI-ready data centers, reduce implementation risks and improve customer responsiveness across Southeast Asia, North Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

This expansion is part of a larger strategy at Vertiv to increase manufacturing capacity to meet rising demand in AI infrastructure. Its strong portfolio will continue to benefit the company’s top-line growth. For the second quarter of 2026, revenues are expected to be between $3.25 billion and $3.45 billion, reflecting confidence in sustained AI infrastructure spending.

VRT Faces Stiff CompetitionVertiv faces intense competition from Super Micro Computer (SMCI - Free Report) and Amphenol (APH - Free Report) . Both Super Micro Computer and Amphenol are expanding their AI infrastructure portfolios.

Super Micro Computer continues to broaden its AI infrastructure offerings through collaborations with AMD, Arm and NVIDIA. The company has introduced new rack-scale AI platforms and data center building blocks designed to accelerate the deployment of large-scale AI and agentic AI workloads, intensifying competition in AI-ready infrastructure.

Amphenol is also benefiting from rising AI infrastructure investments. In the first quarter of 2026, IT datacom accounted for approximately 41% of sales and grew 81% organically year over year, driven by accelerating investments in AI data centers and strong demand for high-speed connectivity and interconnect solutions.

Vertiv’s Share Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesVRT’s shares have surged 94.4% in the year-to-date (YTD) period compared with the broader Zacks Computer & Technology sector's 14.7% growth. The Zacks Computers - IT Services industry declined 23.3% in the same time frame.

VRT's YTD Stock Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Vertiv stock is trading at a premium, with a trailing 12-month Price/Book of 27.65X compared with the sector’s 10.63X. VRT has a Value Score of D.

VRT Valuation
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings is pegged at $6.38 per share, which has increased 3.73% over the past 30 days. This indicates a 51.90% increase from the reported figure of 2025.

Vertiv currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Key Takeaways UEC now has two U.S. ISR platforms operating at Christensen Ranch and Burke Hollow.New header houses and Burke Hollow's first full-quarter contribution are expected to lift output.UEC holds $794M in liquid assets and no debt, but costs and sales timing remain volatile. Uranium Energy Corp. (UEC - Free Report) is moving from uranium optionality toward operational execution. The company now has two U.S. in-situ recovery platforms operating, giving investors a clearer production base.

The setup is still uneven. Liquidity and project depth support the longer-term case, but results may remain choppy while wellfields, approvals and sales timing settle.

How UEC Built a Two-Hub ISR PlatformUEC’s current operating base is anchored by Christensen Ranch in Wyoming and Burke Hollow in South Texas. Christensen Ranch feeds the Irigaray Central Processing Plant, while Burke Hollow is tied to the Hobson Processing Facility.

That hub-and-spoke structure gives UEC licensed processing capacity across two regions. Irigaray is licensed for up to 4 million pounds of uranium annually, and Hobson is licensed to process as much as 4 million pounds per year.

Burke Hollow commenced production on April 8, 2026, after approval from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Christensen Ranch has already produced 276,516 pounds since its August 2024 restart.

Why Uranium Energy Sees More Volume AheadThe near-term production story rests on Christensen Ranch header houses and Burke Hollow’s first full-quarter contribution. Three new header houses in Wellfield 11 began production late in the third quarter of fiscal 2026 after state approval.

One additional header house was complete and awaiting approval, and five more were under construction in Wellfields 12 and the 10-extension. These additions are expected to lift fourth-quarter production as more infrastructure operates.

The third quarter of fiscal 2026 did not yet capture that full benefit. Preconditioning, leaching and precipitation costs were recorded before the related production volume was fully reflected.

UEC Growth Pipeline Extends Beyond Current MinesLudeman, Sweetwater and Roughrider form the next layer of UEC’s growth pipeline. At Ludeman, UEC completed a 240-hole delineation drilling program, while engineering for a satellite ion-exchange plant progressed.

Sweetwater adds scale to the Wyoming opportunity. The project has been designated as a FAST-41 transparency project, and UEC reached a permitting milestone with the Bureau of Land Management’s completeness review of its Plan of Operations for in-situ recovery operations.

At Roughrider, more than 80% of the planned 35,000-meter conversion core drilling program has been completed to support a planned pre-feasibility study. For peer context, Cameco Corporation (CCJ - Free Report) gives investors exposure to a larger uranium fuel-cycle company. Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU - Free Report) is more closely tied to nuclear fuel and enrichment.

Where Uranium Energy Still Faces Execution RiskExecution risk remains the main near-term issue. In the third quarter of fiscal 2026, UEC produced 32,195 pounds at a total cost of $54.61 per pound and a cash cost of $46.69 per pound.

Total cost per pound rose 25% sequentially, driven by lower production from late approvals and higher state taxes. Production-based royalties, ad valorem and severance tax per pound increased to $8.11 from $6.67 in the second quarter of fiscal 2026.

Sales timing also adds volatility. UEC made no sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2026 as management preserved inventory under its 100% unhedged strategy, which can leave quarterly revenues uneven. 

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for UEC for fiscal 2026 is currently at a loss of 19 cents per share wider than the loss of 17 cents reported in fiscal 2025. The consensus for fiscal 2027 also suggests a loss of 11 cents per share as shown in the chart below.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Shares of UEC have declined 27.8% in the past three months compared with the industry’s 6.7% fall.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

How UEC’s Ratings Fit This Uneven SetupThe bottom line is that UEC has a more tangible operating platform, but the investment case still depends on execution. Liquidity is a support, with $794 million of liquid assets at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2026, including $488 million in cash and no debt.

UEC currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). That rank points to near-term caution, as sales and costs remain sensitive to approvals, wellfield timing and market-driven sales decisions.

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

The stock’s Zacks Style Scores also lean weak. UEC has a VGM Score of F, with a Value Score of F, Growth Score of F and Momentum Score of D. Since Style Scores complement the Zacks Rank, those marks do not strengthen the near-term setup.

For investors, the contrast is clear. UEC’s inventory, liquidity and project base support a constructive long-term narrative, but the current Rank and Style Scores argue for patience until production stabilizes and estimate trends improve.

This strategic partnership aims to enhance Kodiak’s energy infrastructure initiatives, providing scalable power generation solutions to meet increasing demand.

• Kodiak Gas Services shares are advancing steadily. Why is KGS stock trading higher?

Kodiak Gas Services entered a multi-year agreement with Baker Hughes, which includes an initial order for gas turbines and generators expected to deliver approximately one gigawatt of power capacity by 2030.

