Market Signal Briefing

By

Bill McColl

Bill McColl has 25+ years of experience as a senior producer and writer for TV, radio, and digital media leading teams of anchors, reporters, and editors in creating news broadcasts, covering some of the most notable news stories of the time.

Published December 22, 2025

Google parent Alphabet's shares have added nearly two-thirds of their value in 2025 as revenues surged, thanks in part to gains from AI.
Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

Key Takeaways
Google parent Alphabet said Monday it's buying energy infrastructure provider Intersect for $4.75 billion.CEO Sundar Pichai said the purchase will boost the firm's ability to meet the power needs of AI data centers.

Google parent Alphabet just struck another big energy deal aimed at growing its AI data center footprint.

Alphabet (GOOGL) said Monday it's buying energy infrastructure provider Intersect for $4.75 billion to help support its data center buildout.

CEO Sundar Pichai said the purchase of Intersect, which Google had already owned a stake in through a previous funding round, “will help us expand capacity, operate more nimbly in building new power generation in lockstep with new data center load, and reimagine energy solutions to drive US innovation and leadership.”

Why This Is Significiant
Like many of its Big Tech peers, Alphabet has said it plans to spend billions of dollars to raise its AI capacity. Monday's deal underscores how that could involve buying other companies, as well as more partnerships.

Alphabet said its deal with Intersect would also serve its commitment to "unlock abundant, reliable, affordable energy supply that enables the buildout of data center infrastructure without passing on costs to grid customers.”

Alphabet shares were up less than 1% in recent trading. They've added nearly two-thirds of their value in 2025 as revenues surged, thanks in part to gains from AI.

Article Sources

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Investors seek growth stocks to capitalize on above-average growth in financials that help these securities grab the market's attention and produce exceptional returns. But finding a great growth stock is not easy at all.

By their very nature, these stocks carry above-average risk and volatility. Moreover, if a company's growth story is over or nearing its end, betting on it could lead to significant loss.

However, the Zacks Growth Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which looks beyond the traditional growth attributes to analyze a company's real growth prospects, makes it pretty easy to find cutting-edge growth stocks.

Mama's Creations, Inc. (MAMA - Free Report) is one such stock that our proprietary system currently recommends. The company not only has a favorable Growth Score, but also carries a top Zacks Rank.

Research shows that stocks carrying the best growth features consistently beat the market. And for stocks that have a combination of a Growth Score of A or B and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy), returns are even better.

While there are numerous reasons why the stock of this company is a great growth pick right now, we have highlighted three of the most important factors below:

Earnings GrowthArguably nothing is more important than earnings growth, as surging profit levels is what most investors are after. And for growth investors, double-digit earnings growth is definitely preferable, and often an indication of strong prospects (and stock price gains) for the company under consideration.

While the historical EPS growth rate for Mama's Creations, Inc. is 9.3%, investors should actually focus on the projected growth. The company's EPS is expected to grow 44.4% this year, crushing the industry average, which calls for EPS growth of 2.2%.

Impressive Asset Utilization RatioAsset utilization ratio -- also known as sales-to-total-assets (S/TA) ratio -- is often overlooked by investors, but it is an important indicator in growth investing. This metric exhibits how efficiently a firm is utilizing its assets to generate sales.

Right now, Mama's Creations, Inc. has an S/TA ratio of 2.57, which means that the company gets $2.57 in sales for each dollar in assets. Comparing this to the industry average of 0.92, it can be said that the company is more efficient.

In addition to efficiency in generating sales, sales growth plays an important role. And Mama's Creations, Inc. looks attractive from a sales growth perspective as well. The company's sales are expected to grow 39.9% this year versus the industry average of 0%.

Promising Earnings Estimate RevisionsSuperiority of a stock in terms of the metrics outlined above can be further validated by looking at the trend in earnings estimate revisions. A positive trend is of course favorable here. Empirical research shows that there is a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

The current-year earnings estimates for Mama's Creations, Inc. have been revising upward. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has surged 18.2% over the past month.

Bottom LineMama's Creations, Inc. has not only earned a Growth Score of A based on a number of factors, including the ones discussed above, but it also carries a Zacks Rank #1 because of the positive earnings estimate revisions.

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

This combination indicates that Mama's Creations, Inc. is a potential outperformer and a solid choice for growth investors.

Growth investors focus on stocks that are seeing above-average financial growth, as this feature helps these securities garner the market's attention and deliver solid returns. However, it isn't easy to find a great growth stock.

By their very nature, these stocks carry above-average risk and volatility. Moreover, if a company's growth story is over or nearing its end, betting on it could lead to significant loss.

However, it's pretty easy to find cutting-edge growth stocks with the help of the Zacks Growth Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which looks beyond the traditional growth attributes to analyze a company's real growth prospects.

Lam Research (LRCX - Free Report) is one such stock that our proprietary system currently recommends. The company not only has a favorable Growth Score, but also carries a top Zacks Rank.

Studies have shown that stocks with the best growth features consistently outperform the market. And for stocks that have a combination of a Growth Score of A or B and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy), returns are even better.

While there are numerous reasons why the stock of this semiconductor equipment maker is a great growth pick right now, we have highlighted three of the most important factors below:

Earnings GrowthArguably nothing is more important than earnings growth, as surging profit levels is what most investors are after. For growth investors, double-digit earnings growth is highly preferable, as it is often perceived as an indication of strong prospects (and stock price gains) for the company under consideration.

While the historical EPS growth rate for Lam Research is 8.3%, investors should actually focus on the projected growth. The company's EPS is expected to grow 15.7% this year, crushing the industry average, which calls for EPS growth of 9.7%.

Cash Flow GrowthCash is the lifeblood of any business, but higher-than-average cash flow growth is more beneficial and important for growth-oriented companies than for mature companies. That's because, high cash accumulation enables these companies to undertake new projects without raising expensive outside funds.

Right now, year-over-year cash flow growth for Lam Research is 31.2%, which is higher than many of its peers. In fact, the rate compares to the industry average of -5.6%.

While investors should actually consider the current cash flow growth, it's worth taking a look at the historical rate too for putting the current reading into proper perspective. The company's annualized cash flow growth rate has been 16.6% over the past 3-5 years versus the industry average of 10.4%.

Promising Earnings Estimate RevisionsBeyond the metrics outlined above, investors should consider the trend in earnings estimate revisions. A positive trend is a plus here. Empirical research shows that there is a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

There have been upward revisions in current-year earnings estimates for Lam Research. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has surged 0.1% over the past month.

Bottom LineLam Research has not only earned a Growth Score of A based on a number of factors, including the ones discussed above, but it also carries a Zacks Rank #2 because of the positive earnings estimate revisions.

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

This combination positions Lam Research well for outperformance, so growth investors may want to bet on it.

The Investment Committee reveals the stocks they're watching as the market sets up for its next move.

2025 is drawing to a close, and investors have plenty to look back on. Active ETF performance and proliferation was once again an important theme, and as the category matures, its standout performers have diversified. Looking back on a YTD performance basis at the top five non-leveraged active ETFs, for example, investors can find a varied list, including a surprise appearance by psychedelics ETF PSIL.

