Paramount Skydance’s planned takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery hit a snag on Monday when a judge granted a temporary restraining order on the merger.
Paramount CEO David Ellison is seeking to acquire WBD in a $111 billion deal that was expected to close during the third quarter of this year, but California Attorney General Rob Bonta is leading a group of 12 state attorneys general who filed a lawsuit challenging the merger. The lawsuit claims the megadeal would "lead to higher prices, lower quality, and less content for film and television, harming movie theaters, basic cable distributors, and ultimately, audiences on every sofa and movie theater seat in the U.S."
After a Friday hearing, California District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín approved the temporary restraining order, putting a 14-day pause on the merger and blocking closure of the transaction.
PARAMOUNT ADVISERS PUSH FOR CALIFORNIA EXIT AS STATE SUES TO BLOCK WARNER BROS DISCOVERY MERGER: REPORT
California Attorney General Rob Bonta believes Paramount’s planned takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery is simply "an illegal merger." (AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
"Having read the papers filed by the parties and carefully considered their arguments therein and those made at the hearing, as well as the relevant legal authority, and good cause appearing, the Court GRANTS the motion for TRO," the judge wrote.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District for the Northern District of California, claims that the merger violates Section 7 of the Clayton Act, which holds that mergers that may substantially lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly are illegal. Both sides argued their case on Friday but Martínez-Olguín initially declined to make a ruling from the bench, instead taking the weekend to think it over.
Ticker Security Last Change Change % PSKY PARAMOUNT SKYDANCE CORP. 8.75 -0.39 -4.27% WBD DISCOVERY INC. 26.01 -0.86 -3.20% "Because the Plaintiff States raise serious questions on the merits of their Clayton Act claim and because the balance of equities and public interest tip sharply in favor of the Plaintiff States, the Court ultimately finds the public interest favors their requested TRO to stay the merger in the interim," the judge wrote.
"Defendants are temporarily enjoined and restrained from closing or consummating the Transaction or taking any steps, directly or indirectly, to integrate or consolidate their operations pursuant to the Transaction," Martínez-Olguín continued. "This Order extends to Defendants’ agents, officers, servants, employees, attorneys, and other persons who are in active concert or participation with Defendants."
Plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction is due by July 23, the Defendants’ opposition brief is due by July 27, and the Plaintiffs’ reply is due by July 30. A hearing on Plaintiffs’ preliminary injunction motion at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3.
WARNER BROS DISCOVERY SHAREHOLDERS APPROVE PARAMOUNT SKYDANCE DEAL
California Attorney General Rob Bonta. (Sarah Reingewirtz/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images / Getty Images)
"My office and attorneys general nationwide have secured an emergency order blocking the unlawful merger of Warner Bros. and Paramount. This is a critical first win in our case to ensure this megamerger never sees the light of day," Attorney General Bonta said in a statement.
"History tells the tale of what happens when a few people have great power over markets that are central to Americans' lives: fewer opportunities for more people, worse products and services for all people," Bonta continued. "With our lawsuit, we’re fighting for a free and fair market and a thriving film and television industry that serves creatives and audiences alike. We have a full tank of gas, the law on our side, and look forward to continuing to make our case."
Paramount has said the lawsuit "reflects a fundamentally flawed application of the antitrust laws and is wrong on both the facts and the law."
The Justice Department (DOJ) announced last week it has closed its antitrust investigation into Paramount Skydance's proposed acquisition of WBD, concluding the transaction is not likely to harm competition or American consumers.
CALIFORNIA AG BLASTS PARAMOUNT-WBD MERGER AS ‘ILLEGAL,’ SAYS THREAT TO LEAVE STATE IS ‘BLACKMAIL’ EFFORT
The Antitrust Division said its eight-month review examined more than two million documents and found the deal could strengthen competition across the media and entertainment industry, including in streaming video, traditional television and theatrical film distribution. However, state attorneys general retain independent authority under antitrust laws.
Ellison, the son of billionaire Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, took control of Paramount last year when Skydance Media and Paramount Global completed an $8 billion merger. Adding WBD to his portfolio would make the younger Ellison one of Hollywood’s most powerful people.
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Stock Market Week Ahead: Navigating Uncertainty
These 7 Stocks Are Analyst Favorites For Magnificent Earnings Growth; Google Holds Top Rating
ASML, Snowflake Lead Five Stocks Near Buy Points In Tough Market Robinhood Markets (HOOD) stock has underperformed, closing below its 200-day moving average in Friday's session. With the company set to report second-quarter earnings July 29, investors who expect weak or muted results can look to a bear call spread to collect a premium with limited risk. A bear call spread is built by simultaneously selling a call and buying a…
Key Takeaways PATH's ARR grew steadily from $1.46 billion in Q4 fiscal 2024 to $1.9 billion by Q1 fiscal 2027.UiPath is witnessing deeper enterprise adoption of AI orchestration and workflow automation.PATH trades at a forward P/E of 14.34X, well below the industry average of 27.64X. UiPath (PATH - Free Report) continues to strengthen its long-term investment case through consistent growth in annualized recurring revenue (ARR), underscoring the resilience of its enterprise automation business and the rising adoption of AI-driven workflow orchestration.
PATH's ARR has expanded steadily from $1.46 billion in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 to $1.9 billion by the first quarter of fiscal 2027. This sustained increase highlights continued enterprise demand for the company's automation platform, even as businesses remain cautious about software budgets and the pace of AI monetization. The steady ARR expansion suggests that customers are increasing their long-term commitment to UiPath's platform rather than reducing automation investments.
The consistent growth also reflects UiPath's success in expanding existing customer relationships. As enterprises increasingly deploy AI orchestration capabilities, workflow automation and cloud-based services across broader business functions, the company is generating stronger recurring revenues from its installed base instead of relying primarily on new customer acquisitions. This trend enhances revenue visibility and supports greater long-term financial stability.
The durability of ARR growth is particularly noteworthy amid a challenging enterprise software environment marked by slower IT spending and heightened investor scrutiny of AI-related investments. While near-term revenue growth may remain measured, UiPath's expanding recurring revenue base provides a solid foundation as enterprise AI adoption continues to evolve.
Relevant Industry PeersPegasystems (PEGA - Free Report) remains a key competitor in enterprise workflow automation and AI-powered business process management. Like UiPath, Pegasystems continues to expand its AI capabilities, although its platform places greater emphasis on customer engagement, CRM and decision intelligence alongside process automation.
ServiceNow (NOW - Free Report) is another major competitor benefiting from accelerating enterprise demand for workflow automation and AI integration. While its core strength lies in enterprise service management, ServiceNow continues to expand into intelligent workflow orchestration and AI-enabled automation, making it one of the most formidable competitors in the enterprise automation market.
PATH’s Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesThe stock has declined 26% year to date compared to the industry’s 7% loss.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, PATH trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 14.34, which is well below the industry average of 27.64. It carries a Value Score of C.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PATH’s fiscal 2027 earnings has stayed unchanged over the past 30 days.
