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52-Week Range$48.30▼
$96.69Price Target$101.13
Ambarella’s NASDAQ: AMBA stock price has struggled with traction for years, but that may be coming to an end. The company's shift to computer vision and edge AI is paying off, and analysts are giving it the credit it deserves. Rosenblatt notably raised its price target to a Wall Street high of $120 in late June, calling the stock a Top Pick for the 2nd half of 2026.
In analyst Kevin Cassidy’s view, Ambarella is a pure play on physical AI, perhaps the ultimate play, as its low-power, high-performance System-on-a-Chip (SoC) designs provide utility across a wide range of use cases. With AI shifting to the application phase, Ambarella is well-positioned to capture market share in surveillance, drones, autonomous vehicles, and, most importantly, robotics.
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Ambarella's Strengths Make It Mission-Critical for ManufacturersAmbarella’s advantages span four major pillars: efficiency, advanced processing capabilities, a unified software stack, and multi-sensor functionality. Power efficiency has been described as “extreme.” Edge AI processors handle many complex tasks at the sensor endpoint, reducing latency and the cost of sending data to the cloud, along with alleviating thermal and bandwidth constraints.
Advanced processing enables multi-functionality at the endpoint, including real-time quality enhancement, high-dynamic-range enhancement, and fisheye dewarping. The unified stack makes deployments easy, reducing original equipment manufacturer (OEM) time-to-market, while the multisensor functionality delivers industry-leading performance: integrating computer vision with AI-enhanced radar yields sharper edges on scanned objects, enabling safer operations for robots and vehicles.
Analyst Trends Firm Up: Ambarella Forecasted to Hit Long-Term HighsRosenblatt has not been the only analyst firm to take note. Analyst trends in early July include a firm consensus Moderate Buy rating, a 57% Buy-side bias among 14 tracked by MarketBeat, and a steadily increasing consensus price target. Up nearly 20% on a trailing 12-month basis, the consensus in early July forecasts about 20% upside from the critical support target and would be sufficient for a multi-year high. More importantly, the trend is moving toward the high end, and institutions are buying into the outlook.
Institutional trends have been equally bullish, providing support at the lower end of AMBA’s long-term range and limiting downside in the second half. As it stands, the group owns more than 80% of the stock and has accumulated at a pace of more than $2 to $1 over the trailing 12 months. Activity in Q2 2026 has been particularly bullish, with the balance ramping to nearly $24 bought for each $1 sold.
In this scenario, AMBA’s stock price could gain momentum as it advances, potentially triggering an influx of capital with a close at new highs. The opportunity for investors is to get into AMBA stock early, while it is still trading within its long-term range and before fear of missing out (FOMO) grips the market.
Short interest is another factor for investors to be aware of. The short interest is not astronomically high in early July, about 7%, but has been rising in recent reports. The risk is that short sellers can cap gains in this stock, but that is a near-term problem, given recent earnings results, guidance, and analyst activity. The more likely scenario is that shorts begin covering, if not over the summer, then by early fall when the subsequent earnings release is expected.
Ambarella Stock Poised for Gains With Catalysts AheadAmbarella’s guidance forecast a sequential acceleration in revenue and solid profitability metrics, tied to favorable commentary on demand dynamics, particularly in the automotive sector. Automotive revenue hit another record in Q1, driven by deepening penetration and strength in the commercial market.
Additionally, CEO Fermi Wang noted growing client interest in broader, deeper partnerships across end markets such as edge infrastructure and robotics, so guidance may be cautious. The Q2 results, expected in late August, will likely be better than forecast.
The long-term opportunity is growth, profits, and cash flow. Analysts are forecasting improvements in the coming quarters, but the data is limited. Few long-term price targets exist, and much of the available commentary does not account for the company’s growing strengths. The likely outcome is that results continue to accelerate sequentially, driving analysts into a persistently bullish revision cycle that helps bolster market sentiment (and stock prices) over time.
Ambarella’s stock price reflects the budding opportunity. While price action has remained within its trading range, Rosenblatt’s price target increase and commentary triggered a single-day 28% stock price increase, revealing a market ready to buy.
Not only does the action show strong support within the range, but the indicators suggest another upswing is likely. The question is whether AMBA will reach a new high sooner or later, and the answer may be sooner. Trading volume is on the rise, suggesting demand for AMBA is increasing and the available share count is dwindling.
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Nuclear energy is entering a new growth cycle as rising power demand, expanding data centers, and renewed policy support bring the sector back into focus. After strong gains in recent years, the most impactful phase of nuclear investment may still be ahead. This report highlights seven nuclear energy stocks positioned across the value chain—combining near-term revenue with long-term upside as next-generation technologies scale. Click the link below to unlock the full list.
Key Takeaways NBIX is driving growth with rising Ingrezza sales, increasing Crenessity uptake & reaffirmed 2026 guidance. NBIX advanced its late-stage and early-stage programs across schizophrenia, TD and obesity. Neurocrine added Vykat XR through the Soleno acquisition, expanding its commercial rare disease portfolio. Neurocrine Biosciences (NBIX - Free Report) continues to strengthen its growth profile through the solid commercial performance of its marketed therapies, a steadily advancing late-stage neuroscience pipeline and strategic business development initiatives.
Strong Commercial Performance Aids NBIX’s GrowthNeurocrine is making steady progress, with strong commercial performance from its two marketed drugs, Ingrezza and Crenessity (crinecerfont). Ingrezza, the first FDA-approved VMAT2 inhibitor for tardive dyskinesia (TD), has remained the company's flagship product since its launch in 2017. The therapy established market leadership in TD and expanded its commercial opportunity with its approval for the treatment of Huntington's disease chorea in 2023. In the first quarter of 2026, the drug generated net product sales of $656.9 million, up 20% year over year, driven by double-digit prescription growth and record new patient starts. Management reaffirmed its full-year 2026 Ingrezza sales guidance of $2.7-$2.8 billion, highlighting continued confidence in the product's growth trajectory.
Neurocrine's second commercial product, Crenessity (crinecerfont), is also emerging as an important growth contributor. In December 2024, the FDA approved Crenessity as an adjunctive treatment to glucocorticoid replacement therapy to control androgen levels in adult and pediatric patients aged four years and older with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Since its launch, the drug has delivered consistent quarter-over-quarter commercial growth, supported by robust physician adoption, increasing patient demand and expanding reimbursement coverage.
Year to date, shares of NBIX have risen 22.9% against the industry’s 2.9% decline.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Robust Pipeline Supports NBIX’s Long-Term Growth OutlookBeyond its marketed products, Neurocrine continues to strengthen its long-term growth outlook through a robust and diversified neuroscience pipeline spanning multiple high-value indications.
The company's lead late-stage candidate, direclidine (NBI-1117568), is in phase III development for schizophrenia while also being evaluated in a mid-stage study for bipolar mania. Another promising late-stage asset, osavampator (NBI-1065845), is being developed for major depressive disorder with cognitive impairment, a condition with substantial unmet medical need.
Neurocrine is also expanding the commercial opportunity for Crenessity through additional clinical development. The company initiated a phase II study this month to assess the safety and tolerability of Crenessity in pediatric patients younger than four years with classic CAH and completed target enrollment in a separate European Union phase II study involving children from birth to under two years of age. Successful development in these younger patient populations could further broaden the drug's addressable market.
The company has continued to advance its early-stage pipeline. During the year, Neurocrine initiated phase II studies evaluating NBI-1117570 for schizophrenia and NBI-1065890, a next-generation VMAT2 inhibitor for tardive dyskinesia. It also started a first-in-human phase I study of NBIP-2118, a first-in-class therapy for obesity.
These pipeline advancements strengthen Neurocrine's prospects for sustained innovation and long-term revenue growth across the neuroscience and rare disease markets.
Soleno Acquisition Strengthens NBIX's Commercial PortfolioThe company enhanced its long-term growth strategy through the acquisition of Soleno Therapeutics in May. The acquisition added Soleno’s Vykat XR (diazoxide choline), a first-in-class treatment for hyperphagia associated with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), to Neurocrine’s commercial portfolio. It is the first and only FDA-approved therapy for hyperphagia in adults and pediatric patients four years of age and older with PWS. Backed by a robust intellectual property portfolio extending into the mid-2040s, the therapy offers a sustainable platform for long-term value creation.
NBIX's Zacks Rank & EstimatesNeurocrine currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Over the past 60 days, earnings per share estimates for Neurocrine have risen from $8.04 to $9.47 for 2026 and from $9.54 to $10.79 for 2027.
Other Stocks to ConsiderSome other top-ranked stocks in the biotech sector are Immunocore (IMCR - Free Report) , Amarin Corporation (AMRN - Free Report) and Liquidia Corporation (LQDA - Free Report) , each currently sporting a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Over the past 60 days, estimates for Immunocore’s 2026 bottom line have improved from a loss per share of 88 cents to earnings of 6 cents per share. Over the same period, EPS estimates for 2027 have risen from 24 cents to 87 cents. IMCR shares have lost 6.3% year to date.
Immunocore’s earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed in the remaining one, the average surprise being 46.66%.
Over the past 60 days, loss per share estimates for Amarin have narrowed from $15.20 to 65 cents for 2026. Over the same period, estimates for loss per share have also narrowed from $13.00 to 51 cents for 2027. AMRN shares have risen 17.3% year to date.
Amarin’s earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed in the remaining one, the average surprise being 50.02%.
Over the past 60 days, estimates for Liquidia’s 2026 earnings per share have increased to $3.02 from $1.50. Over the same period, EPS estimates for 2027 have risen to $4.92 from $2.91. LQDA shares have surged 128.9% year to date.
Liquidia’s earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed in the remaining one, with the average surprise being 54.40%.
Proceeds From the 2026 Collection Designed by Cher, Shania Twain, Miranda Lambert, Caroline Chambers and Others Help Feed Children Facing Hunger
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Williams Sonoma, portfolio brand of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM), the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, announced today, the launch of the brand’s annual Tools for Change fundraising program benefitting No Kid Hungry. The 2026 Tools for Change collection includes ten limited-edition spatulas designed by celebrity chefs, influencers and celebrities. With the purchase of each spatula, Williams Sonoma will donate a portion of proceeds* to No Kid Hungry that can help provide 50 meals** to kids as part of their fight to end childhood hunger in the U.S.**
The 2026 Tools for Change spatulas were designed for Williams Sonoma by:
Bobby Berk Caroline Chambers Cher Christina Milian Lance Bass Meredith Hayden Miranda Lambert Shania Twain That Little Puff “The impact of our Tools for Change campaign is made possible by the unwavering support of our customers and partners, whose generosity has helped Williams Sonoma raise millions of dollars to fight childhood hunger in the U.S.,” said Felix Carbullido, President of Williams Sonoma. “We’re honored to continue our longstanding partnership with No Kid Hungry and, through this year’s campaign, reaffirm our commitment to supporting their efforts to ensure that every child has access to the nutritious meals they need to succeed.”
“We’re grateful to Williams Sonoma, its customers and the celebrity artists who inspire people to help make No Kid Hungry a reality. The “Tools for Change” campaign was an idea 12 years ago that has grown to create enormous and unprecedent impact. In all the years I’ve been working in hunger relief, I’ve learned that nothing is as powerful as partnership and people leveraging their strengths for this cause,” said Billy Shore, founder and executive chair of Share Our Strength, the organization behind the No Kid Hungry campaign.
To celebrate thus year’s No Kid Hungry Tools for Change program, customers can participate in the “spatdown” where they can vote on their favorite spatula designs. Williams Sonoma will donate $5,000 to No Kid Hungry in the winner’s honor. To vote for your favorite design, please visit: www.williams-sonoma.com/spatdown.
The products from the 2026 Tools for Change collection are now available online and at all Williams Sonoma retail locations while supplies last.
For more information on No Kid Hungry, or to purchase products benefitting the national campaign, please visit: www.williams-sonoma.com/nokidhungry.
*While supplies last, 30% of the selling price of participating WSI products will go to benefit No Kid Hungry.
**Donations help support programs that feed kids; No Kid Hungry does not provide individual meals. Meal equivalencies vary. Learn more at NoKidHungry.org/OneDollar.
ABOUT WILLIAMS SONOMA
Since its founding by Chuck Williams in 1956, the Williams Sonoma brand has been bringing people together around food. A member of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM) portfolio of brands, Williams Sonoma is a leading specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home, providing world-class service and an engaging customer experience. Products include cookware, cooks’ tools, cutlery, electrics, bakeware, food, tabletop and bar, outdoor, cookbooks, as well as furniture, lighting and decorative accessories. Each store offers cooking classes and tastings conducted by expert culinary staff. A comprehensive gift registry program for weddings and other special events is available in stores and online. On williams-sonoma.com, customers can find recipes, tips, and techniques that help them create delicious meals. Williams Sonoma can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. Williams Sonoma is also part of The Key Rewards, a free-to-join loyalty program that offers members exclusive benefits across the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. family of brands.
ABOUT WILLIAMS-SONOMA. INC.
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer. The company’s brands — Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, West Elm, Williams Sonoma Home, Rejuvenation, Mark and Graham, GreenRow, and Dormify — represent distinct merchandise strategies that are marketed through e-commerce, direct-mail catalogs, retail stores, and business-to-business. These brands collectively support The Key Rewards, our loyalty and credit card program that offers members exclusive benefits. We operate in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, and have unaffiliated franchisees that operate stores in Mexico, South Korea, India and the Philippines.
About No Kid Hungry
No child should go hungry in America. But millions of kids in the United States live with hunger. No Kid Hungry is working to end childhood hunger by helping launch and improve programs that give all kids the healthy food they need to thrive. This is a problem we know how to solve. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization committed to ending hunger and poverty. Join us at NoKidHungry.org.
Williams Sonoma, portfolio brand of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM), the world's largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, announced t
It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.
The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.
It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? Developed alongside the Zacks Rank, the Zacks Style Scores are a group of complementary indicators that help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics. Just like in school, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on -- that means the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors, on the other hand, are more concerned with a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score examines things like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will experience sustainable growth over time.
Momentum ScoreMomentum investors, who live by the saying "the trend is your friend," are most interested in taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Utilizing one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, among other factors, the Momentum Style Score can help determine favorable times to buy high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreIf you want a combination of all three Style Scores, then the VGM Score will be your friend. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, helping you find the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum. It's also one of the best indicators to use with the Zacks Rank.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank A proprietary stock-rating model, the Zacks Rank utilizes the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings outlook, to help investors create a successful portfolio.
Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
To maximize your returns, you want to buy stocks with the highest probability of success. This means picking stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you find yourself looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, make sure they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
Since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank, the direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy.
Here's an example: a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one with Style Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings outlook, and a bigger chance its share price will decrease too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Zebra Technologies (ZBRA - Free Report) Headquartered in Lincolnshire, IL, Zebra Technologies Corp. is the leading provider of enterprise asset intelligence solutions in the automatic identification and data capture solutions industry throughout the world. The company has a diversified portfolio of products and solutions that includes cloud-based subscriptions and a full range of services like maintenance, repair, technical support, as well as managed and professional services. The products and solutions, which are sold across 180 countries, are designed to help its customers achieve enhanced operational efficiency, increased asset utilization, optimized workflows and improved regulatory compliance. As of 2025-end, it had around 10,700 employees globally.
ZBRA is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.
Additionally, the company could be a top pick for growth investors. ZBRA has a Growth Style Score of A, forecasting year-over-year earnings growth of 17.2% for the current fiscal year.
Six analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.62 to $18.57 per share. ZBRA also boasts an average earnings surprise of +6.3%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Growth and VGM Style Scores, ZBRA should be on investors' short list.
Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.
The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.
It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? Developed alongside the Zacks Rank, the Zacks Style Scores are a group of complementary indicators that help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics. Just like in school, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on -- that means the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors are more concerned with a stock's future prospects, and the overall financial health and strength of a company. Thus, the Growth Style Score analyzes characteristics like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will see sustainable growth over time.