See more: What Do Investors Do With the November Jobs Report?

The AdvisorShares Psychedelics ETF (PSIL) charges a robust 100 basis point fee for its active approach to psychedelics. The strategy has delivered on that fee with eye-popping performance numbers. According to ETF Database data, PSIL has returned 72% YTD, providing a 3X return compared to its ETF Database Category average. That YTD performance also places the active ETF in the top five active ETFs YTD, when excluding leveraged and inverse funds.

How, then, has the strategy produced those returns? The fund takes a global view of the psychedelics industry. Per ETF Database data, its holdings largely focus on the United States with investments in Australia, Canada, and the U.K., as well. 

Psychedelics in the Active ETF Wrapper
Specifically, it invests in publicly-listed firms deriving at least 50% of revenues or having at least 50% of assets invested in legal activities related to psychedelic medicines and derivatives. PSIL looks to micro-cap, small-cap, and midcap companies in making its investments, aiming for at least 25% of investments in the pharmaceuticals, biotech, and life sciences sectors. Intriguingly, despite cannabis having psychotropic impacts, the ETF excludes cannabis from its investments. 

The fund’s strong performance, then, does not owe to positive news about the legality of cannabis in the United States this year. Rather, its exposure to some hot, rising biotech names has been a key driver. Its largest holding according to ETF Database, Atai Beckley N.V. (ATAI), has returned a scorching 197% YTD per YCharts data. Founded in 2018, the company merged into Atai Beckley just this year and continues to look to psychedelics as a source of treatments for psychiatric conditions. 

Looking ahead, what role might the active ETF play for investor portfolios? With its high fee but strong return potential, combined with its foreign exposures, the strategy could make for a growth-focused satellite allocation to consider for the right investor. Overall, PSIL’s strong performance once again speaks to the potential offered by the active ETF wrapper.

For more news, information, and strategy, visit ETF Trends.

Earn free CE credits and discover new strategies

TORONTO, Dec. 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- J. P. Morgan Asset Management (JPMAM)* today announced the estimated annual reinvested capital gain distributions for the below listed JPMorgan ETFs (the “Funds”) for the 2025 tax year.

The distributions are for the annual non-cash capital gains distributions, which are typically reinvested in additional units of the respective funds at the year-end, and do not include ongoing monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual cash distribution amounts. The additional units will be immediately consolidated with the previously outstanding units such that the number of outstanding units following the distribution will equal the number of units outstanding prior to the distribution.

We expect to announce the final annual reinvested distribution amounts, before the end of December 2025. The record date for the 2025 annual distributions will be December 31, 2025, payable on January 9, 2026. The actual taxable amounts of cash distributions for 2025, including the tax characteristics of the distributions, will be reported to brokers (through CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc. or “CDS”) in early 2026.

Details regarding the estimated distribution amounts are as follows:

Fund NameFund Ticker Estimated Annual Reinvested
Capital
Gains
Distribution
Per Unit ($)JPMorgan Global Select Equity Active ETFJGLO$0.00000JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income Active ETFJEPQ$0.00000JPMorgan US Bond Active ETFJBND$0.00000JPMorgan US Core Active ETFJCOR$0.27368JPMorgan US Equity Premium Income Active ETFJEPI$0.00000JPMorgan US Growth Active ETFJGRO$0.00000JPMorgan US Ultra-Short Income Active ETFJPST$0.00000JPMorgan US Value Active ETFJAVA$1.00356
To learn more about the JPMorgan ETFs, please visit https://am.jpmorgan.com/ca/en/asset-management/adv/

For more information, please e-mail: [email protected]

About J.P. Morgan Asset Management

J.P. Morgan Asset Management, with assets under management of USD4 trillion (as of 9/30/2025), is a global leader in investment management. J.P. Morgan Asset Management's clients include institutions, retail investors and high net worth individuals in every major market throughout the world. J.P. Morgan Asset Management offers global investment management in equities, fixed income, real estate, hedge funds, private equity and liquidity. For more information: www.jpmorganassetmanagement.com.

* Legal entity in Canada: JPMorgan Asset Management (Canada) Inc.

1 Source: J.P. Morgan Asset Management, as of September 30, 2025.

This press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to the annual reinvested capital gains distributions for the Funds. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect JPMAM current expectations regarding future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations, including, but not limited to, general economic and market factors. Although JPMAM believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. JPMAM undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement or information whether as a result of new information, future events or other factors which affect this information, except as required by law.

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with ETF investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. ETFs are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

Past returns are not necessarily indicative of future performance. You should not rely on or view any past performance as a guarantee of future investment performance.

Nasdaq®, Nasdaq-100 Index®, Nasdaq 100® and NDX® are registered trademarks of Nasdaq, Inc. (which with its affiliates is referred to as the “Corporations”) and are licensed for use by J.P. Morgan Asset Management (Canada) Inc. and J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income Active ETF has not been passed on by the Corporations as to its legality or suitability. This ETF is not issued, endorsed, sold, or promoted by the Corporations. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTIES AND BEAR NO LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THIS ETF.

This communication is issued in Canada, by JPMorgan Asset Management (Canada) Inc., which is a registered Portfolio Manager and Exempt Market Dealer in all Canadian provinces and territories except the Yukon and is also registered as an Investment Fund Manager in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador.

J.P. Morgan Asset Management is the brand for the asset management business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates worldwide.

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

The author expresses only personal opinions and does not provide financial advice. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment recommendations. The author assumes no responsibility for any investment decisions made based on this article. Always conduct your own research or consult with a financial advisor before making any investment choices. The author makes no guarantees regarding the data, and the user agrees that the author shall not be held liable for the user's use of the data.

Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

About Angela Harmantas
Angela Harmantas is an Editor at Proactive. She has over 15 years of experience covering the equity markets in North America, with a particular focus on junior resource stocks. Angela has reported from numerous countries around the world, including Canada, the US, Australia, Brazil, Ghana, and South Africa for leading trade publications. Previously, she worked in investor relations and led the foreign direct investment program in Canada for the Swedish government. She earned a Bachelor of... Read more

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Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the world’s key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology
Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.

Peter Supino, Wolfe Research, joins 'The Exchange' to discuss the bids for Warner Bros. Discovery.

, /PRNewswire/ -- Class Action Attorney Juan Monteverde with Monteverde & Associates PC (the "M&A Class Action Firm"), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. The firm is headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and is investigating Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE: JHG) related to its sale to Trian Fund Management and General Catalyst. Under the terms of the proposed transaction, Janus Henderson shareholders are expected to receive $49.00 per share in cash. Is it a fair deal?

Click here for more info https://monteverdelaw.com/case/janus-henderson-group-plc/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE EQUAL. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

Do you file class actions and go to Court?
When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
What cases did you recover money in and how much?