The initial order includes NovaLT16 and Frame 5 gas turbines, along with BRUSH generators, to support growing power demand from data centers and energy infrastructure.

The equipment will be deployed in key U.S. markets to provide flexible behind-the-meter power amid rising electricity demand and grid constraints.

This collaboration is designed to support the growing energy infrastructure needs, particularly for data centers, highlighting the importance of flexible and efficient power solutions.

KGS Technical Outlook: Key Levels and MomentumFrom a technical perspective, Kodiak Gas Services has shown a strong performance over the past year, with a notable 12-month gain of 109.58%. Currently, the stock is trading about 1.2% above its 20-day simple moving average (SMA) of $69.88 and 0.8% above its 50-day SMA of $70.16. The 200-day SMA, at $50.17, indicates a significant bullish trend, with the stock trading 41% above this level.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) currently sits at 45.90, indicating a neutral momentum phase, suggesting that the stock is neither overbought nor oversold at this time. This level of RSI reflects a balanced market sentiment, while the moving averages indicate a potential bearish crossover with the 20-day SMA below the 50-day SMA.

Key Resistance: $77 — Nearby level where rebounds can stall. Key Support: $65 — Nearby level where buyers previously stepped in. KGS Earnings Preview And Analyst Price TargetsKodiak Gas Services is slated to provide its next financial update on Aug. 5 (estimated).

EPS Estimate: 75 cents (Up from 43 cents) Revenue Estimate: $385.56 million (Up from $322.84 million) Valuation: P/E of 89.5x (Indicates premium valuation) Analyst Consensus & Recent Actions: The stock carries a Buy rating with a consensus price target of $59.62. Recent analyst moves include:

Barclays: Overweight (Lowers target to $72 on July 8) Jefferies: Initiated with Buy (target $79 on June 4) Wells Fargo: Initiated with Overweight (Target $93 on May 27) How KGS Ranks On Momentum and ValuationBelow is the Benzinga Edge scorecard for Kodiak Gas Services, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses compared to the broader market:

Momentum: Bullish (Score: 94.96) — Stock is outperforming the broader market. Value: Weak (Score: 43.35) — Trading at a steep premium relative to peers. The Verdict: Kodiak Gas Services’ Benzinga Edge signal reveals a momentum-driven story, indicating strong performance in the market despite a weak value score. This suggests that while the stock is currently performing well, it may be trading at a premium compared to its peers.

KGS ETF Exposure and Passive Fund Flow Risk WisdomTree US SmallCap Dividend Fund (NYSE:DES): 1.03% Weight Significance: Because Kodiak Gas Services carries significant weight in this fund, any significant inflows or outflows will likely force automatic buying or selling of the stock.

KGS Stock Trades on WednesdayKGS Stock Price Activity: Kodiak Gas Services shares were up 1.47% at $68.01 at publication on Wednesday, according to Benzinga Pro data.

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Key Takeaways Datadog topped $1 billion in quarterly revenues as first-quarter 2026 sales rose 32% year over year.DDOG unveiled 100 plus AI and security capabilities and acquired Adaptive ML to expand AI agents.Datadog forecasts 2026 revenues of $4.30-$4.34B despite margin, competition and macro risks. Datadog (DDOG - Free Report) shares have surged 88.7% year to date, comfortably outpacing the Zacks Computer and Technology sector's 14.8% growth and the Zacks Internet Software industry's 8% decline over the same stretch of trading.

The rally reflects growing investor confidence in Datadog's role as a core observability and security platform for enterprises navigating increasingly complex, AI-driven infrastructure. With first-quarter 2026 results confirming accelerating growth and management issuing upbeat forward guidance, the near-term setup still looks favorable for investors willing to ride out some volatility, even as rising costs and intensifying competition warrant a genuinely watchful eye.

DDOG Outperforms Sector, Peers YTD
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Catalysts Fuelling DDOG’s RallyDatadog's first-quarter 2026 results showed revenues climbing 32% year over year to $1,006 million, marking the company's first quarter above $1 billion and a sequential acceleration from 29% growth in the prior period. Customers with annual recurring revenues of $100,000 or more grew 21% year over year to about 4,550. Non-GAAP operating margin held at 22%, while free cash flow reached $289 million.

Momentum has continued into the current quarter. Last month, Datadog hosted its DASH 2026 conference, unveiling more than 100 new capabilities to help customers manage growing AI and security complexity, including expanded agentic tooling. On June 30, the company announced its acquisition of Adaptive ML, a startup building a Reinforcement Learning Operations platform, which will join Datadog AI Research to accelerate work on specialized AI agents trained on real-world observability signals. The company also achieved FedRAMP High certification during the quarter and launched GPU Monitoring to help customers better manage AI infrastructure spend.

Forward-Looking Guidance by DDOG Holds PromiseFor the second quarter of 2026, Datadog guided revenues between $1.07 billion and $1.08 billion, non-GAAP operating income to be $225-$235 million, and non-GAAP earnings per share between 57 cents and 59 cents.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate calls for 2026 revenues of $4.34 billion, up 26.62% year over year, with earnings pegged at $2.41 per share, up 17.56%, suggesting the current valuation gap is arguably well justified by Datadog's faster, AI-driven observability growth trajectory relative to the broader field.

For full-year 2026, management projected revenues between $4.30 billion and $4.34 billion, non-GAAP operating income to be $940-$980 million, and non-GAAP earnings per share between $2.36 and $2.44, underscoring continued confidence in sustained double-digit growth.

Headwinds Worth MonitoringDespite the strong trajectory, risks remain. GAAP operating margin was just 1% in the quarter, reflecting heavy stock-based compensation and continued R&D investment, including newly absorbed costs tied to the Adaptive ML deal. Continued reliance on large enterprise deals also introduces some lumpiness to quarterly bookings, and management has flagged macro uncertainty tied to trade policy and IT spending as ongoing watch items.

Valuation and Competitive LandscapeDatadog carries a Zacks Value Score of F, trading at a forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio of 19.2X, well above the industry median of 4.78X. That steep premium reflects Datadog's notably stronger growth profile relative to slower-growing peers, whose more modest multiples mirror decelerating or largely flat expansion.

DDOG’s P/S Valuation
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

DDOG faces significant competition from the likes of International Business Machines (IBM - Free Report) , Cisco Systems (CSCO - Free Report) and Dynatrace Software (DT - Free Report) , among others. Cisco Systems has advanced 45.2%, while Dynatrace has gained 4.1% and International Business Machines has returned 3.4%, highlighting Datadog's clear outperformance against all three legacy and pure-play rivals alike.