Momentum ScoreMomentum investors, who live by the saying "the trend is your friend," are most interested in taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Utilizing one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, among other factors, the Momentum Style Score can help determine favorable times to buy high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreWhat if you like to use all three types of investing? The VGM Score is a combination of all Style Scores, making it one of the most comprehensive indicators to use with the Zacks Rank. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, which helps narrow down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank, which is a proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to make building a winning portfolio easier.
#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, which is more than double the S&P 500's performance over the same time frame. However, the Zacks Rank examines a ton of stocks, and there can be more than 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, and another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.
As mentioned above, the Scores are designed to work with the Zacks Rank, so any change to a company's earnings outlook should be a deciding factor when picking which stocks to buy.
For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Xylem (XYL - Free Report) Headquartered in Rye Brook, NY, Xylem Inc. is one of the leading providers of water solutions worldwide. Xylem is involved in the full water-process cycle, including collection, distribution and returning of water to the environment. It has significant presence in the United States, the Asia Pacific, Europe and various other nations.
XYL is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.
Momentum investors should take note of this Business Services stock. XYL has a Momentum Style Score of A, and shares are up 7.4% over the past four weeks.
Two analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.00 to $5.51 per share. XYL also boasts an average earnings surprise of +5.9%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, XYL should be on investors' short list.
Key Takeaways Centene is expanding AI-enabled fraud detection and payment integrity to improve medical cost efficiency.CNC improved Medicaid health benefits ratio to 93.1% as adjusted EPS rose 16.2% YoY in Q1 2026.Centene raised 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to more than $3.40 after a stronger first quarter. Centene Corporation (CNC - Free Report) is intensifying its efforts to curb fraud, waste and abuse as part of a broader strategy to improve profitability across its government-sponsored healthcare businesses. The company is expanding payment integrity capabilities by combining advanced analytics with AI-enabled tools to identify suspicious billing patterns, abnormal claims activity and emerging medical cost trends earlier. These initiatives are likely supporting CNC in strengthening cost controls while protecting taxpayer-funded healthcare programs.
The strategy is gaining traction in Medicaid, where the company has enhanced oversight of providers, particularly in applied behavior analysis services, while advocating program reforms that would allow states to take a more proactive approach to fraud prevention. Its ongoing investments in utilization management, network optimization and clinical programs create a multi-layered framework to improve medical cost efficiency. These efforts contributed to continued progress in Medicaid margins during the first quarter of 2026.
In the first quarter of 2026, adjusted earnings per share (EPS) rose 16.2% year over year to $3.37. Medicaid's health benefits ratio improved 50 bps year over year to 93.1%, reflecting better medical cost management and ongoing operational improvements. Encouraged by the strong start, Centene raised its 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to more than $3.40 from above $3.00 previously.
While healthcare cost trends remain challenging, Centene's growing focus on fraud prevention, payment integrity and AI-driven analytics could strengthen margin recovery over time. If execution remains consistent, these initiatives may provide a durable competitive advantage while supporting sustainable earnings growth.
How Are Competitors Faring?Some of CNC’s major competitors in the healthcare service provider space are UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH - Free Report) and Elevance Health, Inc. (ELV - Free Report) .
UnitedHealth Group continues to strengthen payment integrity through advanced analytics, AI-driven claims monitoring and Optum's data capabilities. In the first quarter of 2026, UNH’s medical care ratio improved 90 bps year over year to 83.9%. The company remains focused on detecting billing irregularities, improving claims accuracy and managing medical costs, supporting long-term operational efficiency.
Elevance Health is enhancing fraud prevention by leveraging predictive analytics, automation and provider oversight to improve payment integrity. ELV is investing in data-driven care management and claims review capabilities, helping control medical costs while improving program integrity across its government-sponsored health plans.
Centene’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesShares of CNC have surged 64.9% in the year-to-date period compared with the industry’s rise of 28.4%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, Centene trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 17.24, below the industry average of 18.52. CNC carries a Value Score of A.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Centene’s 2026 earnings is pegged at $3.46 per share, implying 66.4% growth from the year-ago period.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
CNC stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.
Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.
It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores is a unique set of guidelines that rates stocks based on three popular investing types, and were developed as complementary indicators for the Zacks Rank. This combination helps investors choose securities with the highest chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.
Momentum ScoreMomentum investors, who live by the saying "the trend is your friend," are most interested in taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Utilizing one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, among other factors, the Momentum Style Score can help determine favorable times to buy high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreWhat if you like to use all three types of investing? The VGM Score is a combination of all Style Scores, making it one of the most comprehensive indicators to use with the Zacks Rank. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, which helps narrow down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank, which is a proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to make building a winning portfolio easier.
It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988. That's more than double the S&P 500. But because of the large number of stocks we rate, there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
But it can feel overwhelming to pick the right stocks for you and your investing goals with over 800 top-rated stocks to choose from.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.
The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.
For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. (KNSL - Free Report) Headquartered in Richmond, VA, Kinsale Capital was established in 2009. It offers various insurance and reinsurance productsacross all 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It operates primarily through two markets – Commercial and Personal. While personal lines include homeowners insurance; commercial lines offerings cover construction, small business, excess casualty, commercial property, product liability, allied health, general casualty, management liability, inland marine, commercial insurance and public entity.
KNSL is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.
Additionally, the company could be a top pick for growth investors. KNSL has a Growth Style Score of B, forecasting year-over-year earnings growth of 5.8% for the current fiscal year.
For fiscal 2026, three analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.11 to $20.65 per share. KNSL boasts an average earnings surprise of +8.9%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Growth and VGM Style Scores, KNSL should be on investors' short list.
With the Federal Reserve’s benchmark funds rate parked at 3.75% since Dec. 11, 2025, and the 10-year Treasury offering just 4.38%, income investors entering July are still hunting for yield well above the risk-free rate. Business development companies remain one of the cleanest ways to get it. BDCs are required to distribute at least 90% of taxable income to maintain their pass-through tax status, which forces consistent payouts but also makes their distributions vulnerable in credit downturns. With Q1 2026 results now in hand for all three names below, here is where the risk/reward looks most defensible heading into July.
Ares Capital (ARCC) Ares Capital (NASDAQ:ARCC | ARCC Price Prediction) is the scale play. At a $18.70 share price against ARCC’s reported Q1 NAV of $19.59, the stock trades at a modest discount to book. Market cap sits near $13.43 billion, making it the largest publicly traded BDC.
The income story is straightforward. ARCC paid a 48-cent quarterly dividend on June 30, the same rate it has held since at least Q1 2024, and well above the 40-to-42-cent range it paid during 2020 to 2021. Core EPS of 47 cents covered the payout. The weighted average yield on debt investments was 10% at amortized cost, with 91% of new commitments in floating rate paper and 95% carrying rate floors. CEO Kort Schnabel pointed to “improving lending conditions with enhanced spreads and fees, lower leverage” on the Q1 call.
Bull case: Scale, a diversified portfolio, roughly $6 billion in available liquidity, and a well-covered dividend through a softer rate cycle.
Risk: Q1 carried $412 million in net unrealized losses, NAV slipped from $19.94, and non-accruals ticked up to 2% at amortized cost. GAAP EPS came in at just 13 cents. The stock is down more than 16% over the past year.
Main Street Capital (MAIN) Main Street Capital (NYSE:MAIN) is the quality compounder of the group. Shares trade at $52.46, a premium to Q1 NAV of $33.46, which is the market’s verdict on internal management, cost discipline and a dividend record that has never been cut since the 2007 IPO.
MAIN’s payout stack is what separates it. The company paid 26 cents monthly across April, May, and June 2026, then layered a 30-cent supplemental on June 30, marking the 19th consecutive quarterly supplemental. The regular monthly dividend is up 4% year over year, and the regular monthly component has grown from 20 cents in 2020 to 26 cents today. Q1 distributable net investment income of $1 per share just missed the $1.01 estimate, but NAV still climbed from $33.33 at year-end 2025, aided by an $18.0 million net realized gain.
Bull case: Monthly base plus quarterly supplementals, internally managed structure with a 1% operating expenses to assets ratio, a growing $1.8 billion external AUM business, and FY25 ROE of 17%.
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Risk: Q1 revenue fell 18% year over year to $140.1 million, a $32.6 million net fair value decrease was recorded, and management flagged tariff and macro risk. The stock is down 11% year to date.
Trinity Capital (TRIN) Trinity Capital (NASDAQ:TRIN) is the high-yield, higher-risk leg of this basket. The venture and growth-stage lender trades at $17.78, a premium to Q1 NAV of $13.27 and has rallied more than 18% year to date and over 25% in the past year.
TRIN transitioned from quarterly to monthly distributions in January, and pays 17 cents per share each month, locked in through at least September via the June 17, declaration. That works out to roughly 51 cents per quarter, the 26th consecutive quarter at that level. The effective yield on average debt investments hit 16%, the highest of the three. Q1 NII of $44.49 million grew 37% year over year and covered the dividend at 104% of NII per share, with a $68.50 million undistributed income buffer behind it.
Bull case: Highest portfolio yield in the group, a $2.48 billion portfolio across 180 companies, 83% floating rate debt, and a managed funds platform that pushed fee income to $6.8 million from $2.7 million a year ago.
Risk: NAV slid from $13.42, Q1 logged $9.9 million in net realized losses, the weighted average risk rating ticked up to 3.0 from 2.9, and ATM share issuance of $78.4 million adds dilution risk. Venture lending also tends to crack first in credit downturns.
What to Watch in July The setup for July is favorable on the surface: The Fed has cut 75 basis points over the past year and the 10-year sits at a 77th percentile rank within its 12-month range, which keeps spreads attractive on floating-rate paper. Watch non-accrual trends and NAV direction in the next round of earnings reports. Any meaningful uptick in credit stress is the single variable that turns a 10% to 15% headline yield into a dividend cut.
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Heico Corporation (HEI - Free Report) reached a significant support level, and could be a good pick for investors from a technical perspective. Recently, HEI's 50-day simple moving average broke out above its 200-day moving average; this is known as a "golden cross."
Considered an important signifier for a bullish breakout, a golden cross is a technical chart pattern that's formed when a stock's short-term moving average breaks above a longer-term moving average; the most common crossover involves the 50-day and the 200-day, since bigger time periods tend to form stronger breakouts.
Golden crosses have three key stages that investors look out for. It starts with a downtrend in a stock's price that eventually bottoms out, followed by the stock's shorter moving average crossing over its longer moving average and triggering a trend reversal. The final stage is when a stock continues the upward climb to higher prices.
A golden cross contrasts with a death cross, another widely-followed chart pattern that suggests bearish momentum could be on the horizon.
HEI could be on the verge of a breakout after moving 9.3% higher over the last four weeks. Plus, the company is currently a #1 (Strong Buy) on the Zacks Rank.
The bullish case solidifies once investors consider HEI's positive earnings outlook. For the current quarter, no earnings estimate has been cut compared to 5 revisions higher in the past 60 days. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased too.
Investors should think about putting HEIon their watchlist given the ultra-important technical indicator and positive move in earnings estimates.
SM Energy (SM - Free Report) is one of the stocks most watched by Zacks.com visitors lately. So, it might be a good idea to review some of the factors that might affect the near-term performance of the stock.
Shares of this independent oil and gas company have returned -16.6% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.9% change. The Zacks Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - United States industry, to which SM Energy belongs, has lost 9% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?
While media releases or rumors about a substantial change in a company's business prospects usually make its stock 'trending' and lead to an immediate price change, there are always some fundamental facts that eventually dominate the buy-and-hold decision-making.
Revisions to Earnings EstimatesHere at Zacks, we prioritize appraising the change in the projection of a company's future earnings over anything else. That's because we believe the present value of its future stream of earnings is what determines the fair value for its stock.
We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
SM Energy is expected to post earnings of $1.87 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +24.7%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged.
The consensus earnings estimate of $7.3 for the current fiscal year indicates a year-over-year change of +34.7%. This estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $8.1 indicates a change of +11% from what SM Energy is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has remained unchanged.
With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- is a more conclusive indicator of a stock's near-term price performance, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for SM Energy.
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Projected Revenue GrowthEven though a company's earnings growth is arguably the best indicator of its financial health, nothing much happens if it cannot raise its revenues. It's almost impossible for a company to grow its earnings without growing its revenue for long periods. Therefore, knowing a company's potential revenue growth is crucial.
In the case of SM Energy, the consensus sales estimate of $2.05 billion for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +158.2%. The $7.56 billion and $7.67 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +139.6% and +1.5%, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistorySM Energy reported revenues of $1.48 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +75.1%. EPS of $1.55 for the same period compares with $1.76 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.44 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +2.96%. The EPS surprise was +20.16%.
The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. The company topped consensus revenue estimates two times over this period.
ValuationWithout considering a stock's valuation, no investment decision can be efficient. In predicting a stock's future price performance, it's crucial to determine whether its current price correctly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects.
Comparing the current value of a company's valuation multiples, such as its price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), to its own historical values helps ascertain whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, whereas comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of how reasonable its stock price is.
The Zacks Value Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which pays close attention to both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics to grade stocks from A to F (an A is better than a B; a B is better than a C; and so on), is pretty helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
SM Energy is graded A on this front, indicating that it is trading at a discount to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
Bottom LineThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about SM Energy. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
Investors often turn to recommendations made by Wall Street analysts before making a Buy, Sell, or Hold decision about a stock. While media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm employed (or sell-side) analysts often affect a stock's price, do they really matter?
Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let's see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about SM Energy (SM - Free Report) .
SM Energy currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.94, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 16 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.94 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.
Of the 16 recommendations that derive the current ABR, eight are Strong Buy and one is Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 50% and 6.3% of all recommendations.
Brokerage Recommendation Trends for SM
Check price target & stock forecast for SM Energy here>>>
While the ABR calls for buying SM Energy, it may not be wise to make an investment decision solely based on this information. Several studies have shown limited to no success of brokerage recommendations in guiding investors to pick stocks with the best price increase potential.
Are you wondering why? The vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover often results in a strong positive bias of their analysts in rating it. Our research shows that for every "Strong Sell" recommendation, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations.
This means that the interests of these institutions are not always aligned with those of retail investors, giving little insight into the direction of a stock's future price movement. It would therefore be best to use this information to validate your own analysis or a tool that has proven to be highly effective at predicting stock price movements.
Zacks Rank, our proprietary stock rating tool with an impressive externally audited track record, categorizes stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), and is an effective indicator of a stock's price performance in the near future. Therefore, using the ABR to validate the Zacks Rank could be an efficient way of making a profitable investment decision.
Zacks Rank Should Not Be Confused With ABRIn spite of the fact that Zacks Rank and ABR both appear on a scale from 1 to 5, they are two completely different measures.
Broker recommendations are the sole basis for calculating the ABR, which is typically displayed in decimals (such as 1.28). The Zacks Rank, on the other hand, is a quantitative model designed to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
Analysts employed by brokerage firms have been and continue to be overly optimistic with their recommendations. Since the ratings issued by these analysts are more favorable than their research would support because of the vested interest of their employers, they mislead investors far more often than they guide.
On the other hand, earnings estimate revisions are at the core of the Zacks Rank. And empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
In addition, the different Zacks Rank grades are applied proportionately to all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide current-year earnings estimates. In other words, this tool always maintains a balance among its five ranks.
Another key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank is freshness. The ABR is not necessarily up-to-date when you look at it. But, since brokerage analysts keep revising their earnings estimates to account for a company's changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in indicating future price movements.
Is SM Worth Investing In?Looking at the earnings estimate revisions for SM Energy, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has remained unchanged over the past month at $7.3.