PATH currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Sometimes, the stock market overreacts to short-term news and events. When this happens, it's up to astute investors to quickly seize upon the opportunity. After all, the market adapts pretty quickly, and high-quality companies don't trade at an attractive valuation forever. You'll need to have patience, however.
Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG 3.59%) falls into this category. The stock deserves serious consideration, despite reporting disappointing sales. Here's why results, and in turn, the share price, should see a sharp recovery.
Image source: Getty Images.
Cyclical factors are hurting sales It's undeniable that Chipotle's sales have been sluggish for some time. First-quarter same-store sales (comps) increased a tepid 0.5%, and management expects flat comps for the year. But the overall fast-casual restaurant sector has seen a sales slowdown, indicating cyclical factors at work, rather than secular issues.
However, there was some positive news that investors should watch to see if it continues. Increased visits contributed 0.6 percentage points, indicating people still like going to the fast-casual restaurant chain. They've just been wary about discretionary spending due to bigger economic factors like higher gas prices. Spending subtracted 0.1 percentage points from comps as customers ordered lower-priced menu items.
Unfortunately, Chipotle's costs have been rising faster than sales, squeezing profitability. Its first-quarter operating income dropped 17.1% year over year to $397.1 million.
Nonetheless, management clearly has confidence in the company's long-term future. It continues to open new restaurants, including 48 (net of one closure) in Q1, bringing the total to 4,090. The company expects to open 350 to 370 locations this year.
Cheap valuation Investors certainly haven't been pleased with the results. Over the past year, through July 16, the share price lost nearly 36%. That badly trailed the S&P 500 index's 20.3% gain.
However, that's also created a much better stock valuation. Over the past year, the shares' price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio has gone from 45 to 31. Chipotle's stock has a five-year median P/E ratio of 52. The current valuation is roughly in line with the S&P 500 consumer discretionary sector's P/E multiple of 30.
Today's Change
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If people were specifically avoiding Chipotle for company-specific reasons, I'd find that concerning. But that doesn't appear to be the case. At some point, economic pressures will ease, and people will go back to eating at Chipotle, where they can find reasonably priced, high-quality food.
When that happens, sales growth will accelerate, and earnings will rebound. Investors who purchased Chipotle's shares at this less expensive valuation will undoubtedly look back fondly.
KuCoin is facilitating the migration of WELL tokens from Moonbeam to Base, giving holders on the exchange one less thing to worry about as Moonbeam prepares to shut down entirely on July 31, 2026.
The move means KuCoin users holding WELL on the Moonbeam network won’t need to manually bridge their tokens. The exchange will handle the swap internally, converting Moonbeam-based WELL to Base-native WELL through a token swap process.
Why the migration matters Moonbeam, the Polkadot-connected smart contract platform, is winding down operations entirely. The network has announced a full shutdown scheduled for July 31, 2026, which includes a one-to-one migration of its native GLMR token to Base.
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Moonwell operates as a cross-chain lending and borrowing protocol across several EVM-compatible networks, including Base, Moonbeam, Optimism, and Moonriver. With Moonbeam going dark, the protocol has been actively encouraging token holders to transfer their WELL to supported chains using built-in tools available through the Moonwell app, no external bridges required.
WELL has been upgraded to xERC20 standards specifically to enable this kind of multichain functionality.
KuCoin, which has listed WELL since June 2022 and offers a WELL/USDT trading pair, has been issuing alerts to users about withdrawing Moonbeam-based assets ahead of the shutdown.
What this means for investors WELL has been trading in a tight range between $0.0033 and $0.0037, with modest volumes that suggest most participants are watching from the sidelines.
For KuCoin users specifically, the automatic swap removes the biggest friction point. Instead of navigating bridge interfaces and managing gas tokens on multiple networks, holders can sit tight and let the exchange handle the conversion.
The July 31 deadline creates a natural forcing function. Anyone still holding WELL or other assets on Moonbeam needs to act before the network goes offline. For exchange users on KuCoin, that action is being handled for them. For self-custody holders, the clock is ticking, and Moonwell’s in-app migration tools are the path of least resistance.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
The Six-Episode Series follows A'ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier and DeWanna Bonner, and debuts one year after DICK'S renewed and expanded its partnership with the WNBA
, /PRNewswire/ -- Today, DICK'S Sporting Goods' (NYSE: DKS) in-house content and production studio, Cookie Jar & A Dream Studios, announced its upcoming documentary series, Life In the W, following WNBA stars A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx and DeWanna Bonner of the Phoenix Mercury. During a milestone year for women's basketball, the six-episode series will premiere on Friday, July 24, as the WNBA celebrates its 30th season.
Life In the W Trailer
Life In the W Hero Image
Life In the W takes audiences behind the scenes with three of the WNBA's most influential athletes as they navigate defining moments in their careers and personal lives amid a landmark chapter for the league and its players. Filmed during the second half of the 2025 WNBA season and offseason, the six-part documentary series explores the sacrifices, resilience and leadership required to compete at the highest level, offering an authentic look at the people behind the players.
Throughout the series, viewers experience the season from three unique vantage points: a superstar pushing the game to new heights, a leader helping shape the league's future and a veteran champion pursuing another title while continuing to build on an enduring legacy.
"Following the journeys of A'ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier and DeWanna Bonner in 'Life In the W' encapsulates the kind of storytelling that we dream about bringing to life," said Mark Rooks, VP of Creative, Sponsorship & Entertainment at DICK'S. "As a long-standing partner of the league, having the opportunity to offer this behind-the-scenes access to the WNBA, its stars, and what makes the spirit of the league so captivating is a true creative honor."
Kicking-off its partnership as the Official Sporting Goods Retailer for the league in 2021, Life In the W's release marks the one-year anniversary of DICK'S and the WNBA's multiyear partnership expansion, which named DICK'S as the Official Sporting Goods Retailer and Official Marketing Partner through the 2028 season. Underlying its commitment to growing the game and uplifting the next generation of women in sports, DICK'S 2025 expansion deal also noted a new partnership with the Jr. WNBA, the WNBA's initiative dedicated to inspiring girls to play basketball in a positive and healthy way, and to learn and grow beyond the game.
The connection between Life In the W and DICK'S extends beyond the series itself. Wilson, Collier and Bonner have each collaborated with the brand across multiple campaigns and initiatives, reflecting DICK'S ongoing commitment to investing in women's sports and the athletes helping shape its future. DICK'S also serves as a key retail partner for Wilson's signature basketball shoes, including the Nike A'One and Nike A'Two, which rank among the company's top-selling women's basketball shoes.
"I couldn't dream up a more perfect time to share Life In the W with the world," said Rebecca Covington, Sr. Director, Creative Production at DICK'S. "To be entrusted with telling an athlete's holistic story, on and off the court, is something we do not take lightly, and having the opportunity to further champion three amazing athletes who are paving the way for generations of players to come is a privilege."
Life In the W was produced in collaboration with UNINTERRUPTED, from executive producers LeBron James, Jamal Henderson, Ben Turner and Matt Rissmiller, alongside co-executive producer Eliza Johnston. ESPN will serve as the official streaming partner.