Cisco Systems leans on its deep network-layer footprint and hardware relationships to push observability bundles into existing accounts, while Dynatrace differentiates through AI-driven causal analytics aimed squarely at large enterprise customers. International Business Machines folds observability into its broader hybrid-cloud and consulting stack, giving it reach but comparatively less focus. Datadog's unified platform keeps winning share, though Cisco Systems, Dynatrace, and International Business Machines each retain entrenched enterprise relationships that keep the observability and security market intensely contested heading into the second half of 2026.

ConclusionWith accelerating revenue growth, robust guidance and steady AI-driven innovation spanning GPU monitoring, agentic security tooling and the Adaptive ML acquisition, Datadog's growth story remains firmly intact. Despite thin GAAP margins and a crowded competitive field, the near-term outlook still tilts favorably enough for patient, growth-oriented investors to consider Datadog.

DDOG currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and a Growth Score of A, a favorable combination that offers a strong investment opportunity per the Zacks proprietary methodology. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Key Takeaways Cognizant is broadening its AI capabilities by integrating Gemini Enterprise with Google Workspace. CTSH expects Q2 2026 revenues of $5.45-$5.52B, implying year-over-year growth of 3.8%-5.3%. CTSH faces softer discretionary spending, stiff IT services competition and margin pressure. Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTSH - Free Report) is strengthening its enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) portfolio by expanding its partnership with Alphabet’s (GOOGL - Free Report) cloud computing platform, Google Cloud. Through the collaboration, Cognizant is integrating Gemini Enterprise with Google Workspace into its consulting, implementation, and managed services offerings, enabling enterprises to accelerate generative AI adoption while improving workforce productivity and accelerating enterprise AI transformation.

The collaboration also enhances Cognizant's internal AI capabilities. The company plans to deploy Gemini Enterprise across more than 200,000 employees while training its workforce on Google Cloud's AI technologies to improve software engineering productivity and accelerate AI solution delivery.

Cognizant aims to strengthen its AI Builder strategy while enhancing its ability to execute large-scale enterprise AI transformation projects by first deploying these capabilities internally before rolling them out to customers. The expanded Google Cloud partnership is part of Cognizant's broader strategy to expand its enterprise AI ecosystem, reinforcing its capabilities across AI development, deployment and security.

Cognizant Deepens Enterprise AI PartnershipsCognizant continues to expand its enterprise AI ecosystem through strategic partnerships with Google Cloud, CrowdStrike (CRWD - Free Report) and Snowflake (SNOW - Free Report) , strengthening its capabilities in generative AI, intelligent agents, AI-powered cybersecurity and enterprise AI deployment.

Cognizant announced a broader collaboration with Snowflake to help enterprises operationalize AI at scale. As a launch partner for Snowflake Cortex-powered Intelligent Agents, Cognizant will help customers deploy AI agents that automate complex business workflows while leveraging governed enterprise data, enabling organizations to move AI applications from pilot projects to production faster.

Cognizant expanded its strategic alliance with CrowdStrike to help enterprises secure AI throughout its lifecycle. Cognizant will integrate the CrowdStrike Falcon platform into its AI Factory and Managed Cybersecurity Services, enabling organizations to securely deploy, govern and manage AI agents, models and infrastructure across enterprise environments.

CTSH Offers Strong Q2 GuidanceCognizant's expanding AI portfolio, growing enterprise AI engagements, and strengthening partner ecosystem are expected to support the company's top-line growth.

For the second quarter of 2026, Cognizant expects revenues to be in the range of $5.45-$5.52 billion, implying year-over-year growth of 3.8%-5.3%.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter 2026 revenues is pegged at $5.49 billion, indicating year-over-year growth of 4.59%.

The consensus mark for earnings is pegged at $1.38 per share, unchanged over the past 30 days. The figure implies a year-over-year increase of 5.34%.

Cognizant Struggles Despite Expanding AI PortfolioDespite an expanding AI portfolio and a strong partner base, Cognizant’s shares have plunged 47% in the year-to-date period against the broader Zacks Computer & Technology sector's return of 16.6%.

The company is facing softer discretionary spending, trade and policy uncertainty, and continued caution in parts of Products & Resources and Health Sciences. Stiff competition across the IT services industry, particularly in AI-enabled digital transformation, remains a key headwind.

Cognizant is also facing margin pressure and rising costs, as reflected in an 80-basis-point year-over-year decline in its first-quarter 2026 gross margin. The decline was due to the impact of integrated offerings and higher compensation costs.

ConclusionCognizant's expanding AI ecosystem and growing enterprise partnerships continue to strengthen its long-term growth prospects and support top-line expansion. However, challenging macroeconomic conditions, soft discretionary spending and stiff competition are expected to weigh on CTSH's near-term performance.

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

Investors interested in stocks from the Computer- Storage Devices sector have probably already heard of Teradata (TDC) and NetApp (NTAP). But which of these two companies is the best option for those looking for undervalued stocks?

, /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz announces that investors with losses related to AeroVironment, Inc. ("AeroVironment" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: AVAV) have opportunity to lead the securities fraud class action lawsuit.

IF YOU ARE AN INVESTOR WHO SUFFERED A LOSS IN AEROVIRONMENT, INC. (AVAV), CLICK HERE BEFORE JULY 27, 2026 (THE LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE) TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ONGOING SECURITIES FRAUD LAWSUIT.

 What Is The Lawsuit About?
The complaint filed alleges that, between June 25, 2025 and March 10, 2026, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) AeroVironment understated the likelihood that it would imminently face competition from other vendors for the work it performed in connection with the SCAR program and the U.S. Space Force's ongoing efforts to modernize the SCN; (2) accordingly, Defendants overstated AeroVironment's business and financial prospects; and (3) as a result, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

Contact Us To Participate or Learn More: 
If you wish to learn more about this action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact us.
The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, 
Email us at: [email protected]
Call us at: 310-914-5007
Visit our website at: www.frankcruzlaw.com
Follow us for updates on Twitter: twitter.com/FRC_LAW.

If you inquire by email, please include your mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.

To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action.  