Analysts' steady views regarding the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by an unchanged consensus estimate, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for SM Energy. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
It may therefore be prudent to be a little cautious with the Buy-equivalent ABR for SM Energy.
Emcor Group (EME - Free Report) is one of the stocks most watched by Zacks.com visitors lately. So, it might be a good idea to review some of the factors that might affect the near-term performance of the stock.
Shares of this construction and maintenance company have returned -5.2% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.9% change. The Zacks Building Products - Heavy Construction industry, to which Emcor Group belongs, has lost 5.5% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?
Although media reports or rumors about a significant change in a company's business prospects usually cause its stock to trend and lead to an immediate price change, there are always certain fundamental factors that ultimately drive the buy-and-hold decision.
Earnings Estimate RevisionsHere at Zacks, we prioritize appraising the change in the projection of a company's future earnings over anything else. That's because we believe the present value of its future stream of earnings is what determines the fair value for its stock.
We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
Emcor Group is expected to post earnings of $7.23 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +7.6%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged.
For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $29.37 points to a change of +13.5% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has remained unchanged.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $32.83 indicates a change of +11.8% from what Emcor Group is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has remained unchanged.
With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- is a more conclusive indicator of a stock's near-term price performance, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) for Emcor Group.
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Revenue Growth ForecastWhile earnings growth is arguably the most superior indicator of a company's financial health, nothing happens as such if a business isn't able to grow its revenues. After all, it's nearly impossible for a company to increase its earnings for an extended period without increasing its revenues. So, it's important to know a company's potential revenue growth.
For Emcor Group, the consensus sales estimate for the current quarter of $4.73 billion indicates a year-over-year change of +9.9%. For the current and next fiscal years, $19.02 billion and $20.5 billion estimates indicate +12% and +7.8% changes, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryEmcor Group reported revenues of $4.63 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +19.7%. EPS of $6.84 for the same period compares with $5.41 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.22 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +9.7%. The EPS surprise was +16.92%.
Over the last four quarters, Emcor Group surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times. The company topped consensus revenue estimates three times over this period.
ValuationNo investment decision can be efficient without considering a stock's valuation. Whether a stock's current price rightly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects is an essential determinant of its future price performance.
While comparing the current values of a company's valuation multiples, such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), with its own historical values helps determine whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of the reasonability of the stock's price.
As part of the Zacks Style Scores system, the Zacks Value Style Score (which evaluates both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics) organizes stocks into five groups ranging from A to F (A is better than B; B is better than C; and so on), making it helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
Emcor Group is graded D on this front, indicating that it is trading at a premium to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
ConclusionThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about Emcor Group. However, its Zacks Rank #2 does suggest that it may outperform the broader market in the near term.
PHILADELPHIA, July 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National plaintiffs’ law firm Berger Montague PC announces a class action lawsuit against Hub Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: HUBG) (“Hub Group” or the “Company”) on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired Hub Group securities during the period from April 28, 2023 through May 11, 2026 (the “Class Period”).
Investor Deadline: Investors who purchased or acquired Hub Group securities during the Class Period may, no later than August 28, 2026, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class. To learn your rights, CLICK HERE.
Based in Oak Brook, Ill., Hub Group is a transportation and logistics company providing trucking and supply chain management services throughout North America.
The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements concerning the premature and incorrect revenue recognition of certain transactions, the understatement of purchased transportation costs and accounts payable, the effectiveness of the Company's internal controls, and the drivers of the Company's financial results and growth.
The alleged misstatements first came to light on February 5, 2026, when Hub Group announced that its financial statements for the first three quarters of 2025 should not be relied upon and would be restated due to an error that resulted in the understatement of purchased transportation costs and accounts payable during the first nine months of 2025. The Company estimated that the total reduction related to the issue was $77 million. Following these disclosures, Hub Group's stock price declined approximately 18%, from $51.33 per share on February 5, 2026, to $41.96 per share on February 6, 2026.
The alleged risks further materialized on May 12, 2026, when Hub Group announced that certain transactions had been prematurely or incorrectly recognized or not adequately supported, causing its 2023 and 2024 annual reports to be materially misstated and should no longer be relied upon. Following this disclosure, Hub Group's stock price declined an additional 13%, from $41.86 per share on May 11, 2026, to $36.62 per share on May 12, 2026.
If you are a Hub Group investor and would like to learn more about this action, CLICK HERE or please contact Berger Montague: Andrew Abramowitz at [email protected] or (215) 875-3015, or Caitlin Adorni at [email protected] or (267) 764-4865.
About Berger Montague
Berger Montague is one of the nation’s preeminent law firms focusing on complex civil litigation, class actions, and mass torts in federal and state courts throughout the United States. With more than $2.4 billion in 2025 post-trial judgments alone, the Firm is a leader in the fields of complex litigation, antitrust, consumer protection, defective products, environmental law, employment law, securities, and whistleblower cases, among many other practice areas. For over 55 years, Berger Montague has played leading roles in precedent-setting cases and has recovered over $50 billion for its clients and the classes they have represented. Berger Montague is headquartered in Philadelphia and has offices in Chicago; Malvern, PA; Minneapolis; San Diego; San Francisco; Toronto, Canada; Washington, D.C., and Wilmington, DE.
For more information or to discuss your rights, please contact:
ATLANTA, July 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A shareholder class action lawsuit has been filed against Insulet Corporation (“Insulet”) (NASDAQ: PODD). The lawsuit alleges that Defendants made false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose material adverse facts regarding Insulet’s business, operations, and compliance policies, including allegations that: (i) Insulet’s manufacturing controls and procedures were defective; and (ii) the foregoing created a foreseeable heightened risk that one or more Insulet products would be found to be in violation of applicable safety regulations and/or pose a risk of injury.
If you purchased Insulet shares between February 21, 2025 and May 26, 2026, and experienced a loss on that investment, you are encouraged to discuss your legal rights by contacting Corey D. Holzer, Esq. at [email protected], by toll-free telephone at (888) 508-6832, or by visiting the firm’s website at www.holzerlaw.com/case/insulet/ for more information.
The deadline to ask the court to be appointed lead plaintiff in the case is August 31, 2026.
Holzer & Holzer, LLC, an ISS top rated securities litigation law firm for 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025, dedicates its practice to vigorous representation of shareholders and investors in litigation nationwide, including shareholder class action and derivative litigation. Since its founding in 2000, Holzer & Holzer attorneys have played critical roles in recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for shareholders victimized by fraud and other corporate misconduct. More information about the firm is available through its website, www.holzerlaw.com, and upon request from the firm. Holzer & Holzer, LLC has paid for the dissemination of this promotional communication, and Corey Holzer is the attorney responsible for its content.
NEW YORK, July 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gainey McKenna & Egleston announces that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts on behalf of all persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Insulet Corporation (“Insulet” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: PODD) securities between February 21, 2025 and May 26, 2026, inclusive (the “Class Period”).
The Complaint alleges that Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (i) Insulet’s manufacturing controls and procedures were defective; (ii) the foregoing created a foreseeable heightened risk that one or more Insulet products would be found to be in violation of applicable safety regulations and/or pose a risk of injury; and (iii) as a result, Defendants’ public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.
Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares of Insulet should contact the Firm prior to the August 31, 2026 lead plaintiff motion deadline. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. If you wish to discuss your rights or interests regarding this class action, please contact Thomas J. McKenna, Esq. or Gregory M. Egleston, Esq. of Gainey McKenna & Egleston at (212) 983-1300, or via e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected].
Please visit our website at http://www.gme-law.com for more information about the firm.
Vicor (VICR - Free Report) closed the last trading session at $282.95, gaining 4.4% over the past four weeks, but there could be plenty of upside left in the stock if short-term price targets set by Wall Street analysts are any guide. The mean price target of $406.25 indicates a 43.6% upside potential.
The mean estimate comprises four short-term price targets with a standard deviation of $31.46. While the lowest estimate of $375.00 indicates a 32.5% increase from the current price level, the most optimistic analyst expects the stock to surge 59% to reach $450.00. It's very important to note the standard deviation here, as it helps understand the variability of the estimates. The smaller the standard deviation, the greater the agreement among analysts.
While the consensus price target is highly sought after by investors, the ability and unbiasedness of analysts in setting price targets have long been questionable. And investors making investment decisions solely based on this tool would arguably do themselves a disservice.
But, for VICR, an impressive average price target is not the only indicator of a potential upside. Strong agreement among analysts about the company's ability to report better earnings than they predicted earlier strengthens this view. While a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions doesn't gauge how much a stock could gain, it has proven to be powerful in predicting an upside.
Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Here's What You May Not Know About Analysts' Price TargetsAccording to researchers at several universities across the globe, a price target is one of many pieces of information about a stock that misleads investors far more often than it guides. In fact, empirical research shows that price targets set by several analysts, irrespective of the extent of agreement, rarely indicate where the price of a stock could actually be heading.
While Wall Street analysts have deep knowledge of a company's fundamentals and the sensitivity of its business to economic and industry issues, many of them tend to set overly optimistic price targets. Are you wondering why?
They usually do that to drum up interest in shares of companies that their firms either have existing business relationships with or are looking to be associated with. In other words, business incentives of firms covering a stock often result in inflated price targets set by analysts.
However, a tight clustering of price targets, which is represented by a low standard deviation, indicates that analysts have a high degree of agreement about the direction and magnitude of a stock's price movement. While that doesn't necessarily mean the stock will hit the average price target, it could be a good starting point for further research aimed at identifying the potential fundamental driving forces.
That said, while investors should not entirely ignore price targets, making an investment decision solely based on them could lead to disappointing ROI. So, price targets should always be treated with a high degree of skepticism.
Why VICR Could Witness a Solid UpsideAnalysts' growing optimism over the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by strong agreement among them in revising EPS estimates higher, could be a legitimate reason to expect an upside in the stock. That's because empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased 8.3%, as two estimates have moved higher compared to no negative revision.
Moreover, VICR currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), which means it is in the top 20% of more than 4,000 stocks that we rank based on four factors related to earnings estimates. Given an impressive externally-audited track record, this is a more conclusive indication of the stock's potential upside in the near term. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
Therefore, while the consensus price target may not be a reliable indicator of how much VICR could gain, the direction of price movement it implies does appear to be a good guide.
Here at Zacks, we offer our members many different opportunities to take full advantage of the stock market, as well as how to invest in ways that lead to long-term success.
One of our most popular services, Zacks Premium offers daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank; full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List; Equity Research reports; and Premium stock screens like the Earnings ESP filter. All are useful tools to find what stocks to buy, what to sell, and what are today's hottest industries.
It also includes the Focus List, a long-term portfolio of top stocks that have all the elements to beat the market.
Breaking Down the Zacks Focus ListIf you could, wouldn't you jump at the chance for access to a curated list of stocks to kickstart your investing journey?
That's what the Zacks Focus List offers. It's a portfolio of 50 stocks that serve as a starting point for long-term investors to build their individual portfolios. The stocks included in the list are set to outperform the market over the next 12 months.
One thing that makes the Focus List even more advantageous is that each pick comes with a full Zacks Analyst Report. This helps explain why each stock was selected and why we believe it's a good pick for the long-term.
The portfolio's past performance only solidifies why investors should consider it as a starting point. For 2020, the Focus List gained 13.85% on an annualized basis compared to the S&P 500's return of 9.38%. Cumulatively, the portfolio has returned 2,519.23% while the S&P returned 854.95%. Returns are for the period of February 1, 1996 to March 31, 2021.
Focus List MethodologyWhen stocks are picked for the Focus List, it reflects our enduring reliance on the power of earnings estimate revisions.
Earnings estimates are expectations of growth and profitability, and are determined by brokerage analysts. Together with company management, these analysts examine every aspect that may affect future earnings, like interest rates, the economy, and sector and industry optimism.
Investors also need to look at what a company will earn down the road. This is why earnings estimate revisions are so important.
The stocks that receive positive changes to earnings estimates are more likely to receive even more upward changes in the future. Take this example: if an analyst raised their estimates last month, they'll probably do so again this month, and other analysts will follow.
Harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions is where the Zacks Rank comes in. The Zacks Rank, which is a unique, proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions to make it easier to build a winning portfolio.
Four primary factors make up the Zacks Rank: Agreement, Magnitude, Upside, and Surprise. Each is given a raw score that's recalculated every night and compiled into the Rank, and with this data, stocks are then classified into five groups, ranging from "Strong Buy" to "Strong Sell."
The Focus List is comprised of stocks hand-picked from a long list of #1 (Strong Buy) or #2 (Buy) ranked companies, meaning that each new addition boasts a bullish earnings consensus among analysts.
Since stock prices respond to revisions, it can be very profitable to buy stocks with rising earnings estimates. By buying Focus List stocks, then, you're likely getting into companies whose future earnings estimates will be raised, potentially leading to price momentum.
Focus List Spotlight: HCA Healthcare (HCA - Free Report) Headquartered in Nashville, TN, HCA Healthcare is the largest non-governmental operator of acute care hospitals in the United States. At the end of 2025, the company operated 190 hospitals and approximately 2,500 ambulatory sites of care, including surgery centers, freestanding emergency rooms, urgent care centers and physician clinics, in 19 American states and the United Kingdom.
Since being added to the Focus List on January 7, 2019 at $123.39 per share, shares of HCA have increased 232.68% to $410.5. The stock is currently a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank.
One analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.02 to $30.07. HCA boasts an average earnings surprise of 10.6%.
Additionally, HCA's earnings are expected to grow 6.6% for the current fiscal year.
Reveal Winning StocksUnlock all of our powerful research, tools and analysis, including the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research Reports, Zacks Earnings ESP Filter, Premium Screener and more, as part of Zacks Premium. You'll quickly identify which stocks to buy, hold and sell, and target today's hottest industries, to help improve the performance of your portfolio. Gain full access now >>
July 06, 2026 09:48 ET | Source: Inspire Medical Systems
MINNEAPOLIS, July 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This press release corrects the earnings release date included in the earlier version issued on July 6, 2026. No other information has changed.
Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. (NYSE: INSP) (Inspire) will release financial results for the second quarter 2026 after the close of trading on Monday, August 3. Inspire’s management team will host a corresponding conference call beginning at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the financial results and recent business developments.
A webcast of the call will be accessible via the Investor Relations page of the Inspire website or through this link: Inspire's Q2 2026 earnings call webcast. For those not planning to ask a question of management, the Company recommends listening via the webcast.
If you plan to ask a question, please use the following link: Inspire's Q2 2026 earnings call. After registering, an email will be sent, including dial-in details and a unique conference call access code required to join the live call. To ensure you are connected prior to the beginning of the call, the Company suggests registering a minimum of 10 minutes before the start of the call.
Following the call, a replay will be available on the Company's Investor Relations website approximately two hours after the event and archived on the site for two weeks.
About Inspire Medical Systems
Inspire is a medical technology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative, minimally invasive solutions for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Inspire’s proprietary Inspire therapy is the first FDA, EU MDR, and PDMA-approved neurostimulation technology that provides a safe and effective treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
For additional information about Inspire, please visit www.inspiresleep.com.
Investor and Media Contact
Ezgi Yagci
Vice President, Investor Relations [email protected]
617-549-2443
SAN DIEGO, July 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers or acquirers of Commvault Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CVLT) securities between April 29, 2025 and January 26, 2026, inclusive (the “Class Period”), have until Friday, July 17, 2026 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the Commvault class action lawsuit. Captioned Imbert v. Commvault Systems, Inc., No. 26-cv-05654 (D.N.J.), the Commvault class action lawsuit charges Commvault as well as certain of Commvault’s top current and former executive officers with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Commvault class action lawsuit, please provide your information here:
You can also contact attorneys Ken Dolitsky or Michael Albert of Robbins Geller by calling 800/851-7783 or via e-mail at [email protected].
CASE ALLEGATIONS: Commvault provides cyber resiliency solutions for enterprises to protect, secure, and recover data, applications, and identity systems.