About Monteverde & Associates PC

Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

No one is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

Contact:
Juan Monteverde, Esq.
MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
The Empire State Building
350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
New York, NY 10118
United States of America
[email protected]
Tel: (212) 971-1341

Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

SOURCE Monteverde & Associates PC

December 22, 2025 14:05 ET

 | Source:

Mawson Infrastructure Group Inc.

MIDLAND, Pa., Dec. 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mawson Infrastructure Group Inc. (NASDAQ: MIGI) (“Mawson” or the “Company”), a U.S. based technology company that designs, builds, and operates next-generation digital infrastructure platforms providing services to the artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing (HPC), and digital assets (including Bitcoin mining), and other intensive compute applications market sectors, announced that the Company has received notice of compliance with Nasdaq’s requirements for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market.

Following the compliance plan submitted to the Nasdaq Hearing Panel, the Company has received confirmation from Nasdaq that it has regained compliance with the continued listing requirements set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rules 5550(b) (the “MVLS Rule”) and 5550(a)(2) (the “Bid Price Rule”), and will continue being listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market.

About Mawson

Mawson is a U.S.-based technology company that designs, builds, and operates next-generation digital infrastructure platforms. The company provides services spanning AI, HPC, digital assets (including Bitcoin mining), and other intensive compute applications. Mawson delivers both self-mining operations and colocation/hosting for enterprise customers, with a vertically integrated infrastructure model built for scalability and efficiency.

A core part of Mawson’s strategy is powering its operations with carbon-free energy resources—including nuclear power—ensuring that its compute platforms support the rapid growth of the digital economy in an environmentally sustainable way. With 129 megawatts of capacity already online and more under development, Mawson is positioning itself as a competitive provider of carbon-aware digital infrastructure solutions.

Articles and recent news related to the Company are available at www.mawsoninc.com/articles.

For more information, visit: https://mawsoninc.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding listing matters, potential financing activities, operational plans, legal proceedings, strategy, and other future events. Words such as “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements in this press release include, among others, statements regarding the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with Nasdaq’s listing standards.

These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including, without limitation, continued evolution and uncertainty related to technologies and digital infrastructure; our ability to continue as a going concern; our ability to cure any continued listing deficiencies and maintain the listing of our common stock on Nasdaq; the availability of our “at-the-market” program and our ability or inability to secure additional funds through equity financing transactions; access to reliable and reasonably priced electricity sources; operational, maintenance, repair, safety, and construction risks; the failure or breakdown of mining equipment, or internet connection failure; our reliance on key management personnel and employees; our ability to attract or retain the talent needed to sustain or grow the business; our ability to develop and execute on our business strategy and plans; counterparty risks related to our customers, agreements and/or contracts; the loss of a significant digital colocation customer; adverse actions by creditors, debt providers, or other parties; continued evolution and uncertainty related to growth in blockchain and Bitcoin and other digital assets’ usage; high volatility in Bitcoin and other digital assets’ prices and in value attributable to our business; our need to, and difficulty in, raising additional debt or equity capital and the availability of financing opportunities; failure to maintain required compliance to remain eligible for the most cost-effective forms of raising additional equity capital; the evolution of AI and HPC market and changing technologies; the slower than expected growth in demand for AI, HPC and other accelerated computing technologies; the ability to timely implement and execute on AI and HPC digital infrastructure contracts or deployment; the ability to timely complete the digital infrastructure build-out in order to achieve its revenue expectations for the periods mentioned; downturns in the digital assets industry; counterparty risks and risks of delayed or delinquent payments from customers and others; inflation, economic or political environment; cyber-security threats; our ability to obtain proper insurance; banks and other financial institutions ceasing to provide services to our industry; changes to the Bitcoin and/or other networks’ protocols and software; the decrease in the incentive or increased network difficulty to mine Bitcoin; the increase of transaction fees related to digital assets; the fraud or security failures of large digital asset exchanges; the regulation and taxation of digital assets like Bitcoin; our ability to timely and effectively implement controls and procedures required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; how our common stock shares may and/or will be impacted by the dismissal of the involuntary petition filed against us in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware; material litigation, investigations, or enforcement actions, including by regulators and governmental authorities; and other risks described in Mawson’s filings with the SEC. Mawson undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release, except as required by law.

Investor Contact: [email protected]

Partnerships Contact: [email protected]

Media and Press Contact: [email protected]

Key Takeaways NICE shares fell 37.2% in a year, underperforming sector peers due to macro challenges and competition.AI-driven cloud revenue rose 13% to $563M, with CXone and Cognigy fueling strong bookings and ARR growth.NICE guides for 2025 cloud revenue growth of 12-13% and EPS of $12.18-$12.32, up 10% y/y.
NICE (NICE - Free Report) shares have dropped 37.2% in a year, underperforming the Zacks Internet Software industry’s return of 6.1% and the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector’s appreciation of 21.5%. The share price movement has been suffering from a challenging macroeconomic environment and tough competition. The Cognigy acquisition is now expected to hurt operating margin, which NICE expects to contract slightly in 2025. So, how should investors approach the stock in 2026?

NICE’s AI-First Strategy to Boost 2026 ProspectNICE’s AI capabilities were included in every new CX deal in the third quarter of 2025. Cloud backlog increased 15% year over year, while AI and self-service offerings are driving cloud revenues, which grew 13% year over year to $563 million. Cloud's annual recurring revenues accelerated 49% year over year, driven by strong demand for its solutions as well as contributions from NICE Cognigy. Next-generation CX AI now represents 12% of NICE’s overall cloud revenues.

Strong demand for NICE’s AI capabilities drove strong bookings for Autopilot and Copilot, deals of which more than tripled in the third quarter of 2025. The company’s CX AI platform, CXone, is blending human and AI agents effectively to deliver automated workflows to customers. NICE’s prospects are expected to benefit from strong demand for Cognigy conversational and agentic AI solutions. The combination of CXone and NICE Cognigy bodes well for the company’s 2026 prospects.

The addition of Cognigy boosts NICE’s rapidly growing CX AI. Cloud NRR for the trailing 12 months was 109%, reflecting continued strength in customer loyalty and expansion activity. This, along with strong international revenue growth expectations, bodes well for NICE’s prospects. Cognigy's strong presence and brand recognition in EMEA, coupled with its growing presence. In the Americas, it bodes well for NICE’s international business.

NICE Updates 2025 GuidanceNICE expects fiscal 2025 non-GAAP revenues between $2.932 billion and $2.946 billion, indicating 7% year-over-year growth at the midpoint. The company now expects year-over-year cloud revenue growth to be in the 12% to 13% range. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 revenues is currently pegged at $2.94 million, suggesting 7.4% growth year over year.

Adjusted earnings for 2025 are expected to be between $12.18 per share and $12.32 per share, indicating 10% year over growth at the midpoint. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is currently pegged at $12.28 per share, indicating 10.4% growth year over year. The figure was unchanged over the past 30 days.