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

SOURCE The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, Los Angeles

Key Takeaways Valmont Industries is benefiting from strong utility infrastructure demand and multi-year grid investments.VMI improved margins through restructuring, AI-enabled planning and added capacity, boosting efficiency.VMI raised 2026 earnings guidance and Infrastructure revenue outlook on stronger execution and demand. Valmont Industries, Inc.’s (VMI - Free Report) shares have rallied 34.1% year to date. While the company has underperformed the Zacks Steel - Pipe and Tube industry's rise of 40.1%, it topped the S&P 500's gain of 10.4%.

The rally has been driven by Valmont’s successful implementation of operational improvement strategy, robust demand in the Utility end-market, increased 2026 earnings guidance and upward revisions in earnings estimates that have strengthened the company’s long-term growth outlook.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Let’s take a look at the factors that are driving VMI stock. 

Robust Utility Demand and Margin Gains Drive VMI's UpsideValmont Industries' rally has been primarily driven by robust utility infrastructure demand and the company's operational improvement initiatives. The Infrastructure segment continues to benefit from a multi-year investment cycle supported by grid modernization, electrification and rising electricity demand from AI-driven data centers.

Management expects approximately $1.4 trillion of U.S. grid investments through 2030, creating a strong pipeline for transmission, distribution and substation projects. This resulted in healthy backlog growth, improving revenue visibility and higher confidence in sustained demand.

At the same time, VMI has significantly strengthened profitability through restructuring, productivity improvements and strategic capacity expansion. Corporate expenses declined as restructuring initiatives streamlined operations.

Brownfield expansion projects added approximately $95 million in annual revenue capacity. The company has also removed production bottlenecks, implemented AI-enabled scheduling and planning tools, and continued operational excellence initiatives that have improved manufacturing efficiency. These efforts have driven some of the strongest Infrastructure segment margins in recent years while positioning the company to capitalize on rising utility demand.

Reflecting the combined benefits of demand trends and improved execution, management raised its 2026 earnings guidance and increased Infrastructure segment revenue expectations. With expanding capacity, higher operating efficiency, improving margins and sustained exposure to long-term utility infrastructure investments, VMI remains well positioned to deliver higher revenue and earnings growth over the coming years.

VMI’s Zacks Rank & Other Key PicksVMI currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). 

Some other top-ranked stocks in the Basic Materials space are Albemarle Corporation (ALB - Free Report) , Carpenter Technology Corporation (CRS - Free Report) and Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. (ASM - Free Report) .

While ALB sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present, CRS and ASM carry a Zacks Rank #2 each. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ALB’s 2026 earnings is pinned at $12.98 per share, indicating a 1,743.04% year-over-year increase. Its earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters and missed one, with an average surprise of 74.5%. ALB’s shares have jumped 90.5% over the past year.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CRS’ 2026 earnings is pegged at $10.56 per share, indicating a rise of 41.18% year over year. Its earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average surprise of 8.95%.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ASM’s current fiscal-year earnings is pinned at 34 cents per share, indicating a 17.24% year-over-year increase. Its earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average surprise of 125%. ASM’sshares have gained 86.4% over the past year.

Key Takeaways Oil-energy stocks are up 17.9% year to date, beating the Zacks S&P 500 composite's 10.4% rise.Cenovus Energy trades below its industry EV/EBITDA average with stable upstream and downstream operations.Par Pacific's diverse crude sourcing and cheaper Canadian heavy oil exposure support its refining edge. The oil-energy sector has seen a rally of 17.9% year to date, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite’s increase of 10.4%. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have remained an important driver of oil prices, providing continued support to energy stocks.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Investors should note that West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) oil is currently trading below $75 per barrel, according to data from Oilprice.com, significantly down from the more than $100 per barrel mark reached in May this year. However, renewed tensions in the Middle East, following President Donald Trump's statement that the ceasefire agreement with Iran is no longer in effect, are once again supporting oil prices.

With the strong gain in the oil-energy space, it might have been difficult to find undervalued energy stocks that could create great value for investors’ portfolios. However, employing our proprietary stock screener, we have identified two cheap stocks that may not stay undervalued once the crowd catches on. The two stocks are Cenovus Energy Inc. (CVE - Free Report) and Par Pacific (PARR - Free Report) .

Bet on 2 Cheap Energy Stocks Right Away: CVE, PARRCenovus Energy is an integrated energy player with a presence in upstream and downstream businesses. With core operations in Canadian oil sands and North American refining, the company’s business model is relatively stable and can withstand the volatility in oil prices.

Currently, Cenovus Energy is undervalued, with a trailing 12-month enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) of 6.28x. This is below the broader industry average of 6.45x.

Par Pacific is benefiting from a refining business that remains well-positioned in the current crude-price environment. Although geopolitical tensions have recently supported crude prices, oil remains well below the highs seen earlier this year. The current price scenario continues to provide refiners like Par Pacific with relatively attractive feedstock costs.

Instead of relying on a single source of crude, PARR has been depending on crude from a variety of sources, comprising U.S. inland oil fields, imported oil delivered by ship and Canadian heavy crude.

Notably, a significant portion of crude oil sources is waterborne, while 22% consists of Canadian heavy oil. While exposed to multiple sources, Par Pacific has the option to switch if the price of one crude oil type rises.

Additionally, having exposure to Canadian heavy oil, which is cheaper than lighter crude, Par Pacific is likely to have been enjoying a cost advantage. In other words, the refining player has been capable of using lower-priced fuel to produce high-value end products, giving it an edge over other refiners and helping it continue its upward trajectory.

Coming to the valuation story, PARR is currently trading at a discount. The stock is trading at a trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA multiple of 4.84x, which is lower than the broader industry average of 5.50x.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Last WordsGiven their discounted valuations and favorable industry positioning, both Cenovus Energy and Par Pacific appear well-positioned to gain. Both stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Investors looking for stocks in the Diversified Operations sector might want to consider either Mitsui & Co. (MITSY - Free Report) or Carlisle (CSL - Free Report) . But which of these two stocks is more attractive to value investors? We'll need to take a closer look to find out.

The best way to find great value stocks is to pair a strong Zacks Rank with an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system. The Zacks Rank favors stocks with strong earnings estimate revision trends, and our Style Scores highlight companies with specific traits.

Right now, Mitsui & Co. is sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy), while Carlisle has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold). This system places an emphasis on companies that have seen positive earnings estimate revisions, so investors should feel comfortable knowing that MITSY is likely seeing its earnings outlook improve to a greater extent. But this is just one factor that value investors are interested in.

Value investors are also interested in a number of tried-and-true valuation metrics that help show when a company is undervalued at its current share price levels.