The Commvault class action lawsuit alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) defendants created the false impression that Commvault’s annualized recurring revenue (“ARR”) growth would remain steady throughout fiscal year 2026; (ii) Commvault knew or recklessly disregarded the impact that different types of sales would have on its ARR growth; and (iii) the variation in net ARR growth is strongly based on the type of sale Commvault is making, thus, Commvault’s projected net new ARR should not have been determined without properly factoring in sale type.
The Commvault class action lawsuit further alleges that on January 27, 2026, Commvault released its third quarter 2026 financial results, revealing net new ARR of $39 million, below Commvault’s previously guided $45 million. On this news, the price of Commvault stock fell more than 31%, according to the complaint.
THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired Commvault securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Commvault class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the Commvault class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the Commvault class action lawsuit. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the Commvault class action lawsuit.
ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the world’s leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud and shareholder rights litigation. Our Firm ranked #1 on the most recent ISS Securities Class Action Services Top 50 Report, recovering more than $916 million for investors in 2025. This marks our fourth #1 ranking in the past five years. And in those five years alone, Robbins Geller recovered $8.4 billion for investors – $3.4 billion more than any other law firm. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs’ firms in the world, and the Firm’s attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest ever – $7.2 billion – in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information:
Shares of the Modelo and Corona maker have formed a Death Cross. The STZ stock saw its 50-day moving average slip below the 200-day moving average, a pattern technical traders often interpret as confirmation that longer-term downside momentum is taking hold.
Strong Quarter, Weak ReactionConstellation reported fiscal first-quarter adjusted earnings of $3.43 per share on $2.43 billion in revenue, topping Wall Street expectations. Its beer business, which accounts for roughly 91% of net sales, remained the bright spot, with Modelo Especial and Corona continuing to gain market share and supporting healthy margins.
But investors looked beyond the headline beat.
Management maintained a cautious tone, citing an uneven consumer spending environment and reaffirmed an organic net sales growth outlook of between down 1% and up 1% for the full year. While reported EPS guidance moved higher, the muted revenue outlook suggested demand could remain choppy even as the company continues restructuring its wine and spirits portfolio.
The market’s response reflected those concerns, with STZ remaining under pressure despite the earnings beat.
STZ Stock Chart Turns BearishThe technical picture has now become harder to ignore.
STZ’s newly formed Death Cross signals that recent weakness has begun to outweigh its longer-term trend. The stock continues to trade below both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, while momentum indicators remain tilted toward the bears after nearly a 20% decline over the past year.
For traders, the pattern doesn’t guarantee further downside, but it often reinforces negative sentiment when fundamentals are already in question.
Berkshire Was Already Heading for the ExitLong before the Death Cross appeared, Berkshire Hathaway had already made its move.
Under CEO Greg Abel, Berkshire slashed its Constellation Brands stake by roughly 95%, reducing its holding from about 13.4 million shares to just over 632,000 shares. What was once a multi-billion-dollar investment now represents only a tiny fraction of Berkshire’s equity portfolio.
The decision came even as Berkshire realized a substantial loss on the position, underscoring management’s willingness to reallocate capital rather than wait for a consumer recovery.
Constellation still boasts leading beer brands, strong cash generation, and an active shareholder return program. But the combination of cautious consumer spending, muted growth expectations, and a deteriorating technical setup suggests investors remain unconvinced that one earnings beat is enough to change the narrative.
With Berkshire already having largely moved on, the Death Cross may only reinforce the market’s wait-and-see approach.
Photo: The Image Party/Shutterstock
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American Eagle Outfitters (AEO - Free Report) is one of the stocks most watched by Zacks.com visitors lately. So, it might be a good idea to review some of the factors that might affect the near-term performance of the stock.
Shares of this teen clothing retailer have returned +0.1% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.9% change. The Zacks Retail - Apparel and Shoes industry, to which American Eagle belongs, has lost 1% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?
Although media reports or rumors about a significant change in a company's business prospects usually cause its stock to trend and lead to an immediate price change, there are always certain fundamental factors that ultimately drive the buy-and-hold decision.
Revisions to Earnings EstimatesHere at Zacks, we prioritize appraising the change in the projection of a company's future earnings over anything else. That's because we believe the present value of its future stream of earnings is what determines the fair value for its stock.
Our analysis is essentially based on how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to take the latest business trends into account. When earnings estimates for a company go up, the fair value for its stock goes up as well. And when a stock's fair value is higher than its current market price, investors tend to buy the stock, resulting in its price moving upward. Because of this, empirical studies indicate a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock price movements.
For the current quarter, American Eagle is expected to post earnings of $0.21 per share, indicating a change of -53.3% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed -6.3% over the last 30 days.
The consensus earnings estimate of $1.77 for the current fiscal year indicates a year-over-year change of +18%. This estimate has changed +0.6% over the last 30 days.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $1.9 indicates a change of +7.5% from what American Eagle is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has remained unchanged.
With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- is a more conclusive indicator of a stock's near-term price performance, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for American Eagle.
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Projected Revenue GrowthEven though a company's earnings growth is arguably the best indicator of its financial health, nothing much happens if it cannot raise its revenues. It's almost impossible for a company to grow its earnings without growing its revenue for long periods. Therefore, knowing a company's potential revenue growth is crucial.
In the case of American Eagle, the consensus sales estimate of $1.37 billion for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +6.4%. The $5.81 billion and $6 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +5.6% and +3.4%, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryAmerican Eagle reported revenues of $1.2 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +9.7%. EPS of $0.14 for the same period compares with -$0.29 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.18 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +0.94%. The EPS surprise was +27.27%.
The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. The company topped consensus revenue estimates each time over this period.
ValuationNo investment decision can be efficient without considering a stock's valuation. Whether a stock's current price rightly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects is an essential determinant of its future price performance.
While comparing the current values of a company's valuation multiples, such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), with its own historical values helps determine whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of the reasonability of the stock's price.
The Zacks Value Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which pays close attention to both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics to grade stocks from A to F (an A is better than a B; a B is better than a C; and so on), is pretty helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
American Eagle is graded A on this front, indicating that it is trading at a discount to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
Bottom LineThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about American Eagle. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
Here at Zacks, we focus on our proven ranking system, which places an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions, to find winning stocks. But we also understand that investors develop their own strategies, so we are constantly looking at the latest trends in value, growth, and momentum to find strong companies for our readers.
Of these, perhaps no stock market trend is more popular than value investing, which is a strategy that has proven to be successful in all sorts of market environments. Value investors rely on traditional forms of analysis on key valuation metrics to find stocks that they believe are undervalued, leaving room for profits.
In addition to the Zacks Rank, investors looking for stocks with specific traits can utilize our Style Scores system. Of course, value investors will be most interested in the system's "Value" category. Stocks with "A" grades for Value and high Zacks Ranks are among the best value stocks available at any given moment.
Ameriprise Financial (AMP - Free Report) is a stock many investors are watching right now. AMP is currently sporting a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and an A for Value. The stock is trading with a P/E ratio of 12.26, which compares to its industry's average of 13.61. Over the past year, AMP's Forward P/E has been as high as 15.63 and as low as 10.72, with a median of 13.43.
Value investors also love the P/S ratio, which is calculated by simply dividing a stock's price with the company's sales. This is a popular metric because sales are harder to manipulate on an income statement, so they are often considered a better performance indicator. AMP has a P/S ratio of 2.32. This compares to its industry's average P/S of 3.13.
Finally, investors will want to recognize that AMP has a P/CF ratio of 15.60. This data point considers a firm's operating cash flow and is frequently used to find companies that are undervalued when considering their solid cash outlook. This stock's P/CF looks attractive against its industry's average P/CF of 32.66. Over the past year, AMP's P/CF has been as high as 23.08 and as low as 14.74, with a median of 17.06.
These are only a few of the key metrics included in Ameriprise Financial's strong Value grade, but they help show that the stock is likely undervalued right now. When factoring in the strength of its earnings outlook, AMP looks like an impressive value stock at the moment.
Key Takeaways The GARP strategy identifies undervalued stocks with solid growth prospects for maximum returns.GARP combines value metrics like P/E ratios with growth rates between 10% and 25%.RL, EAT, AMP and WFRD represent promising GARP opportunities with strong fundamentals. If you are looking for a profitable portfolio of stocks offering the best of value and growth investing, you can try the growth at a reasonable price or GARP strategy.
The strategy helps investors gain exposure to undervalued stocks with impressive prospects. Unlike a blend strategy, a portfolio that uses GARP investing is expected to include stocks that offer the best of value and growth investing. Ralph Lauren (RL - Free Report) , Brinker International (EAT - Free Report) , Ameriprise Financial (AMP - Free Report) and Weatherford International (WFRD - Free Report) are some GARP stocks that hold promise.
GARP Metrics: Mix of Growth & Value MetricsThe GARP strategy seeks to offer an ideal investment by utilizing the best features of value and growth investing. Investors adopting the GARP approach prefer buying stocks priced below the market or any reasonable target determined by fundamental analysis. These stocks also have solid prospects in terms of cash flow, revenues, earnings per share (EPS) and so on.
Growth Metrics
A strong earnings growth history and impressive earnings prospects are the main concepts that GARP investors borrow from the growth investing strategy. However, instead of super-normal growth rates, pursuing stocks with a more stable and reasonable growth rate is a tactic of GARP investors. Hence, growth rates between 10% and 20% are considered ideal under the GARP strategy.
Another metric that growth and GARP investors consider is return on equity (ROE). GARP investors look for a strong and higher ROE than the industry average to identify superior stocks. Stocks with positive cash flows find precedence under the GARP plan.
Value Metrics
GARP investing prioritizes popular value metrics, the price-to-earnings (P/E) and price-to-book (P/B) ratios. Though this investing style picks stocks with higher P/E ratios than value investors, it avoids companies with extremely high P/E ratios.
Using the GARP principle, we ran a screen to identify stocks that should offer solid returns in the near term.
Screening ParametersAlong with the criteria discussed in the above section, we have considered a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Last 5-year EPS & projected 3-5-year EPS growth rates between 10% and 25% (Strong EPS growth history and prospects ensure improving business.)
ROE (over the past 12 months) greater than the industry average (Higher ROE than the industry average indicates superior stocks.)
P/E and P/B ratios less than the M-industry average (P/E and P/B ratios less than that of the industry indicate that the stocks are undervalued.)
Here are four stocks from the eight that made it through the screening process. Each of the selected stocks given below carries a Zacks Rank #2.
Ralph Lauren's near-term investment case rests on strong forward guidance and disciplined capital allocation. For fiscal 2027, the company targets mid-single-digit constant currency revenue growth, with first-quarter operating margin expansion of 80-120 basis points, driven primarily by gross margin gains. A board-approved 10% dividend increase—raising the quarterly payout to $1.00 per share, to be paid out on July 10, 2026—reflects confidence in earnings durability. Structurally, continued AUR elevation through full-price selling, DTC channel momentum across all regions, and accelerating Asia expansion underpin the growth outlook. New category launches, including the Polo Blaze handbag collection in Fall '26, extend addressable market reach. With $1.4 billion in buyback capacity and $2.1 billion in cash and short-term investments, Ralph Lauren enters fiscal 2027 well-positioned.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RL’s fiscal 2027 earnings has moved north by 1.6% to $18.33 per share in the past 60 days. The company surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in all the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 9.14%.
Brinker International entered the final quarter of fiscal 2026 with a strengthening fundamental profile. In April 2026, the company raised its full-year EPS guidance (ex-special items) to $10.60–$10.85 and narrowed total revenue guidance between $5.78 billion and $5.82 billion, reflecting growing management conviction. Chili's comparable sales sustained momentum through February and March, each rising 5.9% with positive traffic, pointing to continued guest acquisition and brand strength. Operationally, the revolver was fully paid down and $108 million of stock was repurchased in the fiscal third quarter. In June 2026, Brinker announced early redemption of outstanding 8.25% Senior Notes due 2030, a move that will meaningfully reduce interest costs. Nine-month operating cash flows of $571.8 million support further capital deployment ahead of the Aug.12 fourth-quarter earnings call.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EAT’s fiscal 2026 earnings has moved north by 0.2% to $10.75 per share in the past 60 days. The company surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in all the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 6.83%.
Ameriprise Financial is well-positioned for near-term momentum, underpinned by several compelling forward-looking fundamental catalysts. The Huntington National Bank partnership — set to bring approximately 260 financial advisors and nearly $28 billion in combined client assets into Ameriprise's Financial Institutions Group — is actively transitioning, organically expanding the institutional channel. Sustained advisor recruitment from competitors, including recent additions from Edward Jones and Thrivent, continues to broaden the asset base. Management's April 2026 quarterly dividend increase of 6% to $1.70 per share signals confidence in robust capital generation capacity. The June 2026 BISA Technology Innovation Award — a third consecutive recognition — for the Signature Wealth UMA platform reinforces advisor productivity and retention. Trailing revenue per advisor hit a record $1.2 million, underscoring strong operating leverage ahead.
The consensus estimate for AMP’s 2026 earnings has moved north by 0.7% to $43.01 per share in the past 60 days. The company surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in all the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 5.05%.
Weatherford International is positioned for near-term re-rating, driven by converging strategic catalysts. The June 2026 definitive agreement to acquire NCS Multistage — immediately accretive to adjusted free cash flow per share, with at least $15 million in annual synergies within 18 months — strengthens completions capabilities and unconventional exposure. An ExxonMobil affiliate deepwater completions contract, awarded in May 2026, reinforces offshore momentum. Management has maintained full-year 2026 revenue guidance of $4.5–$4.95 billion, with increased confidence in a second-half ramp. The planned re-domestication to Texas, targeting third-quarter 2026, is designed to simplify governance, reduce compliance costs, and expand the shareholder and lender base. With net leverage at 0.41x and more than $1 billion in cash, Weatherford appears to be on a solid footing ahead of second-quarter 2026 results.
The consensus estimate for WFRD’s 2026 earnings has moved north by 2.7% to $6.13 per share in the past 60 days. Its earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters, while missing once, the average surprise being 42.69%.
It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.
The research service features daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, all of which will help you become a smarter, more confident investor.
Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? Developed alongside the Zacks Rank, the Zacks Style Scores are a group of complementary indicators that help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics. Just like in school, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on -- that means the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors, on the other hand, are more concerned with a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score examines things like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will experience sustainable growth over time.
Momentum ScoreMomentum investors, who live by the saying "the trend is your friend," are most interested in taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Utilizing one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, among other factors, the Momentum Style Score can help determine favorable times to buy high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreIf you want a combination of all three Style Scores, then the VGM Score will be your friend. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, helping you find the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum. It's also one of the best indicators to use with the Zacks Rank.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.
#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, which is more than double the S&P 500's performance over the same time frame. However, the Zacks Rank examines a ton of stocks, and there can be more than 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, and another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
But it can feel overwhelming to pick the right stocks for you and your investing goals with over 800 top-rated stocks to choose from.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
To maximize your returns, you want to buy stocks with the highest probability of success. This means picking stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you find yourself looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, make sure they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.
Here's an example: a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one with Style Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings outlook, and a bigger chance its share price will decrease too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Tyler Technologies (TYL - Free Report) Tyler Technologies is a leading provider of integrated information-management solutions and services for the public sector.
TYL is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.
Momentum investors should take note of this Computer and Technology stock. TYL has a Momentum Style Score of A, and shares are up 1.9% over the past four weeks.
Seven analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.19 to $12.82 per share. TYL boasts an average earnings surprise of +2%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, TYL should be on investors' short list.