"UNINTERRUPTED is committed to showcasing unparalleled, intimate access to the lives of athletes, and we are excited to have like-minded partners in Cookie Jar & a Dream, the WNBA, and ESPN for this groundbreaking series," said Ben Turner, co-founder and partner at Fulwell Entertainment.
Life In the W will premiere its first two episodes on Friday, July 24 at 10 P.M. EST, on ESPN2 ahead of AT&T WNBA All Star Weekend. As the Official Sporting Goods Retailer of the WNBA, DICK'S will have a large presence, as it has for the past 4 years, at WNBA Live presented by AWS. Fans can engage with some of the league's biggest stars, explore elevated product experiences from leading athletic brands and take part in interactive activities throughout the event. Attendees will also have the opportunity to test the latest Nike and Jordan footwear through on-court activations inspired by iconic moments from the game, with the chance to receive personalized digital keepsakes and other special giveaways.
The remaining four episodes will air on the platform on July 25 and July 26, in two-new episode blocks, respectively. All episodes will be available on the ESPN App for ESPN Select plan subscribers.
About DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc.
DICK'S Sporting Goods creates confidence and excitement by inspiring, supporting and personally equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, DICK'S is a leading omni-channel retailer and an iconic brand in sport and culture. Its banners include DICK'S Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, Public Lands and Going Going Gone! in addition to the experiential retail concepts DICK'S House of Sport and Golf Galaxy Performance Center. As owner and operator of the Foot Locker Business, including Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, WSS and atmos, DICK'S serves the global sneaker community across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, plus a licensed store presence in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. DICK'S also owns and operates GameChanger, a youth sports mobile platform for live streaming, scheduling, communications and scorekeeping.
Driven by its belief that sports have the power to change lives, DICK'S has been a longtime champion for youth sports and, together with its Foundation, has donated millions of dollars to support under-resourced teams and athletes through the Sports Matter program and other community-based initiatives. Additional information about DICK'S business, corporate giving and employment opportunities can be found on dicks.com, investors.dicks.com, sportsmatter.org, dickssportinggoods.jobs and on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X.
About Cookie Jar & A Dream Studios
Cookie Jar & A Dream Studios is DICK'S Sporting Goods' Emmy-winning, in-house content and production studio. Dedicated to telling powerful, human-centered stories through the lens of sport, Cookie Jar & A Dream Studios was founded on the belief that sports have the power to change lives and build community. The studio's work spotlights the grit, triumphs, and heartbreak behind every athlete's journey, with a mission to create emotionally resonant content that inspires long after the final whistle blows. At its core, the studio believes sports are more than just competition; they are universal stories of hope, resilience, and connection.
Media Contact
DICK'S Sporting Goods – [email protected]
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Music Group Corp. will release its financial results on Thursday, August 6, 2026, for the third quarter ended June 30, 2026, and will hold an earnings conference call that afternoon at 4:30 p.m. ET. To access the conference call, please register here. Once registered, you will receive an email with unique dial in details with a PIN to join the call. We suggest you call in 10 minutes prior to the start time. If you do not anticipate asking a question, we recomme.
Warner Music Group Corp. will release its financial results on Thursday, August 6, 2026, for the third quarter ended June 30, 2026, and will hold an earnings c
Americké akciové trhy dnes zdá se zastaví předchozí dvoudenní pokles, nálada ale zůstává opatrná a nejednotná. Investoři sledují především vývoj kolem konfliktu mezi USA a Íránem, kde americká armáda pokračovala devátou noc v útocích na íránské cíle s cílem chránit klíčové námořní trasy v okolí Hormuzského průlivu. Ropa během dne kolísala, ale její růst postupně vyprchal díky nadějím, že by se USA a Írán mohly vrátit k jednání o mírové dohodě. Riziková aktiva podpořil zejména návrat kupců do polovodičů po předchozích výprodejích, zatímco širší trh byl slabší — většina titulů v S&P 500 klesá. Tento týden zároveň začíná důležitá část výsledkové sezóny, když reportovat budou mimo jiné Alphabet, Tesla, General Motors a AMD. Trh bude u velkých technologických firem sledovat hlavně to, zda dokážou obhájit masivní výdaje na AI infrastrukturu.
Sektorově je nejvýraznější pohyb patrný u polovodičů, kde index velkých výrobců čipů v čele s Nvidií a Broadcomem roste o 2 % a pomáhá držet trh nad vodou. Oživení přichází poté, co se Philadelphia Semiconductor Index v minulém týdnu propadl do medvědího trhu nicméně část stratégů tento pokles označuje spíše za dočasný reset než začátek dlouhodobějšího ústupu od AI tématu. Na druhé straně zůstává patrná rotace investorů mimo nejvíce přeplněné technologické obchody směrem k cyklickým a hodnotovým segmentům trhu. Výnos desetiletého amerického dluhopisu roste o 5 bazických bodů na 4,60 %. Euro oslabuje o 0,2 % na 1,1415 USD. WTI roste jen o 0,1 % na 82,61 USD za barel, zlato mírně ztrácí 0,1 % na 4 011,52 USD za unci, zatímco kryptoměny posilují — bitcoin o 1,5 % na 65 436 USD a ether o 1,7 % na 1 898 USD.
Z jednotlivých titulů se do popředí dostal Alphabet (GOOG +2,02 %), který roste po zprávě, že Google vyvíjí čip zaměřený na zvýšení efektivity umělé inteligence. Boeing (BA -1,61 %) oznámil téměř 150 objednávek na úvod leteckého veletrhu Farnborough, což podpořilo vnímání silné poptávky v leteckém průmyslu, nicméně akcie klesají. AMC Entertainment (AMC +25 %) prudce roste po zveřejnění tržeb za druhé čtvrtletí, které překonaly průměrný odhad analytiků. Domino’s Pizza (DPZ +1,67 %) kosmeticky roste poté co růst srovnatelných tržeb v USA zpomalil na nejnižší tempo za pět čtvrtletí, což naznačuje opatrnější chování spotřebitelů v segmentu stravování mimo domov. Trh sleduje i plánované IPO Jersey Mike’s Subs, v němž firma a její akcionáři chtějí získat až 1,09 mld. USD, což zapadá do širšího oživení amerického trhu primárních emisí.
Index Dow Jones -0,3 % na 51988,06 b.
S&P 500 +0,21 % na 7473,25 b.
Nasdaq Composite +0,52 % na 25651,82 b.
Index S&P 500 +0,21 % na 7473,25 b. Nejsilnější sektory S&P Změna Nejslabší sektory S&P Změna Energie +1,1 % Základní materiály -0,8 % Komunikační služby +1 % Nezbytná spotřeba -0,7 % Informační technologie +0,7 % Zdravotní péče -0,6 % Nejsilnější akcie S&P Změna Nejslabší akcie S&P Změna Lumentum Holdings (LITE) +6,5 % Honeywell Aerospace (HONA) -4,8 % Global Payments (GPN) +5,9 % Carvana (CVNA) -3,9 % Sandisk Corp (SNDK) +5,8 % Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) -3,8 % Coherent Corp (COHR) +5,4 % KKR (KKR) -3,5 % Teradyne (TER) +5,1 % Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) -3,5 %
Martin Varecha
Fio banka, a.s.