Zacks Rank & Stocks to ConsiderNICE currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Some top-ranked stocks in the broader sector are Advanced Energy Industries (AEIS - Free Report) , Digital Turbine (APPS - Free Report) and Kimball Electronics (KE - Free Report) , each of which currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Long-term earnings growth rates for Advanced Energy Industries, Digital Turbine and Kimball Electronics are currently pegged at 33.4%, 42.4% and 20%, respectively. Shares of Advanced Energy Industries, Digital Turbine and Kimball Electronics have appreciated 90.4%, 181.3% and 52.5%, respectively, over the past year.

Kitco News

The Leading News Source in Precious Metals

Kitco NEWS has a diverse team of journalists reporting on the economy, stock markets, commodities, cryptocurrencies, mining and metals with accuracy and objectivity. Our goal is to help people make informed market decisions through in-depth reporting, daily market roundups, interviews with prominent industry figures, comprehensive coverage (often exclusive) of important industry events and analyses of market-affecting developments.

, /PRNewswire/ -- The Building for Tomorrow Summit, a national gathering focused on reshaping the resilience, sustainability, and long-term viability of America's built environment, is pleased to announce that Tooey Courtemanche, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Procore Technologies (NYSE: PCOR) will headline the summit's keynote session in a fireside chat with George Guszcza, CEO of the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS).

The Building for Tomorrow Summit gathers leaders from both the public and private sectors, including policymakers, infrastructure experts, researchers, and industry innovators, to create a unified approach to improving lifeline-infrastructure resilience and smart capital investment across water, energy, communications, transportation, and built environment systems.

Courtemanche has guided Procore from its early days to become a leading global provider of construction management software, supporting millions of users and transforming how the built environment is planned, constructed, and maintained. His unique perspective at the intersection of technology, construction, and scalable infrastructure innovation makes him an ideal voice to open the Summit's initiative to build resilient, future-proof systems at scale.

"I've seen firsthand how connected technology can accelerate progress and strengthen the infrastructure we depend on most," said Courtemanche. "But driving this mission-critical work forward takes more than technology alone—it requires bringing people together to align policies, building codes, and investment strategies. NIBS is at the forefront of this effort, and I'm excited to join the Building for Tomorrow Summit to help advance the resilient, future-proof infrastructure that will serve our communities for generations to come."

Attendees at the Summit can anticipate Courtemanche's keynote speech on Wednesday, January 28th at 8:30 a.m., which will lay the foundation for two days of strategic sessions, collaborative workshops, and public–private dialogue focused on turning lessons from recent disasters into enduring national infrastructure reform.

About Building for Tomorrow Summit
The Building for Tomorrow Summit uses Southern California's recent wildfire crises as a case study to catalyze national action, offering a forum for federal, state, local agencies, utilities, and private-sector stakeholders to coordinate on policy, code, and investment strategies that strengthen lifeline infrastructure and enable long-term resilience.

About the National Institute of Building Sciences 

Created by an act of Congress in 1974 to be the nation's authoritative source of findings and recommendations on the impact and improvement of the built environment for the American people.  At the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), we connect research, policy, and practical application to advance innovation in the built environment. Our mission is to create a safer, more resilient, and technologically advanced infrastructure that serves American communities and strengthens our nation's future. 

From shaping industry standards to guiding digital transformation, we empower building professionals, policymakers, and owners to make informed decisions that enhance sustainability, efficiency, and resilience. We convene experts across sectors to develop solutions that ensure construction, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness keep pace with evolving challenges. 

Building American Innovation isn't just our tagline—it's our commitment. We foster collaboration between government, industry, and academia to drive forward-thinking strategies for resilient communities. Because at NIBS, we don't just build structures, we build solutions. 

Complimentary Press Registration
Members of the media are invited to attend the Building for Tomorrow Summit with free complimentary press registration. To request press credentials or for media inquiries, please contact Cheryl Foley at [email protected].

For more information, visit nibs.org or follow @bldgsciences on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

SOURCE National Institute of Building Sciences

Momentum investing revolves around the idea of following a stock's recent trend in either direction. In "long context," investors will be essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." With this methodology, taking advantage of trends in a stock's price is key; once a stock establishes a course, it is more than likely to continue moving that way. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.

While many investors like to look for momentum in stocks, this can be very tough to define. There is a lot of debate surrounding which metrics are the best to focus on and which are poor quality indicators of future performance. The Zacks Momentum Style Score, part of the Zacks Style Scores, helps address this issue for us.

Below, we take a look at Rio Tinto (RIO - Free Report) , which currently has a Momentum Style Score of A. We also discuss some of the main drivers of the Momentum Style Score, like price change and earnings estimate revisions.

It's also important to note that Style Scores work as a complement to the Zacks Rank, our stock rating system that has an impressive track record of outperformance. Rio Tinto currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy). Our research shows that stocks rated Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and #2 (Buy) and Style Scores of "A or B" outperform the market over the following one-month period.

You can see the current list of Zacks #1 Rank Stocks here >>>

Set to Beat the Market?Let's discuss some of the components of the Momentum Style Score for RIO that show why this miner shows promise as a solid momentum pick.

A good momentum benchmark for a stock is to look at its short-term price activity, as this can reflect both current interest and if buyers or sellers currently have the upper hand. It is also useful to compare a security to its industry, as this can help investors pinpoint the top companies in a particular area.

For RIO, shares are up 3.52% over the past week while the Zacks Mining - Miscellaneous industry is flat over the same time period. Shares are looking quite well from a longer time frame too, as the monthly price change of 11.9% compares favorably with the industry's 13.77% performance as well.

While any stock can see a spike in price, it takes a real winner to consistently outperform the market. Shares of Rio Tinto have increased 20.86% over the past quarter, and have gained 33.56% in the last year. In comparison, the S&P 500 has only moved 2.85% and 17.84%, respectively.

Investors should also pay attention to RIO's average 20-day trading volume. Volume is a useful item in many ways, and the 20-day average establishes a good price-to-volume baseline; a rising stock with above average volume is generally a bullish sign, whereas a declining stock on above average volume is typically bearish. RIO is currently averaging 3,006,637 shares for the last 20 days.

Earnings OutlookThe Zacks Momentum Style Score encompasses many things, including estimate revisions and a stock's price movement. Investors should note that earnings estimates are also significant to the Zacks Rank, and a nice path here can be promising. We have recently been noticing this with RIO.

Over the past two months, 2 earnings estimates moved higher compared to none lower for the full year. These revisions helped boost RIO's consensus estimate, increasing from $6.11 to $6.41 in the past 60 days. Looking at the next fiscal year, 2 estimates have moved upwards while there have been no downward revisions in the same time period.

Bottom LineGiven these factors, it shouldn't be surprising that RIO is a #2 (Buy) stock and boasts a Momentum Score of A. If you're looking for a fresh pick that's set to soar in the near-term, make sure to keep Rio Tinto on your short list.

Momentum investing revolves around the idea of following a stock's recent trend in either direction. In "long context," investors will be essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." With this methodology, taking advantage of trends in a stock's price is key; once a stock establishes a course, it is more than likely to continue moving that way. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.