Resources Investor Relations Journalists Agencies Client Login Send a Release News Products Contact , /PRNewswire/ -- SouthState Bank Corporation (NYSE: SSB) ("SouthState" or the "Company") announced today that it will release second quarter 2026 earnings results on Thursday, July 23, 2026, after the market closes. Upon release, investors may access a copy of SouthState's earnings results at the Company's website at www.SouthStateBank.com under Investor Relations, News, News & Market Data section.
SouthState will host a conference call on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. (ET) to discuss its second quarter 2026 results. Investors may call in (toll free) by dialing (833) 461-5787 within the US (host: Will Matthews, CFO). The conference ID number is 404525610. The numbers for international participants are listed at https://help.events.q4inc.com/eahc/international-dial-in-numbers. Participants may also pre-register for the conference by navigating to https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/404525610. Access detail will be provided via email upon completion of registration.
Alternatively, individuals may listen to the live webcast of the presentation by visiting the link at SouthState's website at www.SouthStateBank.com. A replay of the live webcast is expected to be available by the evening of July 24, 2026 through the Investor Relations section of www.SouthStateBank.com.
Marathon Petroleum (MPC - Free Report) has recently been on Zacks.com's list of the most searched stocks. Therefore, you might want to consider some of the key factors that could influence the stock's performance in the near future.
Shares of this refiner have returned +1.7% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.9% change. The Zacks Oil and Gas - Refining and Marketing industry, to which Marathon Petroleum belongs, has lost 8.3% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?
While media releases or rumors about a substantial change in a company's business prospects usually make its stock 'trending' and lead to an immediate price change, there are always some fundamental facts that eventually dominate the buy-and-hold decision-making.
Earnings Estimate RevisionsHere at Zacks, we prioritize appraising the change in the projection of a company's future earnings over anything else. That's because we believe the present value of its future stream of earnings is what determines the fair value for its stock.
Our analysis is essentially based on how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to take the latest business trends into account. When earnings estimates for a company go up, the fair value for its stock goes up as well. And when a stock's fair value is higher than its current market price, investors tend to buy the stock, resulting in its price moving upward. Because of this, empirical studies indicate a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock price movements.
Marathon Petroleum is expected to post earnings of $13.11 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +231.1%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +30.6%.
For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $32.96 points to a change of +208% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has changed +9.7%.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $25.76 indicates a change of -21.8% from what Marathon Petroleum is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed -3%.
With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- is a more conclusive indicator of a stock's near-term price performance, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for Marathon Petroleum.
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Revenue Growth ForecastWhile earnings growth is arguably the most superior indicator of a company's financial health, nothing happens as such if a business isn't able to grow its revenues. After all, it's nearly impossible for a company to increase its earnings for an extended period without increasing its revenues. So, it's important to know a company's potential revenue growth.
In the case of Marathon Petroleum, the consensus sales estimate of $34.87 billion for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +2.2%. The $144.77 billion and $131.44 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +7.1% and -9.2%, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryMarathon Petroleum reported revenues of $34.57 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +8.5%. EPS of $1.65 for the same period compares with -$0.24 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $30.35 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +13.88%. The EPS surprise was +129.17%.
Over the last four quarters, Marathon Petroleum surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times. The company topped consensus revenue estimates each time over this period.
ValuationWithout considering a stock's valuation, no investment decision can be efficient. In predicting a stock's future price performance, it's crucial to determine whether its current price correctly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects.
While comparing the current values of a company's valuation multiples, such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), with its own historical values helps determine whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of the reasonability of the stock's price.
As part of the Zacks Style Scores system, the Zacks Value Style Score (which evaluates both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics) organizes stocks into five groups ranging from A to F (A is better than B; B is better than C; and so on), making it helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
Marathon Petroleum is graded A on this front, indicating that it is trading at a discount to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
ConclusionThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about Marathon Petroleum. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
The proven Zacks Rank system focuses on earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find winning stocks. Nevertheless, we know that our readers all have their own perspectives, so we are always looking at the latest trends in value, growth, and momentum to find strong picks.
Considering these trends, value investing is clearly one of the most preferred ways to find strong stocks in any type of market. Value investors use fundamental analysis and traditional valuation metrics to find stocks that they believe are being undervalued by the market at large.
Luckily, Zacks has developed its own Style Scores system in an effort to find stocks with specific traits. Value investors will be interested in the system's "Value" category. Stocks with both "A" grades in the Value category and high Zacks Ranks are among the strongest value stocks on the market right now.
Expro Group Holdings (XPRO - Free Report) is a stock many investors are watching right now. XPRO is currently holding a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and a Value grade of A. The stock has a Forward P/E ratio of 13.38. This compares to its industry's average Forward P/E of 20.74. Over the past year, XPRO's Forward P/E has been as high as 27.24 and as low as 6.32, with a median of 11.85.
XPRO is also sporting a PEG ratio of 0.67. This figure is similar to the commonly-used P/E ratio, with the PEG ratio also factoring in a company's expected earnings growth rate. XPRO's PEG compares to its industry's average PEG of 1.95. Within the past year, XPRO's PEG has been as high as 1.25 and as low as 0.53, with a median of 0.89.
Finally, our model also underscores that XPRO has a P/CF ratio of 5.63. This data point considers a firm's operating cash flow and is frequently used to find companies that are undervalued when considering their solid cash outlook. XPRO's P/CF compares to its industry's average P/CF of 12.46. XPRO's P/CF has been as high as 12.36 and as low as 3.41, with a median of 5.83, all within the past year.
Value investors will likely look at more than just these metrics, but the above data helps show that Expro Group Holdings is likely undervalued currently. And when considering the strength of its earnings outlook, XPRO sticks out as one of the market's strongest value stocks.
Vistra Corp. (VST - Free Report) is one of the stocks most watched by Zacks.com visitors lately. So, it might be a good idea to review some of the factors that might affect the near-term performance of the stock.
Shares of this company have returned +1.5% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.9% change. The Zacks Utility - Electric Power industry, to which Vistra belongs, has gained 5.5% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?
While media releases or rumors about a substantial change in a company's business prospects usually make its stock 'trending' and lead to an immediate price change, there are always some fundamental facts that eventually dominate the buy-and-hold decision-making.
Revisions to Earnings EstimatesRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.
Our analysis is essentially based on how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to take the latest business trends into account. When earnings estimates for a company go up, the fair value for its stock goes up as well. And when a stock's fair value is higher than its current market price, investors tend to buy the stock, resulting in its price moving upward. Because of this, empirical studies indicate a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock price movements.
For the current quarter, Vistra is expected to post earnings of $2.43 per share, indicating a change of +140.6% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed -3.6% over the last 30 days.
The consensus earnings estimate of $9.52 for the current fiscal year indicates a year-over-year change of +81%. This estimate has changed +2.4% over the last 30 days.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $11.24 indicates a change of +18.1% from what Vistra is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed +0.5%.
Having a strong externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, offers a more conclusive picture of a stock's price direction in the near term, since it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. Due to the size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, Vistra is rated Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Projected Revenue GrowthEven though a company's earnings growth is arguably the best indicator of its financial health, nothing much happens if it cannot raise its revenues. It's almost impossible for a company to grow its earnings without growing its revenue for long periods. Therefore, knowing a company's potential revenue growth is crucial.
In the case of Vistra, the consensus sales estimate of $6.42 billion for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +51%. The $23.85 billion and $26.29 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +34.5% and +10.3%, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryVistra reported revenues of $5.64 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +43.4%. EPS of $2.87 for the same period compares with $0.46 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.45 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +3.54%. The EPS surprise was +29.86%.
Over the last four quarters, Vistra surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times. The company topped consensus revenue estimates just once over this period.
ValuationNo investment decision can be efficient without considering a stock's valuation. Whether a stock's current price rightly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects is an essential determinant of its future price performance.
Comparing the current value of a company's valuation multiples, such as its price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), to its own historical values helps ascertain whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, whereas comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of how reasonable its stock price is.
The Zacks Value Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which pays close attention to both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics to grade stocks from A to F (an A is better than a B; a B is better than a C; and so on), is pretty helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
Vistra is graded C on this front, indicating that it is trading at par with its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
Bottom LineThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about Vistra. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
A once-in-a-decade heat dome baked the eastern United States this Fourth of July weekend. PJM Interconnection, which serves 67 million people across 13 states, believes that Friday’s demand passed a previous record set all the way back in August 2006.
Dan Leonard, Director of Forecasting for the USA at MetDesk, joined CNBC on July 1st to talk about the implications of heat waves.
The investment angle sits with the power grid. “What you want to look at here is the electricity power plays, because there’s pools like PJM, which are forecasting record load. I think the previous record in PJM is like 161 gigs. We’re forecasting 166 on Friday, which would beat the old record by five gigs,” Leonard said. He added: “We haven’t seen heat like this since 2012, so we got to go back a ways when basically the entire eastern half of the country was impacted.”
Structural pressure is compounding the weather. “We’ve added a lot of wind and solar over the years, but we’ve also added a lot more load with these new farms coming in and with population increase and data centers,” Leonard noted. Data center electricity use has already jumped from 1.9% of total annual U.S. electricity consumption in 2018 to 4.4% in 2023, with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory projecting up to 12% by 2028. When PJM wholesale prices spike, merchant generators with dispatchable capacity capture the upside.
Vistra Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST | VST Price Prediction) is the largest independent power producer in PJM with 13.9 GW of capacity including nuclear, and its pending Cogentrix acquisition adds another 3.2 GW. Q1 revenue hit $5.64B, up 9.1% YoY, per the company’s SEC filing. CEO Jim Burke said “Load growth remains strong across our primary markets.” Shares trade at $154.81 against an analyst target of $222.89.
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Constellation Energy Constellation Energy (NASDAQ:CEG) is the second-largest PJM capacity owner with 20.3 GW and runs the biggest nuclear fleet in the US. The stock jumped 11% after the last PJM capacity auction, and Constellation is now the largest US wholesale power provider after buying Calpine. Q1 revenue hit $11.12B, up 63.9% YoY, with adjusted EPS of $2.74. Shares closed at $240.41, down 29.49% year-to-date, against a consensus target of $360.24.
Talen Energy Talen Energy (NASDAQ:TLN) is concentrated in PJM with 13.1 GW and just closed a $3.5 billion deal in June 2026 to add 2.6 GW of gas plants. It also has demonstrated dedicated power arrangements for data center campuses in Pennsylvania, including an expanded 1,920 MW Amazon PPA at Susquehanna. Q1 adjusted EBITDA reached $473 million. Shares last traded at $373.99, versus an analyst target of $473.22, with 15 buy or strong-buy ratings.
NRG Energy NRG Energy (NYSE:NRG) runs a merchant power model with gas-fired projects in PJM and recently acquired LS Power’s gas fleet to expand its footprint. That deal added 13 GW and doubled NRG’s generation base. 2026 guidance calls for adjusted EBITDA of $5.33B to $5.83B. NRG shares trade at $142.81, up 6.1% over the past week as heat forecasts intensified, against a consensus target of $198.88.
What Investors Should Watch Merchant power stocks live and die by weather and wholesale prices, and all four names above have already been volatile in 2026, with Constellation off nearly 30% year-to-date even as Talen holds a modest gain. A record-breaking PJM print on Friday could reset near-term sentiment, but the same volatility that creates upside during heat events cuts the other way when demand cools. Investors evaluating this group should track the PJM real-time load data, capacity auction outcomes, and follow-on data center PPAs, rather than treating any single heat wave as a durable catalyst.
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Celsius Holdings Inc. (CELH - Free Report) is one of the stocks most watched by Zacks.com visitors lately. So, it might be a good idea to review some of the factors that might affect the near-term performance of the stock.
Shares of this company have returned +17.9% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.9% change. The Zacks Food - Miscellaneous industry, to which Celsius belongs, has gained 8.9% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?
Although media reports or rumors about a significant change in a company's business prospects usually cause its stock to trend and lead to an immediate price change, there are always certain fundamental factors that ultimately drive the buy-and-hold decision.
Revisions to Earnings EstimatesRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.
Our analysis is essentially based on how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to take the latest business trends into account. When earnings estimates for a company go up, the fair value for its stock goes up as well. And when a stock's fair value is higher than its current market price, investors tend to buy the stock, resulting in its price moving upward. Because of this, empirical studies indicate a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock price movements.
For the current quarter, Celsius is expected to post earnings of $0.42 per share, indicating a change of -10.6% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed -0.7% over the last 30 days.
The consensus earnings estimate of $1.59 for the current fiscal year indicates a year-over-year change of +18.7%. This estimate has changed +0.3% over the last 30 days.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $1.97 indicates a change of +23.8% from what Celsius is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed -1.8%.
Having a strong externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, offers a more conclusive picture of a stock's price direction in the near term, since it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. Due to the size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, Celsius is rated Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Projected Revenue GrowthWhile earnings growth is arguably the most superior indicator of a company's financial health, nothing happens as such if a business isn't able to grow its revenues. After all, it's nearly impossible for a company to increase its earnings for an extended period without increasing its revenues. So, it's important to know a company's potential revenue growth.
In the case of Celsius, the consensus sales estimate of $891.45 million for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +20.6%. The $3.33 billion and $3.65 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +32.3% and +9.7%, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryCelsius reported revenues of $782.61 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +137.7%. EPS of $0.41 for the same period compares with $0.18 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $756.32 million, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +3.48%. The EPS surprise was +41.38%.
The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. The company topped consensus revenue estimates each time over this period.
ValuationWithout considering a stock's valuation, no investment decision can be efficient. In predicting a stock's future price performance, it's crucial to determine whether its current price correctly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects.
While comparing the current values of a company's valuation multiples, such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), with its own historical values helps determine whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of the reasonability of the stock's price.
The Zacks Value Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which pays close attention to both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics to grade stocks from A to F (an A is better than a B; a B is better than a C; and so on), is pretty helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
Celsius is graded D on this front, indicating that it is trading at a premium to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
Bottom LineThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about Celsius. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.
The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.
It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores is a unique set of guidelines that rates stocks based on three popular investing types, and were developed as complementary indicators for the Zacks Rank. This combination helps investors choose securities with the highest chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics. Just like in school, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on -- that means the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors, on the other hand, are more concerned with a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score examines things like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will experience sustainable growth over time.
Momentum ScoreMomentum investors, who live by the saying "the trend is your friend," are most interested in taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Utilizing one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, among other factors, the Momentum Style Score can help determine favorable times to buy high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreIf you want a combination of all three Style Scores, then the VGM Score will be your friend. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, helping you find the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum. It's also one of the best indicators to use with the Zacks Rank.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank, which is a proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to make building a winning portfolio easier.
Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
But it can feel overwhelming to pick the right stocks for you and your investing goals with over 800 top-rated stocks to choose from.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
To have the best chance of big returns, you'll want to always consider stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B, which will give you the highest probability of success. If you're looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, it's important they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
As mentioned above, the Scores are designed to work with the Zacks Rank, so any change to a company's earnings outlook should be a deciding factor when picking which stocks to buy.
For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: EnerSys (ENS - Free Report) Headquartered in Pennsylvania, EnerSys engages in manufacturing, marketing and distribution of various industrial batteries. Additionally, the company develops battery chargers and accessories, power equipment and outdoor cabinet enclosures. This apart, it provides support services for clients.
ENS is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of B thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 17.08; value investors should take notice.
For fiscal 2027, three analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.09 to $12.10 per share. ENS boasts an average earnings surprise of +4.4%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, ENS should be on investors' short list.
Patterson-UTI (PTEN - Free Report) has been beaten down lately with too much selling pressure. While the stock has lost 24.8% over the past four weeks, there is light at the end of the tunnel as it is now in oversold territory and Wall Street analysts expect the company to report better earnings than they predicted earlier.
We use Relative Strength Index (RSI), one of the most commonly used technical indicators, for spotting whether a stock is oversold. This is a momentum oscillator that measures the speed and change of price movements.
RSI oscillates between zero and 100. Usually, a stock is considered oversold when its RSI reading falls below 30.