Prohlášení
Silver (XAG/USD) trades on the front foot on Monday as buyers defend the $55.00 mark after the metal briefly slipped below it on Friday, touching its lowest level since December 2025. At the time of writing, XAG/USD trades around $56.85, up nearly 1.50% on the day.
The metal, however, lacks strong upside momentum as Middle East tensions support the US Dollar, while energy-driven inflation risks keep hawkish Federal Reserve (Fed) expectations alive. Meanwhile, the technical outlook remains bearish, even as momentum indicators point to a slowdown in selling pressure.
Silver positioning pares back as demand signals softenAccording to TD Securities, speculative appetite for the metal continues to fade, with the bank noting that “money managers have also reduced their long silver exposure, which will apply downward pressure on prices due to weakening industrial and investment demand.” This retrenchment in positioning underscores a more cautious stance toward silver as both industrial usage and investor interest show signs of cooling.
Technical analysis: Daily chart
XAG/USD remains well beneath the 200-day and 100-day Simple Moving Averages (SMAs). The Relative Strength Index (RSI) around 38 stays below the neutral 50 line, suggesting only modest downside momentum, with the slightly positive Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) hinting at tentative attempts to stabilize after the latest slide.
On the topside, initial resistance emerges at the horizontal barrier near $60, followed by a stronger cap around $65. A sustained break above these levels would ease selling pressure and expose the 200-day SMA at $70.58 and the 100-day SMA at $72.24 as the next hurdles.
On the downside, immediate support is seen at $55, with a loss of this floor opening the way toward the $50 zone, where buyers would likely attempt to stem deeper losses.
Technical Analysis: 4-hour chart
XAG/USD holds a bearish near-term bias as it remains below the 100-period Simple Moving Average (SMA) at $58.94 and the 200-period SMA at $62.43.
The metal has bounced off recent lows but is still capped by a nearby horizontal barrier at $58, while the Relative Strength Index at 47 stays near neutral and the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) turns mildly positive, hinting that the latest recovery is corrective rather than a clear trend reversal.
On the topside, immediate resistance stands at $58.00, followed by the 100-period SMA near $58.94 and then $60.00, with the 200-period SMA at $62.43 and the prior horizontal cap at $65.00 reinforcing a broader supply zone overhead.
On the downside, initial support is seen at the horizontal level of $55, and a break beneath this floor would likely expose the metal to deeper losses within the prevailing bearish structure.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool. Know more.)
Silver FAQs Silver is a precious metal highly traded among investors. It has been historically used as a store of value and a medium of exchange. Although less popular than Gold, traders may turn to Silver to diversify their investment portfolio, for its intrinsic value or as a potential hedge during high-inflation periods. Investors can buy physical Silver, in coins or in bars, or trade it through vehicles such as Exchange Traded Funds, which track its price on international markets.
Silver prices can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can make Silver price escalate due to its safe-haven status, although to a lesser extent than Gold's. As a yieldless asset, Silver tends to rise with lower interest rates. Its moves also depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAG/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Silver at bay, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to propel prices up. Other factors such as investment demand, mining supply – Silver is much more abundant than Gold – and recycling rates can also affect prices.
Silver is widely used in industry, particularly in sectors such as electronics or solar energy, as it has one of the highest electric conductivity of all metals – more than Copper and Gold. A surge in demand can increase prices, while a decline tends to lower them. Dynamics in the US, Chinese and Indian economies can also contribute to price swings: for the US and particularly China, their big industrial sectors use Silver in various processes; in India, consumers’ demand for the precious metal for jewellery also plays a key role in setting prices.
Silver prices tend to follow Gold's moves. When Gold prices rise, Silver typically follows suit, as their status as safe-haven assets is similar. The Gold/Silver ratio, which shows the number of ounces of Silver needed to equal the value of one ounce of Gold, may help to determine the relative valuation between both metals. Some investors may consider a high ratio as an indicator that Silver is undervalued, or Gold is overvalued. On the contrary, a low ratio might suggest that Gold is undervalued relative to Silver.
Looking for a stock that has been consistently beating earnings estimates and might be well positioned to keep the streak alive in its next quarterly report? GXO Logistics (GXO - Free Report) , which belongs to the Zacks Transportation - Air Freight and Cargo industry, could be a great candidate to consider.
This contract logistics provider has an established record of topping earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The company boasts an average surprise for the past two quarters of 19.98%.
For the last reported quarter, GXO Logistics came out with earnings of $0.5 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.37 per share, representing a surprise of 35.14%. For the previous quarter, the company was expected to post earnings of $0.83 per share and it actually produced earnings of $0.87 per share, delivering a surprise of 4.82%.
Price and EPS Surprise
With this earnings history in mind, recent estimates have been moving higher for GXO Logistics. In fact, the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) for the company is positive, which is a great sign of an earnings beat, especially when you combine this metric with its nice Zacks Rank.
Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven.
The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.
GXO Logistics currently has an Earnings ESP of +3.40%, which suggests that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This positive Earnings ESP when combined with the stock's Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) indicates that another beat is possibly around the corner. We expect the company's next earnings report to be released on August 4, 2026.
When the Earnings ESP comes up negative, investors should note that this will reduce the predictive power of the metric. But, a negative value is not indicative of a stock's earnings miss.
Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, but that may not be the sole basis for their stocks moving higher. On the other hand, some stocks may hold their ground even if they end up missing the consensus estimate.
Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.
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JACKSON, Mich., July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of CMS Energy has declared a quarterly dividend on the company's common stock.
The dividend for the common stock (CUSIP: 125896100) is 57 cents per share. It is payable Sept. 1, 2026, to shareholders of record on Aug. 7, 2026.
Additional dividend information, including the tax status of CMS Energy's dividend distributions, can be obtained through the Tax Information section of CMS Energy's website, www.cmsenergy.com.
CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is a Michigan-based energy company featuring Consumers Energy as its primary business. It also owns and operates independent power generation businesses.
For more information on CMS Energy, please visit our website at cmsenergy.com.
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Dan Russo takes us through today's Big 3 by highlighting trends in the S&P 500 (SPX) as the index trades just under its all-time high. He also highlights the iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG) and the iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG), believing it's important investors keep an eye on bonds and commodities in the current market environment.
Aptos Labs CEO Avery Ching said that digital asset regulations being discussed in the US Congress could pave the way for a significant transformation in the financial sector. According to Ching, the enactment of the CLARITY Act, in particular, could act as a major catalyst, accelerating the entry of financial institutions and large companies into the digital asset market.
Appearing on the YouTube channel “3PROTV,” Ching stated that comprehensive cryptocurrency regulations in the US would not only reduce legal uncertainties in the sector but also allow institutional investors to enter the market more securely. Ching emphasized that current regulatory efforts are critical to the long-term growth of the digital asset ecosystem.
Aptos CEO Ching stated that the GENIUS Act and CLARITY Act, currently on the US agenda, will be two fundamental legal building blocks shaping the future of the sector. According to Ching, these two bills will form the most important legal framework supporting the development of the digital asset market and contribute to the widespread adoption of blockchain-based financial applications.