Our Value category grades stocks based on a number of key metrics, including the tried-and-true P/E ratio, the P/S ratio, earnings yield, and cash flow per share, as well as a variety of other fundamentals that value investors frequently use.

MITSY currently has a forward P/E ratio of 12.04, while CSL has a forward P/E of 16.72. We also note that MITSY has a PEG ratio of 1.05. This popular figure is similar to the widely-used P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also considers a company's expected EPS growth rate. CSL currently has a PEG ratio of 1.11.

Another notable valuation metric for MITSY is its P/B ratio of 1.37. Investors use the P/B ratio to look at a stock's market value versus its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. By comparison, CSL has a P/B of 8.66.

These metrics, and several others, help MITSY earn a Value grade of A, while CSL has been given a Value grade of C.

MITSY stands above CSL thanks to its solid earnings outlook, and based on these valuation figures, we also feel that MITSY is the superior value option right now.

NEW YORK, July 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized investor-rights law firm, announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ: VRRM) and certain of its officers.

This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Verra securities between February 24, 2026 and May 26, 2026, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm’s site: bgandg.com/VRRM.

Verra Case Details

The Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that:

Defendants misrepresented the nature and stability of Verra’s relationship with Avis Budget Group (“Avis”), including the likelihood of securing a contract extension; Defendants downplayed the risk that major rental car companies, including Avis, could replace Verra’s services with in-house solutions or alternative third-party providers; and as a result, Defendants’ statements about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. What's Next for Verra Investors?

A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm’s site: bgandg.com/VRRM. or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Client Relations Manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 917-590-0911. If you suffered a loss in Verra you have until August 4, 2026, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff.

No Cost to Verra Investors

We, Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman LLC, represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys’ fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.

Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC for Verra Securities Class Action?

Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide. More at www.bgandg.com

"Our practice centers on restoring investor capital and ensuring corporate accountability, which serves to uphold the essential integrity of the marketplace," said Peretz Bronstein, Founding Partner of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC.

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Contact Info

Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or Nathan Miller
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
917-590-0911 | [email protected]

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Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 8, 2026) - Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized investor-rights law firm, announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) and certain of its officers.

This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Calix securities between January 28, 2026 and April 21, 2026, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/CALX.

Calix Case Details

The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, defendants failed to disclose to investors:

the Company's first quarter margins had significantly benefited from advanced purchasing of memory components; that the Company's advanced supply of memory components was dwindling; that, as a result, the Company was experiencing negative margin pressure as it was forced to purchase memory components at rising market prices; and that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's margins, business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.What's Next for Calix Investors?

A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: bgandg.com/CALX, or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Client Relations Manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 917-590-0911. If you suffered a loss in Calix you have until July 27, 2026, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff.

No Cost to Calix Investors

We, Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman LLC, represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.

Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC for Calix Securities Class Action?

Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide. More at www.bgandg.com

"Our practice centers on restoring investor capital and ensuring corporate accountability, which serves to uphold the essential integrity of the marketplace," said Peretz Bronstein, Founding Partner of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, or Instagram.

Attorney advertising.
Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/299461

Source: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC

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Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In Calix To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you purchased or acquired securities in Calix between January 28, 2026 and April 21, 2026 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

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New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 8, 2026) - Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Calix, Inc. ("Calix" or the "Company") (NYSE: CALX) and reminds investors of the July 27, 2026 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.

Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) the Company's first quarter margins had significantly benefited from advanced purchasing of memory components; (2) that the Company's advanced supply of memory components was dwindling; (3) that, as a result, the Company was experiencing negative margin pressure as it was forced to purchase memory components at rising market prices; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's margins, business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

On April 21, 2026, Calix reported results for the first quarter of 2026 earnings, including that "Non-GAAP gross margin was 57.2%, down 80 basis points sequentially." Further, the Company reported "gross margin guidance for the second quarter of 2026 is between 54.25% and 57.25%" and "[f]or the year, we expect our non-GAAP gross margin to decline between 50 and 150 basis points."

In the accompanying earnings call, the Company's CFO stated "advanced purchasing had allowed us to avoid higher memory component costs during the first quarter. However, that advanced supply has run its course, and we now face market prices."

On this news, Calix's stock price fell $6.93, or 13.98% to close at $42.65 per share on April 22, 2026, on unusually heavy trading volume.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Calix's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the Calix class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/CALX or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Investors Regarding the Calix Securities Class Action Lawsuit:

What is the Calix securities fraud lawsuit about?

The Calix securities fraud lawsuit is a federal securities class action alleging that Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) and its executives made false and misleading statements to investors by concealing that the Company's strong first quarter margins were artificially inflated by advanced purchasing of memory components, that its advanced supply of those components was dwindling, and that it would soon be forced to purchase memory components at rising market prices - creating significant negative margin pressure. As the truth emerged on April 21, 2026, when Calix reported Q1 2026 results and its CFO disclosed that "advanced supply has run its course" and the Company would "now face market prices," CALX's stock price fell $6.93 per share, or 13.98%, causing significant losses for investors.

Who may be eligible to participate in the Calix class action lawsuit?

Investors who purchased or acquired Calix (CALX) stock between January 28, 2026 and April 21, 2026 - the Class Period - and suffered financial losses may be eligible to participate in the Calix securities class action. Participation as a class member does not require taking any affirmative legal action; eligible investors may recover losses simply by remaining members of the class. Whistleblowers, former Calix employees, and others with relevant information about the Company's conduct are also encouraged to come forward.

What is a lead plaintiff, and how can I seek appointment in the Calix lawsuit?

A lead plaintiff in the Calix class action is a court-appointed investor - typically the one with the largest financial interest in the case - who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of all class members. Any Calix investor who purchased CALX stock during the Class Period may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice. The deadline to seek lead plaintiff appointment is July 27, 2026. Importantly, choosing not to seek the lead plaintiff role does not affect an investor's ability to share in any recovery obtained for the class.

What should investors do if they purchased Calix stock during the Class Period?