Technically, every stock oscillates between being overbought and oversold irrespective of the quality of their fundamentals. And the beauty of RSI is that it helps you quickly and easily check if a stock's price is reaching a point of reversal.
So, by this measure, if a stock has gotten too far below its fair value just because of unwarranted selling pressure, investors may start looking for entry opportunities in the stock for benefiting from the inevitable rebound.
However, like every investing tool, RSI has its limitations, and should not be used alone for making an investment decision.
Here's Why PTEN Could Experience a TurnaroundThe heavy selling of PTEN shares appears to be in the process of exhausting itself, as indicated by its RSI reading of 26.86. So, the trend for the stock could reverse soon for reaching the old equilibrium of supply and demand.
The RSI value is not the only factor that indicates a potential turnaround for the stock in the near term. On the fundamental side, there has been strong agreement among the sell-side analysts covering the stock in raising earnings estimates for the current year. Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for PTEN has increased 12.2%. And an upward trend in earnings estimate revisions usually translates into price appreciation in the near term.
Moreover, PTEN currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), which means it is in the top 20% of more than 4,000 stocks that we rank based on trends in earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises. This is a more conclusive indication of the stock's potential turnaround in the near term. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
While the proven Zacks Rank places an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find strong stocks, we also know that investors tend to develop their own individual strategies. With this in mind, we are always looking at value, growth, and momentum trends to discover great companies.
Considering these trends, value investing is clearly one of the most preferred ways to find strong stocks in any type of market. Value investors use fundamental analysis and traditional valuation metrics to find stocks that they believe are being undervalued by the market at large.
In addition to the Zacks Rank, investors looking for stocks with specific traits can utilize our Style Scores system. Of course, value investors will be most interested in the system's "Value" category. Stocks with "A" grades for Value and high Zacks Ranks are among the best value stocks available at any given moment.
One company value investors might notice is PattersonUTI Energy (PTEN - Free Report) . PTEN is currently holding a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and a Value grade of A.
Another valuation metric that we should highlight is PTEN's P/B ratio of 0.62. The P/B ratio pits a stock's market value against its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. This stock's P/B looks solid versus its industry's average P/B of 1.66. Over the past 12 months, PTEN's P/B has been as high as 1.06 and as low as 0.61, with a median of 0.80.
Value investors also use the P/S ratio. The P/S ratio is calculated as price divided by sales. This is a popular metric because sales are harder to manipulate on an income statement, so they are often considered a better performance indicator. PTEN has a P/S ratio of 0.7. This compares to its industry's average P/S of 1.36.
These are only a few of the key metrics included in PattersonUTI Energy's strong Value grade, but they help show that the stock is likely undervalued right now. When factoring in the strength of its earnings outlook, PTEN looks like an impressive value stock at the moment.
For those looking to find strong Retail-Wholesale stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Alliance Laundry Holdings (ALH - Free Report) is a stock that can certainly grab the attention of many investors, but do its recent returns compare favorably to the sector as a whole? A quick glance at the company's year-to-date performance in comparison to the rest of the Retail-Wholesale sector should help us answer this question.
Alliance Laundry Holdings is a member of our Retail-Wholesale group, which includes 187 different companies and currently sits at #12 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different sector groups. The average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups is measured, and the sectors are listed from best to worst.
The Zacks Rank is a proven system that emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions, highlighting a variety of stocks that are displaying the right characteristics to beat the market over the next one to three months. Alliance Laundry Holdings is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy).
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ALH's full-year earnings has moved 10% higher within the past quarter. This shows that analyst sentiment has improved and the company's earnings outlook is stronger.
Based on the most recent data, ALH has returned 27.1% so far this year. In comparison, Retail-Wholesale companies have returned an average of -0%. This means that Alliance Laundry Holdings is performing better than its sector in terms of year-to-date returns.
Another stock in the Retail-Wholesale sector, Aramark (ARMK - Free Report) , has outperformed the sector so far this year. The stock's year-to-date return is 52.7%.
For Aramark, the consensus EPS estimate for the current year has increased 1.3% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Looking more specifically, Alliance Laundry Holdings belongs to the Retail - Home Furnishings industry, which includes 10 individual stocks and currently sits at #209 in the Zacks Industry Rank. Stocks in this group have gained about 2% so far this year, so ALH is performing better this group in terms of year-to-date returns.
In contrast, Aramark falls under the Retail - Restaurants industry. Currently, this industry has 36 stocks and is ranked #198. Since the beginning of the year, the industry has moved +3.4%.
Alliance Laundry Holdings and Aramark could continue their solid performance, so investors interested in Retail-Wholesale stocks should continue to pay close attention to these stocks.
For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.
Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.
It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics. Just like in school, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on -- that means the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFor value investors, it's all about finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value before the broader market catches on. The Value Style Score utilizes ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to help pick out the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors, on the other hand, are more concerned with a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score examines things like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will experience sustainable growth over time.
Momentum ScoreMomentum trading is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook, and these investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." The Momentum Style Score can pinpoint good times to build a position in a stock, using factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates.
VGM ScoreIf you want a combination of all three Style Scores, then the VGM Score will be your friend. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, helping you find the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum. It's also one of the best indicators to use with the Zacks Rank.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank, which is a proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to make building a winning portfolio easier.
It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988. That's more than double the S&P 500. But because of the large number of stocks we rate, there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
But it can feel overwhelming to pick the right stocks for you and your investing goals with over 800 top-rated stocks to choose from.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
To have the best chance of big returns, you'll want to always consider stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B, which will give you the highest probability of success. If you're looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, it's important they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.
Here's an example: a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one with Style Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings outlook, and a bigger chance its share price will decrease too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Alcon (ALC - Free Report) Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland Alcon Inc. researches, develops, manufactures, distributes, and sells a full suite of eye care products. Founded in 1945, Alcon was first acquired by a Swiss subsidiary of Nestlé S.A. and operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of Nestlé until 2002. From March 20, 2002 until its 2011 merger into Novartis, Alcon was publicly listed and traded on the NYSE. In 2011, Novartis completed the acquisition of a full stake in Alcon.
ALC is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.
Momentum investors should take note of this Medical stock. ALC has a Momentum Style Score of B, and shares are up 4.3% over the past four weeks.
Four analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.03 to $3.49 per share. ALC also boasts an average earnings surprise of +3.7%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, ALC should be on investors' short list.
NEW YORK, July 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP notifies investors that Marc E. Hathhorn, former President of Global Operations at Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE: BTU), is named as a defendant in a securities class action covering purchases between October 14, 2024 and May 4, 2026. Shareholders who lost money on BTU may find out if you qualify to recover losses from this action or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. at [email protected] or (212) 363-7500.
Peabody Energy shares fell from a high of 25.00 following the March 30 and May 5, 2026 corrective disclosures, a total decline of $14.50 per share (36.7%) across both corrective events. The lead plaintiff deadline is August 24, 2026.
Marc E. Hathhorn's Role During the Class Period
The complaint identifies Hathhorn as the President of Global Operations at Peabody Energy from the start of the Class Period through October 31, 2024. In this capacity, Hathhorn was the senior executive directly responsible for overseeing Centurion mine development and operations. He served as the primary spokesperson for the Centurion project during a critical Special Call on October 14, 2024, where he personally delivered assurances about the mine's progress and timeline to investors and analysts.
Unlike other named defendants who addressed Centurion as part of broader corporate earnings updates, Hathhorn's statements were operational and specific. He was the executive closest to the ground-level realities at the mine site.
What Hathhorn Allegedly Told Investors
During the October 14, 2024 Special Call, the action alleges Hathhorn made several material representations:
Stated development was advancing "on time and on budget towards full-scale long-haul production in March 2026"Personally vouched for the equipment, claiming equipment delivery risk was "behind us" and the conveyance system was "brand new" and "performing well"Dismissed execution risk by stating: "Obviously, there's risk, but I feel good" and "I feel very confident that March 2026, will have the longwall getting"Assured investors the coal seam's "geological stability" would provide "a consistent and continuous coal face that minimizes operational disruptions" The lawsuit contends these statements were materially misleading. When the full truth emerged on May 5, 2026, the Company disclosed that 8-year-old unused mining equipment suffered unanticipated electrical and mechanical failures underground, and that the very roof conditions Hathhorn characterized as geologically stable had in fact deteriorated due to moisture accumulation and floor softening.
Hathhorn's Alleged Knowledge and Operational Authority
As pleaded in the complaint, Hathhorn possessed the power and authority to control the contents of Peabody Energy's public statements about Centurion mine operations. The action asserts he had access to material non-public information about operational conditions at the mine site and knew that adverse facts had not been disclosed to investors. His detailed, first-person descriptions of equipment readiness and geological conditions went beyond general corporate optimism and into specific operational representations that the lawsuit alleges were false when made.
Section 20(a) Context for Hathhorn
Hathhorn is named under Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act as an alleged controlling person of Peabody Energy. The complaint charges that by virtue of his senior operational role, Hathhorn had the power to influence and control the Company's public disclosures about Centurion's development timeline, equipment readiness, and geological conditions.
"Individual officers who sign SEC certifications bear personal responsibility for the accuracy of corporate disclosures. When senior executives make specific operational assurances about equipment performance and geological stability, investors are entitled to rely on those statements being grounded in fact." -- Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE: August 24, 2026
Speak with an attorney about Hathhorn's alleged role in your BTU losses or call (212) 363-7500.
ABOUT LEVI & KORSINSKY, LLP — Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders. The firm has extensive expertise in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees. For seven consecutive years, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report. Investors who suffered losses have until August 24, 2026 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff.
Frequently Asked Questions About the BTU Lawsuit
Q: Who is Marc E. Hathhorn and why is he named as a defendant? A: Marc E. Hathhorn served as President of Global Operations at Peabody Energy from the start of the Class Period through October 31, 2024. He is named because he allegedly made specific, material misrepresentations about the Centurion mine's equipment readiness and operational timeline during a Special Call with investors.
Q: What is the BTU class action lawsuit about? A: A securities class action has been filed against Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE: BTU) alleging materially false and misleading statements between October 14, 2024 and May 4, 2026. Shares fell approximately 36.7% after the truth was revealed, causing significant losses for shareholders.
Q: Who is eligible to join the BTU investor lawsuit? A: Investors who purchased BTU stock or securities between October 14, 2024 and May 4, 2026 and suffered financial losses may be eligible. Eligibility is based on purchase date and documented losses, not on whether you still hold the shares.
Q: What if I already sold my BTU shares -- can I still recover losses? A: Yes. Eligibility is based on when you purchased, not whether you still hold them. Investors who bought during the class period and sold at a loss may still participate.
Q: What does it cost me to participate? A: Nothing. Securities class actions are handled on a pure contingency basis. No upfront fees, no retainer, no out-of-pocket costs.
Q: What do BTU investors need to do right now? A: Gather brokerage records including purchase dates, share quantities, and prices paid. Contact Levi & Korsinsky for a free, no-obligation evaluation at [email protected] or (212) 363-7500. No immediate action is required to remain eligible as a class member.
Q: How long will the lawsuit take to resolve? A: Securities class actions typically take two to four years from initial filing to resolution.
CONTACT:
Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
33 Whitehall Street, 27th Floor
New York, NY 10004 [email protected]
Tel: (212) 363-7500
Fax: (212) 363-7171
This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.
52-Week Range$28.11▼
$84.38Dividend Yield0.79%
P/E Ratio12.82
Price Target$67.82
When an industrial sector powerhouse announces a multi-billion dollar acquisition, the market's first reflex is almost always to sell.
Institutional investors are notoriously skittish toward aggressive mergers and acquisitions in cyclical sectors unless they see immediate, verifiable free cash flow accretion.
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Investors are seeing this reaction play out with Alcoa Corporation NYSE: AA right now. After executing an agreement to acquire South32 Limited's bauxite, alumina, and aluminum assets for an upfront consideration of $4.1 billion, the market responded.
Shares of Alcoa Corporation plummeted 9%, slicing through an established 50-day range to close at $47.41.
Unearthing a Generational Upstream Aluminum MonopolyWall Street is intensely focused on the immediate financing burden, prioritizing balance sheet preservation over asset expansion. A deeper look into the mechanics of this deal reveals a completely different reality. By absorbing tier-one bauxite and alumina operations exactly as structural supply deficits loom, Alcoa just engineered a generational upstream monopoly at a deep discount.
Bauxite is the primary ore used to produce alumina, which is then smelted into aluminum. Controlling that entire pipeline from dirt to metal gives Alcoa immense pricing power. Investors willing to look past the bridge-financing noise are being presented with a rare opportunity to accumulate shares at heavily compressed multiples.
Sifting Through the Slag: Debt, Equity, and Market FearTo understand the 9% haircut, you have to look at how institutional block traders model risk. The $4.1 billion upfront price tag requires $3.1 billion in cash and the issuance of 17 million new Alcoa shares. That stock issuance guarantees immediate equity dilution of roughly 6%.
Compounding the dilution is the debt load. To quickly secure the cash requirement, Alcoa tapped a $3.1 billion bridge commitment from Goldman Sachs NYSE: GS. Bridge loans are temporary, highly expensive financing tools utilized to lock down a transaction before permanent capital can be raised. The market is irrationally pricing in the weight of this short-term paper as a permanent leverage overhang, pushing the maximum enterprise value of the transaction toward $5.6 billion when accounting for assumed lease obligations and contingent payouts.
Investors also have to factor in the existing sentiment surrounding Alcoa. During the most recent earnings report on April 16, Alcoa delivered a slight miss. Earnings of $1.40 per share trailed consensus estimates by 20 cents, while revenues declined 5.2% year-over-year. That earnings miss created a fragile psychological environment.
When the South32 Limited deal crossed the wire, institutional patience for the long-dated realization of projected cost savings and operational efficiencies snapped. High off-exchange short volume ratios exceeding 62% indicate aggressive risk-off repositioning by institutional block traders rather than a coordinated short attack. Short interest remains benign at 2.48%, totaling roughly 6.5 million shares. Put option volume expiring in early July is clustered heavily around the $48 and $49 strikes, validating immediate downside hedging against the newly announced capital outlay.
Despite the panic, Alcoa's underlying financial health remains intact. Before this transaction, the debt-to-equity ratio was conservative at 0.36, supported by a current ratio of 1.48. Alcoa has a definitive roadmap to permanently replace the bridge loan using balance sheet cash and long-term debt financing well ahead of the anticipated closing in the first half of 2027. Alcoa has the baseline balance sheet capacity to absorb these assets easily.
Locking Down the Vault: South32 Assets Transform AlcoaMoving past the financing noise, the actual assets being acquired fundamentally reshape the global aluminum landscape. The transaction secures full ownership of the Boddington bauxite mine and the Worsley alumina refinery in Western Australia, alongside vital processing interests in Brazil and South Africa.
Alcoa models $900 million in net present value savings across the combined portfolio. While analysts often discount long-term acquisition projections, the immediate cost savings are highly verifiable.
The integration of the Western Australia operations alone is projected to deliver $50 million in direct run-rate cost savings. These savings flow straight into the cost of goods sold within 12 months of the closing date, countering fears of short-term margin compression.
The strategic alignment here gives Alcoa a commanding scale advantage. With a market capitalization above $12 billion, Alcoa dwarfs two direct upstream competitors, Constellium NYSE: CSTM and Century Aluminum NASDAQ: CENX, which hover near $4 billion. Alcoa also maintains a 0.83% dividend yield, whereas both Constellium and Century Aluminum do not offer dividends, placing the newly expanded behemoth ahead in shareholder returns.
Refining the Balance Sheet With 1 Clever Contingency ClauseOne of the most misunderstood components of this buyout is the $750 million contingent value right attached to the deal. A contingent value right provides additional compensation to the seller only if specific performance metrics are met in the future.