Ching stated that the biggest trends that will transform financial markets in the next five years will be the digitalization of assets and the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence technologies, adding that a period is approaching where US Treasury bonds, money market funds, stocks, and other traditional financial products can be traded more efficiently as digital assets through blockchain infrastructure. This transformation is expected to reduce transaction costs, speed up clearing processes, and increase global investor access.
On the other hand, the Aptos ecosystem continues to grow with new collaborations. The Aptos (APT) blockchain network developed by the company has been selected as one of the core blockchain partners for the next-generation stablecoin project OpenUSD (OUSD). This partnership aims to strengthen OpenUSD’s technical infrastructure and expand the enterprise use cases of the Aptos network.
Experts believe that if a comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto assets is implemented in the US, the interest of banks, investment firms, and large institutional investors in the digital asset sector could significantly increase. This is expected to both accelerate the adoption of blockchain-based financial applications and support the inflow of new capital into the sector.
*This is not investment advice.
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Key Takeaways PPL cut first-quarter 2026 O&M expenses to $579 million from $598 million a year earlier. PPL targets $175 million in 2026 O&M savings versus 2021 to help fund its $23 billion plan. PPL expects 2026 EPS of $1.90-$1.98 and 6-8% annual EPS growth through 2029. PPL Corporation (PPL - Free Report) is benefiting from a disciplined cost management strategy that helps control operating expenses and improve efficiency. These efforts support financial stability and create greater flexibility to invest in infrastructure.
The company has steadily improved efficiency across its businesses, helping control operating and maintenance (O&M) expenses while maintaining reliable service. PPL Electric has kept O&M increases about 25% below the inflation rate over the past decade, demonstrating the benefits of its cost-control efforts.
In the first quarter of 2026, consolidated O&M expenses decreased to $579 million from $598 million in the year-ago quarter. O&M expenses also decreased across the company’s regulated operations in Kentucky and Rhode Island. However, Pennsylvania O&M expenses increased due to higher storm and power restoration costs, underscoring that weather-related events remain a risk.
The need for cost control is increasing as PPL expands its investment program. The company plans to invest $23 billion through 2029 to modernize networks and support demand growth. As per the company’s management, every $1 of O&M savings can support about $8 of capital investment without increasing customer bills. PPL achieved $170 million in annual run-rate O&M savings in 2025 and is targeting a $175-million reduction in O&M in 2026 compared with 2021.
These savings could help offset higher depreciation, interest and operating costs while supporting 2026 earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $1.90-$1.98 and 6-8% annual EPS growth through 2029. Therefore, continued O&M efficiency, combined with strong rate-base growth and regulatory recovery, could support sustained earnings growth and shareholder returns.
Efficient Cost Management Fuels Long-Term Utility GrowthUtilities that optimize operations, embrace digitalization and control spending can expand margins, fund infrastructure upgrades and keep customer rates affordable. Efficient cost management strengthens financial flexibility, enabling utilities to fund infrastructure investments, improve operations and support sustainable long-term earnings growth.
Duke Energy (DUK - Free Report) recently finalized initiatives expected to generate more than $5 billion in customer savings through utility consolidation, operational efficiencies and tax-credit monetization. These efforts can strengthen long-term earnings growth while helping maintain customer affordability.
NiSource (NI - Free Report) continues to enhance operating efficiency through its multiyear Project Apollo, which targets sustainable cost savings and streamlined operations. These initiatives can improve customer service and support long-term earnings growth.
The Zacks Rundown on PPLPPL’s Earnings EstimatesThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 and 2027 earnings per share indicates a year-over-year increase of 7.73% and 8.06%, respectively.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Debt to CapitalPPL's debt-to-capital ratio currently stands at 57.40%, lower than the Zacks Utility - Electric Power industry’s 60.71%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
PPL’s Stock Price PerformanceIn the past month, the company’s shares have risen 0.7% compared with the industry’s 0.9% growth.
All investors love getting big returns from their portfolio, whether it's through stocks, bonds, ETFs, or other types of securities. But when you're an income investor, your primary focus is generating consistent cash flow from each of your liquid investments.
While cash flow can come from bond interest or interest from other types of investments, income investors hone in on dividends. A dividend is the distribution of a company's earnings paid out to shareholders; it's often viewed by its dividend yield, a metric that measures a dividend as a percent of the current stock price. Many academic studies show that dividends make up large portions of long-term returns, and in many cases, dividend contributions surpass one-third of total returns.
Invesco (IVZ - Free Report) is headquartered in Atlanta, and is in the Finance sector. The stock has seen a price change of 12.79% since the start of the year. The investment management company is paying out a dividend of $0.22 per share at the moment, with a dividend yield of 2.9% compared to the Financial - Investment Management industry's yield of 2.76% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.33%.
Looking at dividend growth, the company's current annualized dividend of $0.86 is up 3% from last year. Over the last 5 years, Invesco has increased its dividend 5 times on a year-over-year basis for an average annual increase of 7.66%. Looking ahead, future dividend growth will be dependent on earnings growth and payout ratio, which is the proportion of a company's annual earnings per share that it pays out as a dividend. Invesco's current payout ratio is 39%, meaning it paid out 39% of its trailing 12-month EPS as dividend.
Earnings growth looks solid for IVZ for this fiscal year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 is $2.78 per share, representing a year-over-year earnings growth rate of 36.95%.
Investors like dividends for a variety of different reasons, from tax advantages and decreasing overall portfolio risk to considerably improving stock investing profits. However, not all companies offer a quarterly payout.
For instance, it's a rare occurrence when a tech start-up or big growth business offers its shareholders a dividend. It's more common to see larger companies with more established profits give out dividends. Income investors have to be mindful of the fact that high-yielding stocks tend to struggle during periods of rising interest rates. That said, they can take comfort from the fact that IVZ is not only an attractive dividend play, but also represents a compelling investment opportunity with a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 20, 2026) - Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized investor-rights law firm, announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Hub Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: HUBG) and certain of its officers.
This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Hub Group securities between April 28, 2023 and May 11, 2026, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/HUBG.
Hub Group Case Details
The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that:
Hub Group's financial statements prepared for the periods from Q1 2023 to Q4 2024, including its annual reports for 2023 and 2024, contained material misstatements caused by the premature and incorrect recognition of certain transactions concerning, among other things, the Company's operating revenue, operating income, revenue recognition, effectiveness of internal controls and procedures, and drivers of financial results and growth; Hub Group's financial statements prepared for the periods from Q1 2025 to Q3 2025 contained material misstatements caused by the understatement of purchased transportation costs and accounts payable concerning, among other things, the Company's operating expenses, purchased transportation and warehousing expenses, operating income, effectiveness of internal disclosure controls and procedures, and drivers of financial results and growth; and as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects lacked a reasonable basis and were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.What's Next for Hub Group Investors?
A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: bgandg.com/HUBG, or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Client Relations Manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 917-590-0911. If you suffered a loss in Hub Group you have until August 28, 2026, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff.
No Cost to Hub Group Investors
We, Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman LLC, represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.
Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC for Hub Group Securities Class Action?
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide. More at www.bgandg.com
"Our practice centers on restoring investor capital and ensuring corporate accountability, which serves to uphold the essential integrity of the marketplace," said Peretz Bronstein, Founding Partner of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC.
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Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/303515
Source: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.
, /PRNewswire/ -- 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.
Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Hub Group is a transportation and logistics freight carrier that provides trucking and related supply chain services across North America.
According to the complaint, 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 its financial results and growth.
As the suit alleges, the truth began to emerge on February 5, 2026, when Hub Group announced that its financial statements for the first three quarters of 2025 should no longer 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 also estimated that the total reduction to purchased transportation costs and accounts payable related to the issue was $77 million. Following this disclosure, 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.
Then, on May 12, 2026, Hub Group announced that certain transactions had been prematurely or incorrectly recognized or were not adequately supported, causing its 2023 and 2024 annual reports to be materially misstated and should no longer be relied upon. The Company further disclosed that it expected to conclude it had not maintained effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting for 2023 and 2024. 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:
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 20, 2026) - Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized investor-rights law firm, announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Insulet Corporation (NASDAQ: PODD) and certain of its officers.
This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Insulet securities between May 21, 2025 and May 26, 2026, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/PODD.
Insulet Case Details
The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, the Complaint alleges that Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that:
Insulet's manufacturing controls and procedures were defective; 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 as a result, Defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.What's Next for Insulet Investors?
A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: bgandg.com/PODD, or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Client Relations Manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 917-590-0911. If you suffered a loss in Insulet you have until August 31, 2026, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff.
No Cost to Insulet Investors
We, Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman LLC, represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.
Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC for Insulet Securities Class Action?
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide. More at www.bgandg.com
"Our practice centers on restoring investor capital and ensuring corporate accountability, which serves to uphold the essential integrity of the marketplace," said Peretz Bronstein, Founding Partner of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, or Instagram.
Attorney advertising.
Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/303937
Source: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.
NEW YORK, July 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized investor-rights law firm, announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Insulet Corporation (NASDAQ: PODD) and certain of its officers.
This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Insulet securities between May 21, 2025 and May 26, 2026, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm’s site: bgandg.com/PODD.
Insulet Case Details
The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company’s business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, the Complaint alleges that Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that:
(1) Insulet’s manufacturing controls and procedures were defective;
(2) 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
(3) as a result, Defendants’ public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.
What's Next for Insulet Investors?
A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm’s site: bgandg.com/PODD. or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Client Relations Manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 917-590-0911. If you suffered a loss in Insulet you have until August 31, 2026, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff.
No Cost to Insulet Investors
We, Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman LLC, represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys’ fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.
Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC for Insulet Securities Class Action?
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide. More at www.bgandg.com
"Our practice centers on restoring investor capital and ensuring corporate accountability, which serves to uphold the essential integrity of the marketplace," said Peretz Bronstein, Founding Partner of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, or Instagram.
Contact Info
Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or Nathan Miller
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
917-590-0911 | [email protected]
Attorney advertising.
Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Key Takeaways HCA reports Q2 2026 results July 24, with consensus EPS of $7.41 on revenue of $19.92 billion.HCA is expected to see higher admissions and revenue per admission, supporting year-over-year growth.HCA faces pressure from higher expenses, shorter stays and fewer outpatient surgery cases. Hospital operator HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA - Free Report) is set to report second-quarter 2026 results on July 24, 2026, before the opening bell. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the to-be-reported quarter’s earnings is currently pegged at $7.41 per shareon revenues of $19.92 billion.
The second-quarter earnings estimate has witnessed one upward revision against no movement in the opposite direction over the past 30 days. The bottom-line projection indicates year-over-year growth of 8.3%. Also, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for quarterly revenues implies a year-over-year increase of 7.1%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
For 2026, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for HCA Healthcare’s revenues is pegged at $78.57 billion, implying a rise of 3.9% year over year. The consensus mark for 2026 EPS is pegged at $29.87, implying an increase of 5.9% year over year.
HCA Healthcare’s earnings beat estimates in three of the last four quarters and missed once, with the average surprise being 10.6%. This is depicted in the figure below.
Q2 Earnings Whispers for HCAOur proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for the company this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. That’s not the case here.
HCA has an Earnings ESP of +2.41% and a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
What’s Shaping HCA Healthcare’s Q2 Results?The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HCA Healthcare’s second-quarter equivalent admissions indicates 2.2% year-over-year growth, whereas our model estimate suggests a 1.7% jump. The consensus mark for revenue per equivalent admission signals a 2.7% rise from a year ago, while we expect 2.1% growth.
The consensus estimate for occupancy is pegged at 72.8%, up from 72% a year ago. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for equivalent patient days indicates a 1.9% year-over-year increase.
While these factors are likely to have positioned HCA Healthcare for growth from the year-ago quarter, rising expenses, lower average length of stay and outpatient surgery cases make an earnings beat uncertain.
Our model estimate for second-quarter total operating expenses indicates a 4.4% increase from a year ago, due to higher salaries & benefits, supply costs and other operating expenses. We expect supply costs to jump 3.3% in the to-be-reported quarter.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for average length of stay indicates a 0.8% decline from the year-ago period. Moreover, both the consensus estimate and our model estimate for outpatient surgery cases imply a 0.3% fall from a year ago.
Stocks That Warrant a LookWhile an earnings beat looks uncertain for HCA Healthcare, here are some companies from the broader Medical space that you may want to consider, as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this time around:
ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. (PMN - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +13.30% and a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ProMIS’ bottom line for the to-be-reported quarter of a loss of $1.45 indicates 80% year-over-year improvement. It has witnessed one upward revision against no downward movement over the past 60 days.
Alcon Inc. (ALC - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +3.13% and a Zacks Rank of 2.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Alcon’s bottom line for the to-be-reported quarter indicates a 1.3% increase from a year ago. The company’s earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed once, with an average surprise of 3.7%. The consensus estimate for ALC’s revenues is pegged at $2.77 billion, signaling a 7.3% increase.
Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +1.24% and a Zacks Rank of 2.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Cardinal Health’s bottom line for the to-be-reported quarter suggests 16.4% year-over-year growth. Its earnings beat estimates in each of the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 10.3%. CAH’s revenues for the to-be-reported quarter are pegged at $65.61 billion, a 9.1% increase from the year-ago period.
Unum Group's premium growth, technology investments and capital returns support long-term growth, though pricing pressure and higher expenses remain risks.
Getting big returns from financial portfolios, whether through stocks, bonds, ETFs, other securities, or a combination of all, is an investor's dream. However, when you're an income investor, your primary focus is generating consistent cash flow from each of your liquid investments.
Cash flow can come from bond interest, interest from other types of investments, and, of course, dividends. A dividend is that coveted distribution of a company's earnings paid out to shareholders, and investors often view it by its dividend yield, a metric that measures the dividend as a percent of the current stock price. Many academic studies show that dividends account for significant portions of long-term returns, with dividend contributions exceeding one-third of total returns in many cases.