Even though momentum is a popular stock characteristic, it can be tough to define. Debate surrounding which are the best and worst metrics to focus on is lengthy, but the Zacks Momentum Style Score, part of the Zacks Style Scores, helps address this issue for us.

Below, we take a look at Fox Corporation (FOX - Free Report) , a company that currently holds a Momentum Style Score of A. We also talk about price change and earnings estimate revisions, two of the main aspects of the Momentum Style Score.

It's also important to note that Style Scores work as a complement to the Zacks Rank, our stock rating system that has an impressive track record of outperformance. Fox Corporation currently has a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy). Our research shows that stocks rated Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and #2 (Buy) and Style Scores of "A or B" outperform the market over the following one-month period.

You can see the current list of Zacks #1 Rank Stocks here >>>

Set to Beat the Market? In order to see if FOX is a promising momentum pick, let's examine some Momentum Style elements to see if this company holds up.

Looking at a stock's short-term price activity is a great way to gauge if it has momentum, since this can reflect both the current interest in a stock and if buyers or sellers have the upper hand at the moment. It's also helpful to compare a security to its industry; this can show investors the best companies in a particular area.

For FOX, shares are up 0.82% over the past week while the Zacks Broadcast Radio and Television industry is down 1.71% over the same time period. Shares are looking quite well from a longer time frame too, as the monthly price change of 7.54% compares favorably with the industry's 4.07% performance as well.

Considering longer term price metrics, like performance over the last three months or year, can be advantageous as well. Shares of Fox Corporation have increased 15.03% over the past quarter, and have gained 36.33% in the last year. In comparison, the S&P 500 has only moved 2.85% and 17.84%, respectively.

Investors should also pay attention to FOX's average 20-day trading volume. Volume is a useful item in many ways, and the 20-day average establishes a good price-to-volume baseline; a rising stock with above average volume is generally a bullish sign, whereas a declining stock on above average volume is typically bearish. FOX is currently averaging 1,601,588 shares for the last 20 days.

Earnings OutlookThe Zacks Momentum Style Score also takes into account trends in estimate revisions, in addition to price changes. Please note that estimate revision trends remain at the core of Zacks Rank as well. A nice path here can help show promise, and we have recently been seeing that with FOX.

Over the past two months, 3 earnings estimates moved higher compared to none lower for the full year. These revisions helped boost FOX's consensus estimate, increasing from $4.14 to $4.46 in the past 60 days. Looking at the next fiscal year, 2 estimates have moved upwards while there have been no downward revisions in the same time period.

Bottom LineTaking into account all of these elements, it should come as no surprise that FOX is a #1 (Strong Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of A. If you've been searching for a fresh pick that's set to rise in the near-term, make sure to keep Fox Corporation on your short list.

Momentum investing is all about the idea of following a stock's recent trend, which can be in either direction. In the "long context," investors will essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." And for investors following this methodology, taking advantage of trends in a stock's price is key; once a stock establishes a course, it is more than likely to continue moving in that direction. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.

Even though momentum is a popular stock characteristic, it can be tough to define. Debate surrounding which are the best and worst metrics to focus on is lengthy, but the Zacks Momentum Style Score, part of the Zacks Style Scores, helps address this issue for us.

Below, we take a look at Jabil (JBL - Free Report) , which currently has a Momentum Style Score of A. We also discuss some of the main drivers of the Momentum Style Score, like price change and earnings estimate revisions.

It's also important to note that Style Scores work as a complement to the Zacks Rank, our stock rating system that has an impressive track record of outperformance. Jabil currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy). Our research shows that stocks rated Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and #2 (Buy) and Style Scores of "A or B" outperform the market over the following one-month period.

You can see the current list of Zacks #1 Rank Stocks here >>>

Set to Beat the Market?Let's discuss some of the components of the Momentum Style Score for JBL that show why this electronics manufacturer shows promise as a solid momentum pick.

Looking at a stock's short-term price activity is a great way to gauge if it has momentum, since this can reflect both the current interest in a stock and if buyers or sellers have the upper hand at the moment. It's also helpful to compare a security to its industry; this can show investors the best companies in a particular area.

For JBL, shares are up 1.91% over the past week while the Zacks Electronics - Manufacturing Services industry is down 4.64% over the same time period. Shares are looking quite well from a longer time frame too, as the monthly price change of 15.21% compares favorably with the industry's 4.37% performance as well.

While any stock can see its price increase, it takes a real winner to consistently beat the market. That is why looking at longer term price metrics -- such as performance over the past three months or year -- can be useful as well. Over the past quarter, shares of Jabil have risen 4.99%, and are up 56.29% in the last year. In comparison, the S&P 500 has only moved 2.85% and 17.84%, respectively.

Investors should also take note of JBL's average 20-day trading volume. Volume is a useful item in many ways, and the 20-day average establishes a good price-to-volume baseline; a rising stock with above average volume is generally a bullish sign, whereas a declining stock on above average volume is typically bearish. Right now JBL is averaging 1,461,443 shares for the last 20 days..

Earnings OutlookThe Zacks Momentum Style Score encompasses many things, including estimate revisions and a stock's price movement. Investors should note that earnings estimates are also significant to the Zacks Rank, and a nice path here can be promising. We have recently been noticing this with JBL.

Over the past two months, 2 earnings estimates moved higher compared to none lower for the full year. These revisions helped boost JBL's consensus estimate, increasing from $11.05 to $11.22 in the past 60 days. Looking at the next fiscal year, 2 estimates have moved upwards while there have been no downward revisions in the same time period.

Bottom LineTaking into account all of these elements, it should come as no surprise that JBL is a #2 (Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of A. If you've been searching for a fresh pick that's set to rise in the near-term, make sure to keep Jabil on your short list.

Momentum investing revolves around the idea of following a stock's recent trend in either direction. In "long context," investors will be essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." With this methodology, taking advantage of trends in a stock's price is key; once a stock establishes a course, it is more than likely to continue moving that way. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.

Even though momentum is a popular stock characteristic, it can be tough to define. Debate surrounding which are the best and worst metrics to focus on is lengthy, but the Zacks Momentum Style Score, part of the Zacks Style Scores, helps address this issue for us.

Below, we take a look at Southern Copper (SCCO - Free Report) , which currently has a Momentum Style Score of A. We also discuss some of the main drivers of the Momentum Style Score, like price change and earnings estimate revisions.

It's also important to note that Style Scores work as a complement to the Zacks Rank, our stock rating system that has an impressive track record of outperformance. Southern Copper currently has a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy). Our research shows that stocks rated Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and #2 (Buy) and Style Scores of "A or B" outperform the market over the following one-month period.

You can see the current list of Zacks #1 Rank Stocks here >>>

Set to Beat the Market?Let's discuss some of the components of the Momentum Style Score for SCCO that show why this miner shows promise as a solid momentum pick.

Looking at a stock's short-term price activity is a great way to gauge if it has momentum, since this can reflect both the current interest in a stock and if buyers or sellers have the upper hand at the moment. It's also helpful to compare a security to its industry; this can show investors the best companies in a particular area.