In this case, the payout is tightly controlled and directly tied to alumina and aluminum prices through 2030. Alcoa only surrenders this maximum consideration if commodity pricing guarantees outsized free cash flow accretion. The company effectively neutralized downside risk, ensuring it only pays top dollar if the underlying London Metal Exchange commodities generate massive revenue. This keeps the balance sheet highly protected during cyclical downturns.
Institutional Money Anchors Alcoa's AscentGlobal analysts have recently raised their aluminum forecasts on the London Metal Exchange. Structural supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions are setting the stage for multi-year pricing highs. By aggressively acquiring raw-material capacity right before projected 2026 and 2027 supply squeezes, Alcoa is positioning itself to capture massive alpha when the commodity cycle peaks.
Smart money understands this positioning. While day traders focus on intraday block selling, heavy institutional anchoring remains firmly in place. BlackRock NYSE: BLK continues to hold a 9.0% stake, representing over 23 million shares. This deep-pocketed positioning acts as a floor for institutional conviction, offering a layer of baseline support beneath the recent volatility.
The valuation metrics support a bullish outlook. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio for Alcoa is 12.3, while the forward multiple has compressed to an incredibly attractive 6.3. Alcoa is generating $6.05 per share in cash flow, providing ample liquidity to navigate the integration phase.
Melting It Down: Does Alcoa Merit Watchlist Status?The market reaction to the South32 Limited asset acquisition highlights a disconnect between short-term institutional trading algorithms and long-term business fundamentals. The market is harshly punishing the execution risk and temporary debt load required to consolidate the industry.
Alcoa (AA) Price Chart for Monday, July, 6, 2026
The underlying data points to a brilliantly timed expansion. By locking down tier-one mining and refining assets ahead of a global supply deficit, Alcoa is insulating its supply chain and setting the stage for aggressive margin expansion.
Investors willing to look past the bridge financing noise are being handed a rare opportunity to accumulate shares at heavily compressed multiples. Cautious investors might consider adding this legacy materials producer to their watchlist as the market digests the realities of this newly formed upstream monopoly.
Should You Invest $1,000 in Alcoa Right Now?Before you consider Alcoa, you'll want to hear this.
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Have you evaluated the performance of Progress Software's (PRGS - Free Report) international operations for the quarter ending May 2026? Given the extensive global presence of this business software maker, analyzing the patterns in international revenues is crucial for understanding its financial strength and potential for growth.
In today's increasingly interconnected global economy, a company's ability to tap into international markets can be a pivotal factor in shaping its overall financial health and growth trajectory. For investors, understanding a company's reliance on overseas markets has become increasingly crucial, as it offers insights into the company's sustainability of earnings, ability to tap into diverse economic cycles and overall growth potential.
Participation in global economies acts as a defense against economic difficulties at home and a pathway to more rapidly developing economies. However, it also comes with the complexities of dealing with fluctuating currencies, geopolitical risks and different market dynamics.
In our recent assessment of PRGS' quarterly performance, we discovered notable trends in its overseas revenue sections, which are typically modeled and scrutinized by Wall Street analysts.
The recent quarter saw the company's total revenue reaching $253.46 million, marking an improvement of 6.8% from the prior-year quarter. Next, we'll examine the breakdown of PRGS' revenue from abroad to comprehend the significance of its international presence.
Exploring PRGS' International Revenue PatternsLatin America accounted for 2.3% of the company's total revenue during the quarter, translating to $5.79 million. Revenues from this region represented a surprise of +8.02%, with Wall Street analysts collectively expecting $5.36 million. When compared to the preceding quarter and the same quarter in the previous year, Latin America contributed $5.53 million (2.2%) and $4.85 million (2%) to the total revenue, respectively.
During the quarter, Europe, Middle East and Africa contributed $70.61 million in revenue, making up 27.9% of the total revenue. When compared to the consensus estimate of $75.98 million, this meant a surprise of -7.07%. Looking back, Europe, Middle East and Africa contributed $78.38 million, or 31.6%, in the previous quarter, and $73.04 million, or 30.8%, in the same quarter of the previous year.
Of the total revenue, $14.54 million came from Asia Pacific during the last fiscal quarter, accounting for 5.7%. This represented a surprise of +33.87% as analysts had expected the region to contribute $10.86 million to the total revenue. In comparison, the region contributed $11.2 million, or 4.5%, and $12.14 million, or 5.1%, to total revenue in the previous and year-ago quarters, respectively.
Anticipated Revenues in Overseas MarketsWall Street analysts expect Progress Software to report $247.16 million in total revenue for the current fiscal quarter, indicating a decline of 1.1% from the year-ago quarter. Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa and Asia Pacific are expected to contribute 2.3% (translating to $5.61 million), 27.7% ($68.37 million), and 5.7% ($14.08 million) to the total revenue, respectively.
Analysts expect the company to report a total annual revenue of $994.66 million for the full year, marking an increase of 1.7% compared to last year. The expected revenue contributions from Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa and Asia Pacific are projected to be 2.3% ($22.6 million), 28.8% ($286.62 million) and 5.4% ($54.08 million) of the total revenue, in that order.
Final ThoughtsRelying on international markets for revenues, Progress Software faces both prospects and perils. Thus, tracking the company's international revenue trends is essential for accurately projecting its future trajectory.
In a world where international interdependencies and geopolitical conflicts are ever-increasing, Wall Street analysts closely monitor these trends for companies having international presence to adjust their earnings forecasts. Of course, there are several other factors, including a company's standing within its home borders, that influence analysts' earnings forecasts.
At Zacks, we place significant importance on a company's evolving earnings outlook. This is based on empirical evidence demonstrating its strong influence on a stock's short-term price movements. Invariably, there exists a positive relationship -- an upward revision in earnings estimates is typically mirrored by a rise in the stock price.
The Zacks Rank, our proprietary stock rating mechanism, demonstrates a notable performance history confirmed through external audits. It effectively utilizes the power of earnings estimate revisions to act as a predictor of a stock's price performance in the near term.
Progress Software, bearing a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), is expected to mirror the broader market's movements in the near term. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
A Review of Progress Software's Recent Stock Market PerformanceOver the past month, the stock has gained 22.5% versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's 0.9% decrease. The Zacks Computer and Technology sector, of which Progress Software is a part, has declined 6.1% over the same period. The company's shares have increased 44.2% over the past three months compared to the S&P 500's 13.9% increase. Over the same period, the sector has risen 22.2%
Key Takeaways Medpace's $2.93B backlog supports revenue visibility, with $1.9B-$1.94B expected to convert over 12 months.MEDP's metabolic programs help stabilize backlog as oncology and cardiovascular see higher cancellations.MEDP faces softer proposal activity and a 0.88X book-to-bill ratio, tempering near-term growth signals. Medpace Holdings, Inc. (MEDP - Free Report) has a near-term setup defined less by headline growth and more by the quality of its backlog. Revenue visibility remains meaningful, but booking momentum is not yet sending a clean reacceleration signal.
The company still has several supports, including stable margins, liquidity and metabolic demand. The issue for investors is whether cancellations and softer requests for proposals keep that visibility from turning into faster growth.
Here’s a look at Medpace’s stock performance over the past 12 months.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
How Medpace Makes Its Clinical Model WorkMedpace operates as a global, full-service clinical contract research organization supporting Phase I-IV drug and device development. Its services include protocol and project management, regulatory affairs, clinical monitoring, data management and analysis, pharmacovigilance, submission support, bioanalytical labs and medical imaging.
The model is centralized and managed as one full-service platform, which helps keep study execution consistent across North America, Europe and Asia. Medpace has particular depth in oncology, metabolic disease, cardiology, central nervous system, antiviral and anti-infective work.
Client mix is another defining feature. Small biopharma accounted for 82% of fiscal 2025 revenues, while mid-sized biopharma represented 13%, leaving MEDP closely tied to emerging and development-stage sponsors.
IQVIA Holdings Inc. (IQV - Free Report) gives investors another large-scale CRO reference point because it provides clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to life sciences customers. Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (CRL - Free Report) sits in an adjacent contract research area, with drug discovery, non-clinical development and safety testing exposure.
MEDP Backlog Still Supports 2026 RevenueBacklog remains the clearest source of revenue continuity. Medpace ended March 31, 2026, with backlog of $2.93 billion, up 2.9% from the year-ago period.
Management projects roughly $1.9 billion-$1.94 billion of backlog will convert into revenues over the next 12 months. That conversion base gives the company a bridge into 2026 even as net new business awards of $618.4 million produced a net book-to-bill ratio of 0.88X in the first quarter.
The distinction matters. Backlog supports visibility, but a sub-1.0X book-to-bill means awards did not fully replenish quarterly revenues. For now, the backlog points to continuity rather than proof that growth is ready to accelerate.
Take a look at Medpace’s sales multiple over the last five years.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Medpace Finds Stability in Metabolic DemandMetabolic and GLP-1 programs remain an important stabilizer. These programs have historically carried lower cancellation rates than some other tracked therapeutic areas, which supports backlog quality and utilization.
That exposure is valuable because oncology and cardiovascular programs have been more cancellation-prone. In the first quarter of 2026, metabolic revenues reached $237.6 million, exceeding oncology revenues of $201.2 million and making metabolic the largest disclosed therapeutic area by revenue.
The opportunity is not without limits. New metabolic opportunities could face saturation or price sensitivity, but durable in-flight work still helps MEDP absorb pressure elsewhere in the portfolio.
MEDP Faces the Drag From CancellationsCancellations remain the main offset to the backlog story. First-quarter cancellations reached their highest level in more than a year, with oncology and cardiovascular programs the largest contributors.
The demand funnel also looks uneven. Requests for proposals declined sequentially and year over year, while the first-quarter book-to-bill ratio stayed below 1.0X.
Initial award notifications and win rates were stronger, which helps the pipeline narrative. Still, many awards remain in pre-backlog, and typical lags of three to five quarters before program starts limit the immediate revenue benefit.
Medpace Signals Matter for Patient InvestorsThe bottom line is that MEDP offers a balanced signal set. Backlog conversion, stable profitability and metabolic exposure support patience, but cancellations, softer proposal activity and delayed program starts keep the near-term outlook measured.
The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), which points to more balanced short-term earnings estimate picture. Its Style Scores show a Growth Score of A, Value Score of D, Momentum Score of C and VGM Score of B. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
That mix fits the current debate. The Growth Score of A and VGM Score of B point to attractive growth traits and a favorable combined style profile, while the Value Score of D suggests valuation support is less clear. For investors, MEDP’s next signal is likely to come from whether backlog quality and awards can outpace cancellations without pressuring margins.
It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.
The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.
Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Each stock is given an alphabetic rating of A, B, C, D or F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities. With this system, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on, meaning the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors, on the other hand, are more concerned with a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score examines things like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will experience sustainable growth over time.
Momentum ScoreMomentum investors, who live by the saying "the trend is your friend," are most interested in taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Utilizing one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, among other factors, the Momentum Style Score can help determine favorable times to buy high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank A proprietary stock-rating model, the Zacks Rank utilizes the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings outlook, to help investors create a successful portfolio.
Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
With more than 800 top-rated stocks to choose from, it can certainly feel overwhelming to pick the ones that are right for you and your investing journey.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.
As mentioned above, the Scores are designed to work with the Zacks Rank, so any change to a company's earnings outlook should be a deciding factor when picking which stocks to buy.
For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Sonic Automotive (SAH - Free Report) Sonic Automotive is one of the leading automotive retailers in the United States. Apart from selling new and used cars and light trucks, the company offers warranties, service contracts, vehicle financing and insurance. Further, it provides maintenance and repair services, and sells replacement parts and aftermarket automotive products. Each sale of a new or used vehicle comes with financing and insurance options and helps the firm earn financing fees and insurance and other aftermarket product commissions. Each of the company’s franchised dealerships include a fully integrated service and parts department.
SAH is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of A thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 12.11; value investors should take notice.
Three analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.28 to $6.92 per share. SAH boasts an average earnings surprise of +5.5%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, SAH should be on investors' short list.
Okta (OKTA - Free Report) has recently been on Zacks.com's list of the most searched stocks. Therefore, you might want to consider some of the key factors that could influence the stock's performance in the near future.
Shares of this cloud identity management company have returned +19.1% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.9% change. The Zacks Security industry, to which Okta belongs, has lost 11.9% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?
Although media reports or rumors about a significant change in a company's business prospects usually cause its stock to trend and lead to an immediate price change, there are always certain fundamental factors that ultimately drive the buy-and-hold decision.
Earnings Estimate RevisionsRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.
We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
Okta is expected to post earnings of $0.96 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +5.5%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +0.4%.
The consensus earnings estimate of $3.83 for the current fiscal year indicates a year-over-year change of +9.4%. This estimate has changed +0.7% over the last 30 days.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $4.29 indicates a change of +12% from what Okta is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has remained unchanged.
Having a strong externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, offers a more conclusive picture of a stock's price direction in the near term, since it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. Due to the size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, Okta is rated Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Projected Revenue GrowthWhile earnings growth is arguably the most superior indicator of a company's financial health, nothing happens as such if a business isn't able to grow its revenues. After all, it's nearly impossible for a company to increase its earnings for an extended period without increasing its revenues. So, it's important to know a company's potential revenue growth.
In the case of Okta, the consensus sales estimate of $792.14 million for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +8.8%. The $3.2 billion and $3.5 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +9.5% and +9.6%, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryOkta reported revenues of $765 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +11.2%. EPS of $0.91 for the same period compares with $0.86 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $751.34 million, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +1.82%. The EPS surprise was +7.06%.
The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. The company topped consensus revenue estimates each time over this period.
ValuationWithout considering a stock's valuation, no investment decision can be efficient. In predicting a stock's future price performance, it's crucial to determine whether its current price correctly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects.
While comparing the current values of a company's valuation multiples, such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), with its own historical values helps determine whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of the reasonability of the stock's price.
As part of the Zacks Style Scores system, the Zacks Value Style Score (which evaluates both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics) organizes stocks into five groups ranging from A to F (A is better than B; B is better than C; and so on), making it helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
Okta is graded F on this front, indicating that it is trading at a premium to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
Bottom LineThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about Okta. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
Shares of major cybersecurity names are rallying in Monday’s midday session. CrowdStrike Holdings (NASDAQ:CRWD | CRWD Price Prediction) stock is up 5% to $204 and change, leading the group higher. Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:PANW) shares are climbing 4% to $363, and Okta (NASDAQ:OKTA) stock is up 4% to $147.
The Amplify Cybersecurity ETF (NYSE ARCA:HACK) is also higher, with the ETF trading up 3% to $110 and change as buyers rotate into the cybersecurity sector. The moves cap a strong recent run for cybersecurity names heading into the summer.
The catalyst is a cluster of analyst upgrades from Scotiabank targeting identity and exposure management vendors. The note frames the group as core AI beneficiaries tied to rising cybersecurity spending across the enterprise stack.
Scotiabank Upgrade Sparks a Sector-Wide Bid Scotiabank moved Okta to Outperform from Sector Perform, attaching a $165 price target. That level sits well above the prior consensus target of $121, and it reframes Okta shares around agentic-AI identity demand rather than legacy workforce single sign-on growth.
The thesis pitches Okta and other threat-detection specialists as AI beneficiaries of rising cybersecurity spending as firms modernize their identity stack.
Okta CEO Todd McKinnon has repeatedly tied the identity opportunity to AI, stating “AI agents are rapidly becoming a new workforce inside every organization, creating a wave of identities that must be secured and governed alongside human users.” That framing aligns cleanly with the Scotiabank thesis and helps explain the bid for Okta shares today.
CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Ride the Read-Through Gains in shares of CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks reflect a positive read-through for the broader cybersecurity complex rather than direct upgrades, and traders often extend a sector call to the platform leaders when sentiment shifts.