Investors who purchased Calix (CALX) stock between January 28, 2026 and April 21, 2026 and suffered losses should contact Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP immediately to discuss their legal rights. The deadline to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Calix securities class action is July 27, 2026. To speak directly with securities litigation partner Josh Wilson, call 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310), or visit www.faruqilaw.com/CALX for more information.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/304420

Source: Faruqi & Faruqi LLP

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Key Takeaways Arthur J. Gallagher acquired WMB to expand its retail commercial insurance business in Western Canada.AJG adds expertise in construction, commercial real estate, surety, hospitality and mining insurance. The acquisition supports Gallagher's strategy of expanding through targeted specialty insurance acquisitions. Specialty insurance remains a major growth pillar for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (AJG - Free Report) , driven by strong demand for customized coverage, deeper client relationships and stable commission-based revenues. The company continues to expand its specialty insurance platform through strategic acquisitions, reinforcing its position in niche commercial insurance markets.

The latest acquisition is Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services Inc. (WMB), a Canada-based retail insurance broker serving commercial clients across Western Canada. The WMB team, led by David Beck, will continue operating from its current locations and will be integrated into Gallagher's retail property and casualty brokerage operations in Canada.

The acquisition strengthens Gallagher's retail brokerage operations in Western Canada while expanding its presence in high-value commercial insurance segments. WMB's specialization in construction, commercial real estate, surety bonding, hospitality and mining will enhance AJG's expertise in these niche markets, which often involve complex risk exposures and customized coverage requirements. WMB’s expertise and client relationships are expected to help Gallagher to attract new commercial customers and drive stable commission-based revenues over the long term.

The transaction also aligns with Gallagher's broader strategy of growing through targeted acquisitions that complement its existing brokerage and consulting businesses. By adding WMB's industry expertise and regional presence, Gallagher is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for specialized commercial insurance solutions while supporting its long-term growth strategy.

How Are Competitors Faring?Peers like Brown & Brown, Inc. (BRO - Free Report) and Aon plc (AON - Free Report) are also expanding their retail brokerage businesses through acquisitions.

BRO has been actively expanding its retail insurance brokerage business through acquisitions across North America. The acquisitions of Accession Risk Management Group, which significantly expanded its retail brokerage, employee benefits and programs businesses, as well as several regional retail agencies. These acquisitions have strengthened BRO's presence in niche commercial insurance markets and broadened its client base.

Aon has been expanding its commercial insurance brokerage platform through targeted acquisitions and strategic investments. The company expanded its middle-market brokerage capabilities by acquiring NFP, enhancing its commercial insurance, employee benefits and advisory offerings.

AJG’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesShares of AJG have dropped 19.2% compared with the industry’s decline of 27%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, AJG trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 18.14X, higher than the industry average of 16.57X.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The consensus estimate for earnings per share (EPS) for 2026 and 2027 indicates a year-over-year increase of 23.8% and 11.8%, respectively. 

The Zacks Consensus Estimates for 2026 earnings moved 0.3% south, while the estimate for 2027 earnings moved 0.2% north in the last 30 days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The consensus estimates for AJG’s 2026 and 2027 revenues indicate a year-over-year increase.

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

Whether it's through stocks, bonds, ETFs, or other types of securities, all investors love seeing their portfolios score big returns. But for income investors, generating consistent cash flow from each of your liquid investments is your primary focus.

Cash flow can come from bond interest, interest from other types of investments, and, of course, dividends. A dividend is that coveted distribution of a company's earnings paid out to shareholders, and investors often view it by its dividend yield, a metric that measures the dividend as a percent of the current stock price. Many academic studies show that dividends account for significant portions of long-term returns, with dividend contributions exceeding one-third of total returns in many cases.

Based in Tulsa, ONE Gas (OGS - Free Report) is in the Utilities sector, and so far this year, shares have seen a price change of 0.76%. Currently paying a dividend of $0.68 per share, the company has a dividend yield of 3.49%. In comparison, the Utility - Gas Distribution industry's yield is 3.73%, while the S&P 500's yield is 1.35%.

Looking at dividend growth, the company's current annualized dividend of $2.72 is up 1.5% from last year. Over the last 5 years, ONE Gas has increased its dividend 5 times on a year-over-year basis for an average annual increase of 4.53%. Looking ahead, future dividend growth will be dependent on earnings growth and payout ratio, which is the proportion of a company's annual earnings per share that it pays out as a dividend. ONE Gas's current payout ratio is 60%, meaning it paid out 60% of its trailing 12-month EPS as dividend.

OGS is expecting earnings to expand this fiscal year as well. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 is $4.72 per share, with earnings expected to increase 5.36% from the year ago period.

From greatly improving stock investing profits and reducing overall portfolio risk to providing tax advantages, investors like dividends for a variety of different reasons. But, not every company offers a quarterly payout.

Big, established firms that have more secure profits are often seen as the best dividend options, but it's fairly uncommon to see high-growth businesses or tech start-ups offer their stockholders a dividend. Income investors must be conscious of the fact that high-yielding stocks tend to struggle during periods of rising interest rates. With that in mind, OGS is a compelling investment opportunity. Not only is it a strong dividend play, but the stock currently sits at a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

The latest USDA Egg Markets Overview paints a picture of a market that has shifted dramatically from just a year ago. National wholesale prices for loose, large shell eggs stood at $0.27 per dozen in the latest weekly report, while supplies were described as “moderate to heavy” and trading remained slow.

The agency also reported that total shell egg inventories rose 4% from the prior week, with large egg inventories increasing 6%.

The Biggest Loser May Be Cal-MaineNo company benefited more from soaring egg prices than Cal-Maine Foods Inc. (NASDAQ:CALM), the nation’s largest egg producer.

The bird flu outbreak sent wholesale egg prices to record levels over the past two years, driving exceptional revenue and profit growth across the industry. But the same pricing environment that fueled those earnings is beginning to fade.

USDA data now point to recovering supplies, growing inventories and significantly lower wholesale prices than those seen during the height of the shortage. While Cal-Maine continues to benefit from its scale and specialty egg portfolio, investors may increasingly focus on how quickly earnings normalize as pricing returns closer to historical levels.

Food Companies Could Quietly BenefitEggs are only one component of overall food costs, but the sharp reversal removes a pressure point that weighed on many food companies during the inflation surge.

The Investment Story Has ChangedThe USDA report suggests the market has moved beyond the emergency conditions created by bird flu.

Supplies are rebuilding, inventories are growing and retailers are once again promoting conventional eggs, with the average advertised price falling to $1.48 per dozen in the latest reporting week.

For consumers, that means cheaper breakfasts.

For investors, it may signal a shift in leadership.

Over the past two years, soaring egg prices created clear winners in egg production. As the market normalizes, the advantage could gradually shift toward the food manufacturers and restaurant operators that spent much of that period paying the bill.