For SCCO, shares are up 1.12% over the past week while the Zacks Mining - Non Ferrous industry is up 2.31% over the same time period. Shares are looking quite well from a longer time frame too, as the monthly price change of 16.42% compares favorably with the industry's 17.4% performance as well.

While any stock can see its price increase, it takes a real winner to consistently beat the market. That is why looking at longer term price metrics -- such as performance over the past three months or year -- can be useful as well. Over the past quarter, shares of Southern Copper have risen 23.08%, and are up 54.82% in the last year. On the other hand, the S&P 500 has only moved 2.85% and 17.84%, respectively.

Investors should also pay attention to SCCO's average 20-day trading volume. Volume is a useful item in many ways, and the 20-day average establishes a good price-to-volume baseline; a rising stock with above average volume is generally a bullish sign, whereas a declining stock on above average volume is typically bearish. SCCO is currently averaging 1,063,799 shares for the last 20 days.

Earnings OutlookThe Zacks Momentum Style Score also takes into account trends in estimate revisions, in addition to price changes. Please note that estimate revision trends remain at the core of Zacks Rank as well. A nice path here can help show promise, and we have recently been seeing that with SCCO.

Over the past two months, 3 earnings estimates moved higher compared to none lower for the full year. These revisions helped boost SCCO's consensus estimate, increasing from $5.01 to $5.23 in the past 60 days. Looking at the next fiscal year, 3 estimates have moved upwards while there have been no downward revisions in the same time period.

Bottom LineTaking into account all of these elements, it should come as no surprise that SCCO is a #1 (Strong Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of A. If you've been searching for a fresh pick that's set to rise in the near-term, make sure to keep Southern Copper on your short list.

Momentum investing revolves around the idea of following a stock's recent trend in either direction. In "long context," investors will be essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." With this methodology, taking advantage of trends in a stock's price is key; once a stock establishes a course, it is more than likely to continue moving that way. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.

While many investors like to look for momentum in stocks, this can be very tough to define. There is a lot of debate surrounding which metrics are the best to focus on and which are poor quality indicators of future performance. The Zacks Momentum Style Score, part of the Zacks Style Scores, helps address this issue for us.

Below, we take a look at Fox (FOXA - Free Report) , a company that currently holds a Momentum Style Score of A. We also talk about price change and earnings estimate revisions, two of the main aspects of the Momentum Style Score.

It's also important to note that Style Scores work as a complement to the Zacks Rank, our stock rating system that has an impressive track record of outperformance. Fox currently has a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy). Our research shows that stocks rated Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and #2 (Buy) and Style Scores of "A or B" outperform the market over the following one-month period.

You can see the current list of Zacks #1 Rank Stocks here >>>

Set to Beat the Market?Let's discuss some of the components of the Momentum Style Score for FOXA that show why this TV broadcasting company shows promise as a solid momentum pick.

Looking at a stock's short-term price activity is a great way to gauge if it has momentum, since this can reflect both the current interest in a stock and if buyers or sellers have the upper hand at the moment. It's also helpful to compare a security to its industry; this can show investors the best companies in a particular area.

For FOXA, shares are up 0.94% over the past week while the Zacks Broadcast Radio and Television industry is down 1.71% over the same time period. Shares are looking quite well from a longer time frame too, as the monthly price change of 9.26% compares favorably with the industry's 4.07% performance as well.

Considering longer term price metrics, like performance over the last three months or year, can be advantageous as well. Shares of Fox have increased 17.37% over the past quarter, and have gained 44.9% in the last year. On the other hand, the S&P 500 has only moved 2.85% and 17.84%, respectively.

Investors should also pay attention to FOXA's average 20-day trading volume. Volume is a useful item in many ways, and the 20-day average establishes a good price-to-volume baseline; a rising stock with above average volume is generally a bullish sign, whereas a declining stock on above average volume is typically bearish. FOXA is currently averaging 3,644,179 shares for the last 20 days.

Earnings OutlookThe Zacks Momentum Style Score encompasses many things, including estimate revisions and a stock's price movement. Investors should note that earnings estimates are also significant to the Zacks Rank, and a nice path here can be promising. We have recently been noticing this with FOXA.

Over the past two months, 6 earnings estimates moved higher compared to none lower for the full year. These revisions helped boost FOXA's consensus estimate, increasing from $4.20 to $4.42 in the past 60 days. Looking at the next fiscal year, 5 estimates have moved upwards while there have been no downward revisions in the same time period.

Bottom LineTaking into account all of these elements, it should come as no surprise that FOXA is a #1 (Strong Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of A. If you've been searching for a fresh pick that's set to rise in the near-term, make sure to keep Fox on your short list.

Surf Air Mobility Inc. (SRFM - Free Report) could be a solid addition to your portfolio given its recent upgrade to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). This upgrade is essentially a reflection of an upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.

The Zacks rating relies solely on a company's changing earnings picture. It tracks EPS estimates for the current and following years from the sell-side analysts covering the stock through a consensus measure -- the Zacks Consensus Estimate.

Individual investors often find it hard to make decisions based on rating upgrades by Wall Street analysts, since these are mostly driven by subjective factors that are hard to see and measure in real time. In these situations, the Zacks rating system comes in handy because of the power of a changing earnings picture in determining near-term stock price movements.

Therefore, the Zacks rating upgrade for Surf Air Mobility Inc. basically reflects positivity about its earnings outlook that could translate into buying pressure and an increase in its stock price.

Most Powerful Force Impacting Stock PricesThe change in a company's future earnings potential, as reflected in earnings estimate revisions, has proven to be strongly correlated with the near-term price movement of its stock. The influence of institutional investors has a partial contribution to this relationship, as these big professionals use earnings and earnings estimates to calculate the fair value of a company's shares. An increase or decrease in earnings estimates in their valuation models simply results in higher or lower fair value for a stock, and institutional investors typically buy or sell it. Their transaction of large amounts of shares then leads to price movement for the stock.

Fundamentally speaking, rising earnings estimates and the consequent rating upgrade for Surf Air Mobility Inc. imply an improvement in the company's underlying business. Investors should show their appreciation for this improving business trend by pushing the stock higher.

Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate RevisionsAs empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock movements, tracking such revisions for making an investment decision could be truly rewarding. Here is where the tried-and-tested Zacks Rank stock-rating system plays an important role, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions.

The Zacks Rank stock-rating system, which uses four factors related to earnings estimates to classify stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive externally-audited track record, with Zacks Rank #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .

Earnings Estimate Revisions for Surf Air Mobility Inc.For the fiscal year ending December 2025, this company is expected to earn -$3.37 per share, which is unchanged compared with the year-ago reported number.

Analysts have been steadily raising their estimates for Surf Air Mobility Inc.. Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company has increased 4.4%.