The fundamental setup helps. CrowdStrike delivered Q1 FY27 revenue of $1.39 billion, up 26% year over year (YoY), with total ARR reaching $5.51 billion. Net new ARR came in at $255.8 million, up 32% YoY.
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Palo Alto Networks posted Q3 FY26 revenue of $3 billion, up 31%, with Next-Generation Security ARR climbing 60% YoY to $8.1 billion. Both companies also raised full-year guidance on their most recent calls.
Management commentary reinforces the AI angle. Palo Alto CEO Nikesh Arora asserted that “customers turn to us to secure their AI deployments at scale.” CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz called his company “AI security infrastructure, critical to successful AI adoption.”
The Bull and Bear Cases The bull case is straightforward. Durable, rising cybersecurity budgets, agentic-AI-driven identity workloads, and today’s cluster of upgrades all point to broadening demand across endpoint, network, identity, and exposure management vendors.
The bear case sits in the price. CrowdStrike stock is up 76% year to date (YTD), and Palo Alto Networks stock is up 97% YTD. The valuations look stretched, and sector ETFs along with these individual names can move sharply when momentum unwinds.
Analyst ratings and price targets remain opinions rather than guarantees. Investors interested in the theme should consider keeping their position sizes modest given how far the group has already run this year.
What to Watch Market watchers can watch for whether today’s gains hold into the close and whether other firms follow Scotiabank with additional upgrades on the smaller identity and exposure management names. Any follow-on commentary on CrowdStrike or Palo Alto Networks could shape the next leg for the group.
The next scheduled catalyst may come from the coming earnings cycle, where guidance revisions from CrowdStrike, Palo Alto, and Okta could either confirm the AI-security spending narrative or take some air out of a group that has already priced in a lot of good news.
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For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.
The research service features daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, all of which will help you become a smarter, more confident investor.
Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics. Just like in school, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on -- that means the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors, on the other hand, are more concerned with a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score examines things like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will experience sustainable growth over time.
Momentum ScoreMomentum trading is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook, and these investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." The Momentum Style Score can pinpoint good times to build a position in a stock, using factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates.
VGM ScoreIf you want a combination of all three Style Scores, then the VGM Score will be your friend. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, helping you find the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum. It's also one of the best indicators to use with the Zacks Rank.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank A proprietary stock-rating model, the Zacks Rank utilizes the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings outlook, to help investors create a successful portfolio.
#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, which is more than double the S&P 500's performance over the same time frame. However, the Zacks Rank examines a ton of stocks, and there can be more than 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, and another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
To have the best chance of big returns, you'll want to always consider stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B, which will give you the highest probability of success. If you're looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, it's important they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.
For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Gartner (IT - Free Report) Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, Gartner, Inc. is reportedly the world's leading information technology research and advisory firm. The company offers rich domain expertise and technology-related insight necessary for an informed decision-making process.
IT is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of A thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 9.98; value investors should take notice.
For fiscal 2026, four analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.35 to $13.65 per share. IT boasts an average earnings surprise of +10.6%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, IT should be on investors' short list.
Comcast (CMCSA - Free Report) has recently been on Zacks.com's list of the most searched stocks. Therefore, you might want to consider some of the key factors that could influence the stock's performance in the near future.
Shares of this cable provider have returned -0.1% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.9% change. The Zacks Cable Television industry, to which Comcast belongs, has gained 2% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?
While media releases or rumors about a substantial change in a company's business prospects usually make its stock 'trending' and lead to an immediate price change, there are always some fundamental facts that eventually dominate the buy-and-hold decision-making.
Revisions to Earnings EstimatesRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.
We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
Comcast is expected to post earnings of $0.97 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -22.4%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed -1%.
The consensus earnings estimate of $3.5 for the current fiscal year indicates a year-over-year change of -18.8%. This estimate has changed -0.8% over the last 30 days.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $3.74 indicates a change of +6.7% from what Comcast is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed -1.3%.
Having a strong externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, offers a more conclusive picture of a stock's price direction in the near term, since it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. Due to the size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, Comcast is rated Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Projected Revenue GrowthEven though a company's earnings growth is arguably the best indicator of its financial health, nothing much happens if it cannot raise its revenues. It's almost impossible for a company to grow its earnings without growing its revenue for long periods. Therefore, knowing a company's potential revenue growth is crucial.
For Comcast, the consensus sales estimate for the current quarter of $29.34 billion indicates a year-over-year change of -3.2%. For the current and next fiscal years, $121.92 billion and $120.04 billion estimates indicate -1.4% and -1.5% changes, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryComcast reported revenues of $31.46 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +5.3%. EPS of $0.79 for the same period compares with $1.09 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $30.6 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +2.8%. The EPS surprise was +8.22%.
The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. The company topped consensus revenue estimates each time over this period.
ValuationNo investment decision can be efficient without considering a stock's valuation. Whether a stock's current price rightly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects is an essential determinant of its future price performance.
While comparing the current values of a company's valuation multiples, such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), with its own historical values helps determine whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of the reasonability of the stock's price.
The Zacks Value Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which pays close attention to both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics to grade stocks from A to F (an A is better than a B; a B is better than a C; and so on), is pretty helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
Comcast is graded A on this front, indicating that it is trading at a discount to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
ConclusionThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about Comcast. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
Marvell Technology (MRVL +3.71%) has firmly positioned itself as one of the world's more prominent artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure companies. The stock traded near $272.05 as of July 1, giving Marvell a market value of about $238 billion.
But Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has put a much bigger number into the discussion, calling Marvell the "next trillion-dollar company" during Computex week in Taipei, according to Reuters.
Image source: Getty Images.
A $1 trillion market cap would require the company's value to grow about 4.2 times, or roughly 33.2% annually over five years and 22.7% annually over seven years. The key question is whether Marvell can grow fast enough, for long enough, to reach a $1 trillion market cap.
Marvell's AI growth is already showing up in the numbers In the first quarter of fiscal 2027 (ending May 2), Marvell's revenue rose 28% year over year to nearly $2.4 billion, while operating cash flow reached a record $639 million. Management also expects fiscal 2027 revenue to be roughly $11.5 billion, up 40% year over year.
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The data center business is the key growth engine. Management expects data center revenue to grow about 50% year over year in fiscal 2027 and 55% in fiscal 2028. Marvell is benefiting from rising demand for interconnects, switches, and custom chips, all of which help large AI systems move and process data more efficiently. The company estimates interconnect product revenue will grow 70% year over year in fiscal 2027. Marvell also expects the custom chip business to exceed $10 billion in revenue by fiscal 2029.
Nvidia's $2 billion investment adds credibility to that growth story. The company has partnered with Marvell to integrate Marvell's custom AI chips and networking technology more closely with Nvidia's AI infrastructure. Next-generation AI systems are being limited not only by computing power but also by how quickly and efficiently data can move across chips and servers. They are also working on optical connections, which use light to move data faster and more efficiently as AI systems get larger.
Marvell is also expanding through acquisitions. Celestial AI adds optical interconnect technology that can help move data across large AI networks with higher bandwidth, lower power use, and lower latency. XConn adds switching technology that can improve data movement across next-generation AI and cloud data centers.
Is a trillion-dollar market capitalization achievable? Calculations show why Marvell's path to a $1 trillion market value is possible, but not easy. Analysts expect the company's revenue to reach around $33.1 billion in fiscal 2031, nearly $48.6 billion in 2033, and $58.8 billion in fiscal 2036. At those revenue levels, the multiple required for a $1 trillion valuation falls over time. Marvell would need to trade at about 30 times fiscal 2031 sales, about 20.6 times fiscal 2033 sales, or about 17 times fiscal 2036 sales.
Hence, a 2031 timeline appears possible only if investors continue to value Marvell as one of the fastest-growing AI infrastructure players. A 2033 timeline looks more plausible, although the price-to-sales multiple will still be premium. A 2036 timeline is more conservative because Marvell could reach the same valuation at a much lower multiple if it continues to compound revenue.
If Marvell continues to scale custom chips, interconnects, and switching while data center demand remains strong, the early 2030s could be the most realistic window for a trillion-dollar valuation.
Blackstone Secured Lending has seen its dividend yield spike to 13% on the back of a sustained collapse in its stock over the last year. The dividend is 100% covered by NII of $0.77 per share for BXSL's fiscal 2026 first quarter. BXSL has seen an increase in its non-accrual rate. This was 3.1% of investments at fair value at the end of the first quarter, up from 0.1% a year ago.
Lululemon (LULU - Free Report) has recently been on Zacks.com's list of the most searched stocks. Therefore, you might want to consider some of the key factors that could influence the stock's performance in the near future.
Over the past month, shares of this athletic apparel maker have returned +3.7%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.9% change. During this period, the Zacks Textile - Apparel industry, which Lululemon falls in, has gained 2.8%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's future direction?
While media releases or rumors about a substantial change in a company's business prospects usually make its stock 'trending' and lead to an immediate price change, there are always some fundamental facts that eventually dominate the buy-and-hold decision-making.
Earnings Estimate RevisionsRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.
We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
For the current quarter, Lululemon is expected to post earnings of $1.79 per share, indicating a change of -42.3% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed -33.7% over the last 30 days.
For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $11.14 points to a change of -16% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has changed -9.3%.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $11.87 indicates a change of +6.6% from what Lululemon is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed -11%.
Having a strong externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, offers a more conclusive picture of a stock's price direction in the near term, since it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. Due to the size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, Lululemon is rated Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Projected Revenue GrowthWhile earnings growth is arguably the most superior indicator of a company's financial health, nothing happens as such if a business isn't able to grow its revenues. After all, it's nearly impossible for a company to increase its earnings for an extended period without increasing its revenues. So, it's important to know a company's potential revenue growth.
For Lululemon, the consensus sales estimate for the current quarter of $2.47 billion indicates a year-over-year change of -2.2%. For the current and next fiscal years, $11.09 billion and $11.46 billion estimates indicate -0.1% and +3.4% changes, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryLululemon reported revenues of $2.47 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +4.3%. EPS of $1.69 for the same period compares with $2.6 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.43 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +1.59%. The EPS surprise was +1.2%.
The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. The company topped consensus revenue estimates three times over this period.
ValuationNo investment decision can be efficient without considering a stock's valuation. Whether a stock's current price rightly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects is an essential determinant of its future price performance.
While comparing the current values of a company's valuation multiples, such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), with its own historical values helps determine whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of the reasonability of the stock's price.
The Zacks Value Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which pays close attention to both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics to grade stocks from A to F (an A is better than a B; a B is better than a C; and so on), is pretty helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
Lululemon is graded B on this front, indicating that it is trading at a discount to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
ConclusionThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about Lululemon. However, its Zacks Rank #5 does suggest that it may underperform the broader market in the near term.
While software providers and chipmakers grab the biggest headlines, the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution is fundamentally a hardware story. The massive computing clusters required for artificial intelligence cannot run without two critical elements: staggering amounts of electrical power and highly sophisticated cooling systems.
Industrial companies Vertiv (VRT +8.32%) and Eaton (ETN +3.79%) help provide the essential infrastructure that keeps these artificial intelligence-focused data centers running.
Image source: Getty Images.
Vertiv, based in Westerville, Ohio, produces power and thermal solutions for data centers, mainly direct-to-chip liquid cooling, and has recurring revenue from its global services network.
Eaton, based in Ireland, is a power management company that designs and manufactures heavy-duty electrical infrastructure, including transformers, switchgear, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and advanced liquid-cooling systems, essential for powering and protecting data centers, utility grids, and industrial facilities.
Here are three reasons why these two companies have compelling stocks to own right now:
1. Hyperscale backlogs are growing The massive capital expenditures committed by big tech hyperscalers are showing no signs of slowing, translating directly into a massive multiyear visibility window for both companies.
Vertiv, at the end of 2025, said its project backlog had skyrocketed to more than $15 billion, driven by a massive surge in data center orders. In the first quarter, Vertiv reported revenue of $2.65 billion, up 30% year over year, and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.99, up 136% over the same quarter a year ago. The company said it expects full-year revenue of $13.5 billion to $14 billion, compared with $10.2 billion in 2025. It also gave yearly EPS guidance of $6.30 to $6.40, up 87.6% from the same period last year.
Eaton is seeing a parallel boom with a backlog of $14.5 billion through Q1. The backlog grew by 48% in its electrical segment and by 28% in its aerospace segment in Q1.
Eaton is also seeing double-digit revenue growth. It set a Q1 record with $7.5 billion in revenue, up 17% year over year, while adjusted EPS rose 3% over the same period last year to $2.81.
Because building a data center takes years, these backlogs guarantee a long, highly visible revenue runway that insulates both companies from short-term tech market volatility.
2. Vertiv dominates the liquid cooling market Traditional data centers use air conditioning to stay cool. However, the next-generation chips powering AI generate intense heat densities that air alone cannot manage. The industry is rapidly pivoting to liquid cooling, and Vertiv is uniquely positioned to dominate this space.
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Vertiv has rapidly expanded its footprint, including opening high-capacity facilities, such as its new Johor, Malaysia site, to manufacture specialized liquid-cooling equipment, including its CoolChip coolant distribution units.
Through strategic partnerships with chip design leaders and tactical acquisitions such as its purchase of Strategic Thermal Labs, Vertiv provides end-to-end solutions from chip-level cold plates to facility-scale heat rejection, making it the absolute go-to partner for high-density AI clusters.
3. Eaton rules the in-demand gray space power market If Vertiv rules the thermal environment inside the server room (the white space), Eaton rules the massive electrical infrastructure that brings power from the utility grid into the building (the gray space). AI chips require immense amounts of power, and Eaton's technical moat is solving this bottleneck.
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Eaton provides heavy-duty transformers, switchgear, and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems to handle megawatt-class server racks.
Its next-generation 800-volt DC power distribution architecture streamlines power delivery directly to the server, eliminating multiple conversion steps and significantly reducing energy loss. Eaton's $9.5 billion acquisition in March of Boyd Performance Materials significantly expands its own advanced thermal capabilities, making it a more complete infrastructure powerhouse. The move is expected to be accretive to Eaton's adjusted EPS within two years, it said.
The pick-and-shovel plays are the safest ones in AI Chip architectures will evolve, and competing software models will come and go, but every single iteration of advanced AI will require massive power distribution and extreme heat management. Eaton and Vertiv effectively tax the entire ecosystem's growth, regardless of which tech giant wins the software race.
There are risks, however. Both stocks are now viewed as AI stocks, and with that come higher valuations and greater volatility.
Vertiv's shares have risen by more than 25% so far this year, and Eaton's are up an astronomically high 85%. With that, their price-to-earnings ratios (P/E) have climbed. Eaton trades at more than 38 times trailing earnings, while Vertiv trades at 75 times trailing earnings. That's a lot to live up to, and any type of AI slowdown could send either stock slumping.
Still, both companies are beneficiaries of rising AI spending, and that trend doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.
The research service features daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, all of which will help you become a smarter, more confident investor.
Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.
Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreWhat if you like to use all three types of investing? The VGM Score is a combination of all Style Scores, making it one of the most comprehensive indicators to use with the Zacks Rank. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, which helps narrow down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.
Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
To maximize your returns, you want to buy stocks with the highest probability of success. This means picking stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you find yourself looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, make sure they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
Since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank, the direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy.
A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Vertiv Holdings Co. (VRT - Free Report) Vertiv is a leading global provider of critical digital infrastructure and services for data centers, communication networks, and commercial and industrial environments. Vertiv serves essential industries, including cloud computing, financial services, healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, energy, government, education, retail and social media.
VRT is a #2 (Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.
Momentum investors should take note of this Computer and Technology stock. VRT has a Momentum Style Score of A, and shares are up 0% over the past four weeks.
Two analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.14 to $6.37 per share. VRT boasts an average earnings surprise of +14.7%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, VRT should be on investors' short list.