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Key Takeaways Oceaneering won a four-year Petrobras contract to provide offshore Brazil ROV services from 2027.OII will supply two work-class ROV systems and specialized tooling for offshore subsea operations.Oceaneering's Brazil team will execute the project using local expertise and established infrastructure Oceaneering International, Inc. (OII - Free Report) has strengthened its position as a leading subsea technology and offshore services provider after the Brazilian subsidiary, Marine Production Systems do Brasil LTDA (“MPS”), secured a new contract from Petrobras (PBR - Free Report) to deliver remotelyoperated vehicle (“ROV”) services offshore Brazil. The four-year agreement represents a significant milestone in Oceaneering’s continued support of complex deepwater operations and reinforces its long-standing partnership with one of the world’s largest offshore energy companies.

The contract was awarded following a competitive tender process and is expected to begin operations in 2027. Under the agreement, Oceaneering will provide advanced subsea capabilities designed to support Petrobras’ offshore intervention, installation and abandonment activities. The project highlights the increasing importance of reliable subsea robotics, specialized tooling and operational expertise in the development and maintenance of deepwater energy infrastructure.

Advanced ROV Solutions to Support Petrobras’ Offshore ActivitiesAs part of the contract, Oceaneering will supply two work-class ROV systems along with specialized tooling packages developed to support demanding offshore tasks. These advanced robotic systems will provide critical underwater capabilities, enabling precise inspection, intervention, monitoring and positioning support in challenging subsea environments.

The ROV technology will be deployed from AKOFS Offshore’s subsea engineering support vessel Aker Wayfarer, which Petrobras has contracted to perform a range of offshore intervention, installation and abandonment support scopes. By combining a highly capable subsea vessel with Oceaneering’s robotic technologies and engineering expertise, the project will deliver an integrated solution for complex offshore operations.

Oceaneering’s local Brazilian team will execute the project, bringing extensive regional knowledge, technical expertise and operational experience to Petrobras’ offshore campaigns. The use of a locally established team also supports efficient project execution while maintaining the high safety and performance standards required for deepwater activities.

Strengthening a Long-Term Partnership With PetrobrasOceaneering has supported Petrobras’ subsea engineering campaigns for more than a decade, establishing a strong relationship built on technical reliability, innovation and operational excellence. The latest contract award further expands this collaboration and provides additional long-term visibility in Brazil’s important deepwater market.

Simao Silva, Brazil country manager at Oceaneering, highlighted the importance of the agreement, noting that the award reflects Petrobras’ continued confidence in its ability to provide advanced subsea solutions for complex offshore environments.

The partnership demonstrates the value of combining global technology capabilities with local expertise. Through years of supporting offshore projects in Brazil, Oceaneering has developed a deep understanding of regional operational requirements and the technical challenges associated with deepwater energy production.

Oceaneering’s Nearly Three Decades of Operations in BrazilOceaneering has maintained a presence in Brazil for nearly three decades, developing a comprehensive infrastructure network to support offshore energy activities. Through MPS, the company operates multiple facilities that provide specialized services, including ROV operations, survey services, subsea intervention tooling and engineered solutions.

The company’s Brazilian operations include a dedicated center for ROV, Survey, Subsea Intervention Tooling and Engineered Solutions, as well as an Onshore Remote Operations Center located in Macaé. These facilities support offshore projects through advanced engineering, remote monitoring capabilities, equipment preparation and technical services.

Oceaneering also operates an umbilical manufacturing plant in Niterói, strengthening its ability to provide integrated subsea solutions within the Brazilian market. This local infrastructure enables the company to respond efficiently to the needs of offshore operators while supporting the country’s evolving energy sector.

Delivering Technology-Driven Offshore Energy SolutionsOceaneering’s latest Petrobras contract reflects its broader mission of delivering engineered services, advanced products and robotic solutions across multiple industries. The company combines decades of subsea experience with innovative technologies to improve offshore safety, efficiency and reliability.

Work-class ROV systems play a vital role in modern offshore operations by allowing operators to perform underwater activities with precision and reduced risk. These systems support essential tasks such as subsea inspection, equipment installation, maintenance activities and intervention operations at significant depths.

Through continuous investment in technology and skilled personnel, Oceaneering continues to advance the capabilities available to offshore operators worldwide. This agreement demonstrates how sophisticated robotics, engineering expertise and local operational knowledge can work together to support increasingly complex offshore projects.

Strong Future for Subsea Services in BrazilBrazil remains one of the world’s most important deepwater energy markets, with significant offshore resources and a growing demand for advanced subsea technologies. Oceaneering’s expanded collaboration with Petrobras positions it to continue contributing to major offshore developments while supporting safe and efficient operations.

The new four-year contract reinforces Oceaneering’s reputation as a trusted subsea services provider and highlights the company’s ability to deliver specialized solutions for challenging marine environments. With experienced teams, established facilities and advanced robotic technologies, Oceaneering is prepared to support the next generation of offshore operations in Brazil.

Through this agreement, Oceaneering and Petrobras continue a partnership focused on innovation, reliability and operational excellence, helping drive the future of deepwater subsea engineering and offshore energy development.

OII's Zacks Rank & Key PicksCurrently, OII and PBR have a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) each.

Investors interested in the energy sector might look at some better-ranked stocks like Paramount Resources (PRMRF - Free Report) and Cenovus Energy (CVE - Free Report) , each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Paramount Resources is valued at $2.83 billion. It is a Canadian energy company focused on the exploration, development and production of natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids. Paramount Resources stock has delivered 28.9% total return over the past year.

Cenovus Energy is valued at $45.32 billion. It is a Canadian integrated energy company engaged in the production of crude oil and natural gas, as well as refining, upgrading and marketing petroleum products, operating across Canada, the United States and the Asia-Pacific region. Cenovus Energy stock has delivered a 72.6% total return over the past year.

BridgeBio Pharma BBIO has become a harder stock to judge after its sharp rare-disease run. Attruby is ramping quickly, yet the valuation already assumes a good deal of future success.

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, /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Owl Capital Inc. ("Blue Owl") (NYSE: OWL), a leading alternative asset manager, today announced that funds managed by Blue Owl, together with Moor Park Capital Partners ("Moor Park"), have successfully completed the acquisition of a portfolio of 12 acute-care hospitals operated by Spire Healthcare Group plc, the UK's leading private hospital operator.