Bottom LineUnlike the overly optimistic Wall Street analysts whose rating systems tend to be weighted toward favorable recommendations, the Zacks rating system maintains an equal proportion of "buy" and "sell" ratings for its entire universe of more than 4,000 stocks at any point in time. Irrespective of market conditions, only the top 5% of the Zacks-covered stocks get a "Strong Buy" rating and the next 15% get a "Buy" rating. So, the placement of a stock in the top 20% of the Zacks-covered stocks indicates its superior earnings estimate revision feature, making it a solid candidate for producing market-beating returns in the near term.

You can learn more about the Zacks Rank here >>>

The upgrade of Surf Air Mobility Inc. to a Zacks Rank #2 positions it in the top 20% of the Zacks-covered stocks in terms of estimate revisions, implying that the stock might move higher in the near term.

Frequency Electronics, Inc. (FEIM - Free Report) , a niche leader in precision time and frequency control systems, has been downgraded from “Outperform” to “Neutral,” citing a mix of strategic achievements and financial constraints. While the company continues to innovate and expand in mission-critical defense applications, deteriorating margins and cash flow concerns have prompted a more cautious stance.

Positive HighlightsStrong Defense Contract Momentum and Backlog GrowthIn late 2025, FEIM's subsidiary FEI-Zyfer received follow-on change orders worth roughly $4.8 million for advanced airborne timing and synchronization systems. These systems are crucial to Joint Airborne SIGINT and Cooperative Operations programs and demonstrate FEIM’s continued relevance in U.S. defense infrastructure. This win adds to an already strong backlog of $82 million, with around 69% of it expected to be converted into revenue over the next 12 months, supporting revenue visibility into fiscal 2026.

Shift Toward Stable Government & Defense RevenueFEIM has effectively transitioned from its previous reliance on commercial satellite programs to a more stable customer base. Government and DoD non-space revenues made up 70% of total second-quarter fiscal 2026 revenues, up from 37% in the same quarter last year. This transition mitigates volatility associated with cyclical space programs and anchors the company to long-term government funding.

Investment in Next-Generation Atomic Clock TechnologyFEIM is at the forefront of cutting-edge developments in timing systems. Its investment in a revolutionary Rubidium Atomic Clock, optimized for use in high-dynamic airborne environments, positions the company well in the premium, high-performance segment of defense electronics. Management emphasizes that no current field-deployable atomic clock matches its performance, creating a possible technological moat.

Challenges PersistWhile revenue grew modestly by 8.3% year over year in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, gross margin dropped sharply from 48.2% to 38.2%, and operating income fell 34.5%. This decline was attributed to a shift from high-margin satellite projects to more engineering-heavy government programs with lower upfront profitability.

FEIM’s net operating cash flow plunged to $0.6 million for the six months ended Oct. 31, 2025, down from $2.4 million in the same period last year. Meanwhile, cash and cash equivalents fell from $4.7 million to $3 million, primarily due to capital expenditures and treasury stock buybacks. These pressures could limit flexibility in pursuing acquisitions or expanding R&D.

Selling, general and administrative expenses rose 6.9% year over year in the second quarter, attributed to expansion initiatives like FEIM’s move into Colorado and new investments in Quantum Sensing. These long-term bets increase overhead in the short term, squeezing margins further.

OutlookFEIM stands on a solid technological foundation, backed by a strong backlog and government partnerships that offer multi-year revenue visibility. Its differentiated product line, particularly in atomic clock innovation, positions it well in a high-barrier market. If defense demand remains strong and the company can continue executing on its contracts, there is long-term growth potential.

However, the company must demonstrate progress in improving operational leverage and generating consistent cash flow. Investors will be watching closely to see if FEIM can recover its margins, stabilize liquidity and deliver returns on its recent investments. 

Key Takeaways Enterprise 5G adoption, private wireless, IoT, and edge computing are expanding demand for advanced networks.Rising data traffic and high-bandwidth apps are pushing operators to invest heavily in 5G upgrades.Carriers are accelerating network modernization using open, interoperable, high-capacity 5G systems.

The 5G rollout worldwide has entered a new phase in 2025. Enterprise deployments, use of next-generation technologies, such as private wireless, IoT and edge computing, are driving 5G network expansion worldwide. Since the initial commercial launch of 5G around 2020, the industry has evolved significantly. It has expanded beyond the legacy telecommunication services. The U.S. 5G market has become highly saturated with all the major telecom service providers covering more than 300 million people across the country.

Amid the fierce competition in the industry, companies like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile are focusing on developing advanced use cases. The company has expanded its portfolio cater to sectors like automotive, public safety, retail and others. North America remains the region with the highest 5G adoption rates. However, the emerging economies of South East Asia and Oceania remain a major market for 5G adoption. Per an Ericsson report, the 5G subscriptions in the region are projected to reach around 680 million in 2031.

The year 2025 has been a roller coaster year for the 5G industry. Tariff-related uncertainties and growing geopolitical unrest have impacted the 5G companies. The U.S. Government cites 5G technology as essential for national security. The government has imposed significant tariffs on 5G equipment imports from China, leading to higher costs for network equipment providers. Despite these factors, 5G network companies were able to register a strong share performance in 2025. It is to be seen whether they can maintain the momentum in 2026 or not.

Per a report from Grand View Research, the 5G infrastructure market is expected to witness a 13.1% compound annual growth rate between 2026 and 2033, whereas the 5G services market is expected to witness a 62.2% CAGR between 2025 and 2030. Telecom operators and network infrastructure providers are set to gain from this emerging trend.

Digital Transformation Across Industries is Driving 5G DemandOrganizations worldwide have been undertaking rapid digital transformation across their operations. Multiple factors are propelling this transformation. The companies are moving towards automation, remote or hybrid working models. Transition to cloud and distributed workloads requires consistent and secure connectivity. Employees need fast and real-time access to various applications.

Companies are focusing on industrial automation and the adoption of Industrial 4 standards. This requires deployment of AI sensors, leading-edge automated systems for maintenance and other daily operations. Moreover, IoT devices are becoming the backbone of the enterprise’s digital infrastructure. An ultra-reliable, low-latency network is paramount for the optimal functioning of a large volume of connected devices. This is driving demand for robust 5G connectivity across multiple sectors.

Growing Usage of High Data-Intensive ApplicationsMobile networks are undergoing a major shift owing to a change in the data consumption behavior of end users. An expanding streaming services, multiplayer gaming, remote work models have led to a sharp rise in data traffic over the past few years. The rapid growth of social media platforms is further amplifying the data usage.

Large data volumes and growing usage of high data -intensive applications are putting pressure on the existing infrastructure of telecom service providers. Telecom operators worldwide are investing heavily in upgrading 5G infrastructure and capacity to support the consumer demand. Per a report from Ericsson, mobile data traffic is expected to witness a 16% CAGR from 2024 to 2031. Shares of mobile data carried over 5G are expected to grow from 34% in 2024 to 83% in 2031.

Key PicksHeadquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson (ERIC - Free Report) is a leading provider of communication networks, telecom services and support solutions. With the emergence of the smartphone market and subsequent usage of mobile broadband, user demand for coverage speed and quality has increased in recent times. Further, to maintain superior performance as traffic increases, there is also a continuous need for network tuning and optimization. Ericsson is much in demand among operators to expand network coverage and upgrade networks for higher speed and capacity.