Based in St Louis, Ameren (AEE - Free Report) is in the Utilities sector, and so far this year, shares have seen a price change of 11.71%. The utility is currently shelling out a dividend of $0.75 per share, with a dividend yield of 2.69%. This compares to the Utility - Electric Power industry's yield of 3.06% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.33%.
Looking at dividend growth, the company's current annualized dividend of $3.00 is up 5.6% from last year. Over the last 5 years, Ameren has increased its dividend 5 times on a year-over-year basis for an average annual increase of 7.11%. Looking ahead, future dividend growth will be dependent on earnings growth and payout ratio, which is the proportion of a company's annual earnings per share that it pays out as a dividend. Ameren's current payout ratio is 57%, meaning it paid out 57% of its trailing 12-month EPS as dividend.
AEE is expecting earnings to expand this fiscal year as well. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 is $5.39 per share, representing a year-over-year earnings growth rate of 7.16%.
Investors like dividends for many reasons; they greatly improve stock investing profits, decrease overall portfolio risk, and carry tax advantages, among others. However, not all companies offer a quarterly payout.
Big, established firms that have more secure profits are often seen as the best dividend options, but it's fairly uncommon to see high-growth businesses or tech start-ups offer their stockholders a dividend. Income investors have to be mindful of the fact that high-yielding stocks tend to struggle during periods of rising interest rates. That said, they can take comfort from the fact that AEE is not only an attractive dividend play, but also represents a compelling investment opportunity with a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).
Investors looking for stocks in the Medical - Dental Supplies sector might want to consider either Merit Medical (MMSI - Free Report) or West Pharmaceutical Services (WST - Free Report) . But which of these two stocks is more attractive to value investors? We'll need to take a closer look to find out.
The best way to find great value stocks is to pair a strong Zacks Rank with an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system. The Zacks Rank favors stocks with strong earnings estimate revision trends, and our Style Scores highlight companies with specific traits.
Both Merit Medical and West Pharmaceutical Services have a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) right now. This system places an emphasis on companies that have seen positive earnings estimate revisions, so investors should feel comfortable knowing that these stocks have improving earnings outlooks. But this is only part of the picture for value investors.
Value investors also try to analyze a wide range of traditional figures and metrics to help determine whether a company is undervalued at its current share price levels.
Our Value category grades stocks based on a number of key metrics, including the tried-and-true P/E ratio, the P/S ratio, earnings yield, and cash flow per share, as well as a variety of other fundamentals that value investors frequently use.
MMSI currently has a forward P/E ratio of 18.19, while WST has a forward P/E of 41.65. We also note that MMSI has a PEG ratio of 2.05. This popular figure is similar to the widely-used P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also considers a company's expected EPS growth rate. WST currently has a PEG ratio of 2.90.
Another notable valuation metric for MMSI is its P/B ratio of 2.71. The P/B ratio pits a stock's market value against its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. For comparison, WST has a P/B of 8.46.
Based on these metrics and many more, MMSI holds a Value grade of B, while WST has a Value grade of D.
Both MMSI and WST are impressive stocks with solid earnings outlooks, but based on these valuation figures, we feel that MMSI is the superior value option right now.
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Shares of FuelCell Energy (NASDAQ:FCEL) are up 6% to $19.63 in Monday morning trading, while Bloom Energy (NYSE:BE) shares are down 6% to $202.92. The split reveals a fuel-cell trade that has stopped moving as one.
Peer Plug Power (NASDAQ:PLUG) shares are down 2% to $2.13, still stuck in the low single digits after a punishing multi-year drawdown. Year to date (YTD), Bloom Energy stock is up 133%, FuelCell Energy stock has gained 167%, and Plug Power stock is up by just 7%.
The setup matters because all three names ride the same AI data center power thesis. Today, the market is cheering one and doubting another, and it doesn’t look like a coincidence.
Bloom Energy Slides on TD Cowen Caution Bloom Energy shares are under pressure after TD Cowen reiterated a Hold rating with a $235 price target this morning. The analyst flagged that flagship Oracle (NYSE:ORCL | ORCL Price Prediction) and American Electric Power (NASDAQ:AEP) data center projects face major delays that could pressure 2027 and 2028 estimates.
TD Cowen also called Bloom Energy stock fully valued at a P/E ratio of 514x and a price-to-book ratio of 66. That reset lands on a stock already carrying an overhang from the July 8 Hunterbrook “Bloom’s Big Lie” short report, which alleged hidden China dependence for scandium supply.
Bloom Energy has pushed back hard. The company categorically rejected the allegations as “false and misleading” in an 8-K filing. Management framed the report as an opportunistic attack on a name that has run sharply this year, and the response has been unambiguous in defending the supply chain narrative.
Other desks remain constructive on Bloom Energy stock. Baird kept an Outperform rating with a $310 target, UBS reiterated Buy at $350, and RBC held Outperform at $335. Bloom Energy also recently posted a profitable quarter with $0.23 in earnings per share, but the premium multiple leaves little room for slippage on execution.
FuelCell Energy Extends Rally on AI Power Optimism FuelCell Energy stock’s rally on Monday appears to be a continuation of a bullish backdrop tied to AI data center power demand.
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The setup started with UBS upgrading FuelCell Energy to Buy with a $27 target on July 14, sending shares 12% higher that day. B. Riley had already moved to Buy with a $32 target on June 29. Siemens then signed a collaboration on 100-plus MW fuel-cell systems, and Fit Energy agreed to source up to 380 MW of on-site power for AI data centers.
UBS has framed the Fit Energy agreement as a small-first, scale-later playbook similar to Bloom Energy’s Oracle and AEP pattern. FuelCell Energy remains unprofitable, with trailing EPS of -$6.20 and TTM revenue of $167.87 million, so today’s story is about pipeline conversion rather than earnings power.
Plug Power Lags as the Sector Splits Plug Power shares continue to drift. There’s no near-term catalyst to close the gap with FuelCell Energy and Bloom Energy, and the company remains loss-making with $150 million in Q1 2026 operating cash burn against $223.2 million in unrestricted cash.
Recent asset sales to Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM) affiliate Stream Data Centers have added liquidity but done little for Plug Power stock. The market evidently wants proof of cash generation, not survival milestones, and that gap may continue to weigh on PLUG stock.
What to Watch The narrow, volatile Global X Hydrogen ETF (NASDAQ:HYDR) holds all three names in its top positions, making the ETF a clean read on how the sector prices this divergence. It’s a concentrated, single-theme fund, and the cross-currents inside it can be sharp.
Bloom Energy’s next earnings report is slated July 28, which sets a hard test for the bull thesis after today’s TD Cowen call. Investors can watch for whether FuelCell Energy stock holds above $19 in the coming sessions and whether Bloom Energy stock finds support at $200.
The takeaway is straightforward: the fuel-cell trade is no longer a single bet, and investors should keep their position sizes modest while the market re-prices the winners and doubts the rest.