"The acquisition of the Spire portfolio represents a strategic investment in a portfolio of high-quality UK private hospitals with a market leading tenant, well-structured long-term leases and significantly accelerates the expansion of our European Net Lease strategy," said Marc Zahr, Co-President and Global Head of Real Assets at Blue Owl. "This transaction builds on the firm's experience investing across the healthcare landscape and represents an opportunity to capitalize on the strong supply and demand fundamentals in the European healthcare real estate sector while delivering what we believe to be compelling value for investors and the communities these facilities serve."

The completion of the transaction marks an important milestone for Blue Owl's Real Assets platform and reflects the firm's continued focus on expanding its presence across essential real estate sectors. As part of Blue Owl's Real Assets platform, the Spire portfolio will benefit from the firm's institutional scale, investment expertise and long-standing relationships across the real estate market, creating a strong foundation for continued growth and long-term value creation.

Blue Owl and Moor Park see tremendous opportunity for further growth in the European healthcare sector and will continue to pursue opportunities in the space offering compelling risk-adjusted returns.

The acquisition was financed by a new secured term loan, with Standard Chartered Bank, Natixis and Crédit Agricole CIB acting as joint Mandated Lead Arrangers and lenders to the transaction.

Advisors
Rothschild & Co served as Blue Owl's exclusive financial advisor. Kirkland & Ellis and Hogan Lovells served as Blue Owl's legal counsel. Deloitte served as Blue Owl's tax and financial due diligence advisors.

About Blue Owl
Blue Owl (NYSE: OWL) is a leading asset manager that is redefining alternatives®. With $315 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2026, we invest across three multi-strategy platforms: Credit, Real Assets and GP Strategic Capital. Anchored by a strong permanent capital base, we provide businesses with private capital solutions to drive long-term growth and offer institutional investors, individual investors, and insurance companies differentiated alternative investment opportunities that aim to deliver strong performance, risk-adjusted returns, and capital preservation.

Together with over 1,390 experienced professionals globally, Blue Owl brings the vision and discipline to create the exceptional. To learn more, visit www.blueowl.com or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-owl-capital.

About Moor Park Capital Partners
Moor Park Capital Partners, founded by Gary Wilder, Shemeel Khan and Jagdeep Kapoor, is a specialist international real estate private equity investment and asset management firm focused on acquiring, financing, developing and managing high-quality operational real estate across healthcare, living, hospitality, logistics, data centres, retail, offices, bank branches, car parks, leisure, service stations and other alternative real estate sectors.

Established more than twenty years ago, the firm has built an internationally recognised reputation for identifying, structuring, financing and executing highly complex, frequently proprietary real estate transactions that are often inaccessible through traditional market channels.

Across their careers, Moor Park's management team has successfully executed transactions with an aggregate value exceeding €26 billion on behalf of sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, insurance companies, managed accounts and other leading global institutional investors, consistently delivering strong long-term investment performance through disciplined investment, active asset management and innovative capital solutions.

Investor Contact      
Ann Dai           
Head of Investor Relations    
[email protected] 

Media Contact
[email protected] 

SOURCE Blue Owl Capital

© Gumbariya / Shutterstock.com

SoFi Technologies (NASDAQ:SOFI | SOFI Price Prediction) has achieved sustained GAAP profitability, and CEO Anthony Noto is pushing for aggressive growth. He told investors on the Q1 call, “Over the past 8 years, we’ve grown members by more than 20x from 650,000 to 14.7 million members.”

Yet shares are down 28.92% year to date, trading at $18.61. Can this stock reach $30 in 2027?

Why SoFi Shares Are Stuck Despite Record Fundamentals SoFi posted Q1 results with $1.10 billion in revenue, record loan originations of $12.18 billion (up 68% year over year), and operating income up 150.12% year over year. Why the weakness?

Three factors. First, Technology Platform segment revenue fell 27% year over year after a large client departed. Second, credit is drifting: the personal loan charge-off rate rose to 3.03% from 2.80%. Third, sentiment suffered from the March 2026 Muddy Waters report alleging accounting misstatements. With a beta of 2.15, macro volatility gets amplified.

Shares are up 16.09% over the past month and 2.31% over the past week, but a 1-year return of 0.22% signals the market remains unconvinced.

Wall Street Sees 12% Upside. I Think It Is Too Cautious. The Street consensus target is $20.90, with 3 Strong Buys, 5 Buys, 12 Holds, 2 Sells, and 2 Strong Sells. Our internal model lands at a base case of $20.53, an upside of 10.33%, with a bull scenario at $25.69 and a bear case of $17.93. Model confidence sits at a 90% read, which is unusually strong.

Only 33% of analysts are bullish despite quarterly earnings growth of 101.2% year over year. Analysts are anchoring to trailing loan-book concerns while SoFi’s fee-based flywheel accelerates.

The Path to $30 Per Share Reaching $30 from today’s price of $18.61 would require a gain of 61.2%.

With forward EPS of $0.59, a price of $30 implies a forward P/E of 51. Our base case of $20.53 already implies 42x, meaning the bold target requires roughly 9x of additional multiple expansion.

Is that achievable? Only if EPS growth compresses that number fast. Management guided full-year adjusted EPS of $0.60 and 2025-2028 compounded EPS growth of 38-42%. On that trajectory, $0.59 becomes closer to $1.10 by 2027, which turns 51x into something far more reasonable.

Catalysts include the Composer AI trading platform launched June 23, 2026, SoFi Small Business Loans up to $250,000, and Cathie Wood’s ARK adding roughly 200,000 shares on July 1. Noto framed the ambition simply: “Our one-stop shop is scaling exactly as intended and delivering a winning combination of growth and returns.” The risk: another NIM compression cycle could crush the multiple.

Where SoFi Trades Today vs Its Earnings Power At $18.61 against forward EPS of $0.59, shares trade at roughly 32x forward earnings. That looks rich next to the industry average around 23x, but cheap against a 38-42% EPS growth algorithm.

The stock sits 36% below its 52-week high of $32.73 and well off the low of $14.92. Over the trailing decade, SoFi is up 77.58%. If EPS lands where guidance implies, today’s multiple looks less demanding by the quarter.

Is $30 Realistic? Reaching $30 requires a gain of 61.2%. My verdict: a stretch, but defensible.

Three things need to break right. EPS must compound near the 38-42% guided range. The Technology Platform segment must stabilize and return to 20% to 25% growth. And the Muddy Waters overhang must fade without material accounting revisions. A hard recession that spikes charge-offs would derail it fast. We’ve outlined the blueprint for how SoFi Technologies could reach $30 in 2027.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.