The company is placing strong emphasis on strengthening its leadership position in the Mobile Networks. Despite a challenging environment, the company inked a historic five-year contract with AT&T for $14 billion. By utilizing Ericsson’s comprehensive wireless equipment portfolio, AT&T is aiming to accelerate the deployment of an open and interoperable Radio Access Network (RAN) across the United States. VodafoneThree, Britain’s biggest mobile phone network and the Saudi Telecom Company have also opted to deploy Ericsson’s portfolio boost digital infrastructure nationwide. Such customer wins are expected to drive growth in the upcoming quarters.

With an ABR of 3.46, the stock has gained 19.4% over the past year. Earnings estimates for ERIC have improved to 5.63% for 2025 and 1.64% for 2026 over the past 60 days. It has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 8.44% and delivered an earnings surprise of 13.51%, on average, in the trailing four quarters. Ericsson currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Headquartered in Finland, Nokia Corporation (NOK - Free Report) is a leading telecom equipment provider with a strong customer base worldwide. It has made significant progress on its three-phased journey of value creation. The company boasts an extensive portfolio that consists of around 20,000 patents, among which 7,000 are essential for 5G. The 5G portfolio is increasingly gaining traction among enterprise customers. It has been developing its 5G portfolio, strengthening AirScale and advancing the capabilities of its ReefShark chipset.

Nokia Corporation is well-positioned for the ongoing technology cycle, given the strength of its end-to-end portfolio. The company’s deal win rate is encouraging, with notable successes in the key 5G markets of the United States and China. Its installed base of high-capacity AirScale product, which enables customers to quickly upgrade to 5G, is growing fast.

The company has secured multiple customer wins in recent quarters. Vodafone Three has selected Nokia, along with Ericsson, to drive 5G network modernization. Telin, a major telecommunication company in Singapore, has opted to deploy Nokia solutions to boost data center connectivity in Singapore. The prominent network service provider in India, Bharati Airtel, is collaborating with Nokia to unlock advanced 5G capabilities.

With an ABR of 2.357, the stock has gained 46.1% over the past year. Earnings estimate for NOK has improved to 6.67% for 2025 and 5.26% for 2026, over the past 60 days. Nokia currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Headquartered in Hickory, NC, CommScope Holding Company, Inc. (COMM - Free Report) is a premier provider of infrastructure solutions, including wireless and fiber optic solutions, for the core, access and edge layers of communication networks. The company’s solution effectively helps customers increase network capacity, delivering better network response time and performance, and simplifying technology migration.

CommScope’s comprehensive, differentiated portfolio allows it to hold a dominant position in the communication infrastructure industry. With operators moving toward converged or multi-use network structures, combining voice, video and data communications into a single network, CommScope is dedicated to developing solutions designed to support wireline and wireless network convergence, which will be essential for the success of 5G technology.

With an ABR of 1.833, the stock has gained 232.5% over the past year. Earnings estimates for COMM have improved to 27.91% for 2025 and 11.11% for 2026 over the past 60 days. It has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 13.48% and delivered an earnings surprise of 143.98%, on average, in the trailing four quarters. Ericsson currently sports a Zacks Rank #1.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Key Takeaways TGT expects shrink to fully normalize in fiscal 2025, supporting gross margin stability.Lower shrink added about 70 bps to the gross margin in 3Q25, offsetting higher markdown pressure.TGT projects 80-90 bps of gross margin benefit from shrink improvements in FY25.
Target Corporation’s (TGT - Free Report) ongoing shrink normalization is shaping up as one of the most visible contributors to near-term margin stabilization, even as top-line trends remain pressured. After multiple years of elevated shrink, management expects the shrink levels to fully normalize to the pre-pandemic benchmarks in fiscal 2025, materially improving the gross margin performance.

Management has positioned shrink improvement as a deliberate, multi-year operational reset rather than a short-term benefit. Enhanced inventory controls, improved store execution and better supply-chain visibility have collectively reduced loss rates. Importantly, shrink normalization represents a margin lever that does not depend on pricing actions or incremental demand, making it a higher-quality source of profit improvement.

The financial impact is already evident in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 results. Lower shrink contributed approximately 70 basis points of gross-margin benefit, partially offsetting roughly 100 basis points of merchandising pressure tied to higher markdowns. As a result, the gross margin declined only modestly year over year to 28.2% despite ongoing softness in discretionary categories.

Looking to fiscal 2025, Target expects shrink improvements to deliver approximately 80-90 basis points of gross masrgin favorability. This level of benefit is sufficient to return shrink fully to the pre-pandemic levels, representing what management described as a “dramatic turnaround” versus peak post-pandemic losses.

From an earnings perspective, shrink normalization alone is unlikely to drive a full profit recovery. However, it meaningfully improves margin durability and earnings conversion. As sales trends stabilize, Target’s improved shrink profile positions the company to translate incremental revenues into disproportionately higher operating profit, making shrink control a foundational element of the longer-term profit rebound story.

How TGT’s Shrink Progress Compares to DG & ULTADollar General Corporation (DG - Free Report) continues to demonstrate solid progress in reducing shrink, supporting margin recovery. In the third quarter of fiscal 2025, Dollar General achieved a 90-basis-point improvement in shrink, contributing to a 107-basis-point increase in the gross margin. Management noted that shrink is improving faster than anticipated, driven by operational and inventory initiatives. Despite ongoing cost pressures, shrink reduction remains a key margin lever for Dollar General.

Ulta Beauty, Inc. (ULTA - Free Report) delivered meaningful shrink benefits in third-quarter fiscal 2025, supporting margin expansion. Lower inventory shrink helped drive a 70-basis-point increase in the gross margin, reflecting disciplined execution. Ulta Beauty achieved this through enhanced associate training, process improvements and store-level action plans that reduced shrink across most categories and regions. Ulta Beauty expects modest shrink improvement in the fiscal fourth quarter compared with the prior-year period.

Target’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesThe TGT stock has gained 1.5% in the past six months compared with the industry’s growth of 0.4%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Target’s forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 12.76 reflects a lower valuation than the industry’s average of 29.56. TGT has a Value Score of D.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TGT’s fiscal 2025 earnings implies a year-over-year decline of 17.7%, while the same for fiscal 2026 indicates growth of 6%. Earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 and 2026 have been southbound by 7 cents and 25 cents per share, respectively, in the past 30 days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

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

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - December 22, 2025) - Lear Capital, one of the nation's most trusted names in precious metals investing, has been proudly featured in IRAEmpire's 2026 list of The Best Gold IRA Companies, solidifying its position as a premier provider for Gold IRA rollovers. As more Americans seek secure and inflation-resistant options to protect their retirement savings, this recognition underscores Lear Capital's continued commitment to exceptional service, transparency, and long-term client success.

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Source: IRAEmpire LLC

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