If You'd Bought Amazon When the Motley Fool Said To…In September 2002, Stock Advisor told subscribers to buy Amazon. In December 2004, Netflix. In April 2005, Nvidia. The newsletter still publishes two new stock picks every month — and over 23 years, has more than quadrupled the S&P 500. Here's how to get this month's picks:
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Key Takeaways Middle East tensions lifted oil prices while AI-led tech weakness dragged broader markets lower. Inverse leveraged ETFs tied to chip and AI stocks dominated the week's top-performing funds. PayPal buyout speculation boosted PYPU, while SpaceX and semiconductor weakness reshaped ETF trends. Wall Street delivered a downbeat performance last week. The S&P 500 Index fell 1.6%, the Dow Jones fell 0.9%, the Nasdaq Composite plunged about 2.9% and the Russell 2000 retreated 0.5% last week.
The renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the tech slump mainly led to the slump. Oil prices jumped last week, with the United States Oil Fund LP (USO - Free Report) gaining 10.7% due to the flare-up in tensions between the United States and Iran.
Hormuz Tensions DeepenPresident Trump announced last week that the United States would reimpose a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and levy a 20% fee on cargo passing through the strategic waterway, escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The blockade was set to begin at 4 P.M. ET on Tuesday, July 14, with U.S. Central Command saying it would enforce restrictions on vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas (read: Leveraged Oil ETFs Likely to Surge as Hormuz Tensions Deepen).
Meanwhile, the U.S. military said a service member was killed after an Iranian attack in northern Iraq on Saturday, a day after an attack on a base in Jordan killed two U.S. soldiers, as quoted on BBC.
Inside the Tech SelloffsInvestors are becoming increasingly cautious about the AI trade as concerns over the sustainability of corporate spending on AI weigh on sentiment. The technology sector, particularly semiconductor stocks, has led the recent market weakness as rising concerns over AI-related capital expenditures and rich valuations dampen investor sentiment.
AI Inflation Fears IntensifyRising expectations that AI could fuel inflation are expected to keep investors on edge. Goldman Sachs cautions that the rapid adoption of AI is likely to fuel inflation globally as supply struggles to keep pace with soaring demand for critical AI components, including memory chips and semiconductors. The United States is likely to be hit the hardest, as quoted on Business Insider.
SK Hynix’s Shares Flat SK Hynix's recent U.S. debut has sparked a wave of new leveraged ETFs likeDirexion Daily SK Hynix Bull 2X ETF (SKHL). However, SK Hynix Inc – ADR (SKHY) shares remained flat (read: Tap SK Hynix's Memory Leadership With These New Leveraged ETFs).
SpaceX NosedivesShares of another recent IPO hot-star,SpaceX (SPCX - Free Report) , also slumped 14% last week. On July 16, SpaceX's Starship rocket triggered a last-second abort before liftoff ???for its 13th flight test from Texas, which wiped off about $100 billion from the company's market ???value, per Reuters, as quoted on Yahoo Finance.
Leveraged ETF Winners Against this backdrop, below we highlight a few winning leveraged ETFs of last week.
Tradr 2X Short SNDK Daily ETF (SNDQ - Free Report) – Up 76.4%
SanDisk (SNDK - Free Report) — the memory and AI-chip manufacturer — has been bogged down (down 25% last week) by a broad semiconductor selloff and general volatility in the NAND memory market. Valuation corrections could be a reason behind the move. As a result, the inverse leveraged ETF on SNDK surged last week.
Tradr 2X Short CBRS Daily ETF (CBRZ - Free Report) – Up 48.0%
The AI infrastructure companyCerebras Systems (CBRS - Free Report) shares were hit hard last week, having lost about 16.6%. We can see that it is another tech selloff candidate, which is why its inverse leveraged ETF jumped last week.
PayPal Holdings (PYPL - Free Report) shares advanced 20.4% last week amid buyout talks. Stripe and private equity firm Advent International have reportedly jointly offered to acquire PayPal Holdings in a deal valued at more than $53 billion, according to Reuters, as quoted on Yahoo Finance. The proposal marks one of the biggest potential transactions in the digital payments industry in recent years (read: Stripe, Advent to Buy PayPal in a $53B Deal? ETFs in Focus).
Defiance Daily Target 2x Short IONQ ETF (IONZ - Free Report) – Up 44.8%
IONQ Inc (IONQ) shares lost 17.3% last week as options markets turned cautious on the quantum-computing specialist. Trading data showed unusually heavy options activity, with put contracts outpacing calls and the put/call ratio rising well above typical levels, as quoted on Tip Ranks. Investors reassessed the broader quantum computing theme, where earlier hype is increasingly being tested against slow, real-world commercialization.
Tradr 2X Short IREN Daily ETF (IREZ - Free Report) – Up 44.6%
IREN Ltd. (IREN - Free Report) , which operates renewable-powered data centers for Bitcoin mining and AI cloud computing, fell 16.8% amid the broader selloff in AI and technology stocks. The weakness translated into strong gains for its double-leveraged inverse ETF.
Whether it's through stocks, bonds, ETFs, or other types of securities, all investors love seeing their portfolios score big returns. But when you're an income investor, your primary focus is generating consistent cash flow from each of your liquid investments.
While cash flow can come from bond interest or interest from other types of investments, income investors hone in on dividends. A dividend is the distribution of a company's earnings paid out to shareholders; it's often viewed by its dividend yield, a metric that measures a dividend as a percent of the current stock price. Many academic studies show that dividends account for significant portions of long-term returns, with dividend contributions exceeding one-third of total returns in many cases.
Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB - Free Report) is headquartered in Cincinnati, and is in the Finance sector. The stock has seen a price change of 23.93% since the start of the year. Currently paying a dividend of $0.40 per share, the company has a dividend yield of 2.76%. In comparison, the Banks - Major Regional industry's yield is 2.74%, while the S&P 500's yield is 1.33%.
Looking at dividend growth, the company's current annualized dividend of $1.60 is up 3.9% from last year. Over the last 5 years, Fifth Third Bancorp has increased its dividend 4 times on a year-over-year basis for an average annual increase of 7.84%. Looking ahead, future dividend growth will be dependent on earnings growth and payout ratio, which is the proportion of a company's annual earnings per share that it pays out as a dividend. Fifth Third Bancorp's current payout ratio is 41%, meaning it paid out 41% of its trailing 12-month EPS as dividend.
Looking at this fiscal year, FITB expects solid earnings growth. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 is $4.12 per share, with earnings expected to increase 13.50% from the year ago period.
Investors like dividends for a variety of different reasons, from tax advantages and decreasing overall portfolio risk to considerably improving stock investing profits. It's important to keep in mind that not all companies provide a quarterly payout.
High-growth firms or tech start-ups, for example, rarely provide their shareholders a dividend, while larger, more established companies that have more secure profits are often seen as the best dividend options. Income investors have to be mindful of the fact that high-yielding stocks tend to struggle during periods of rising interest rates. With that in mind, FITB is a compelling investment opportunity. Not only is it a strong dividend play, but the stock currently sits at a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
July 20, 2026 12:04 ET | Source: EverCommerce Inc.
DENVER, July 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EverCommerce Inc. (NASDAQ: EVCM), a leading AI-powered platform helping service SMBs run smarter and grow faster, will report its second quarter 2026 financial results after the U.S. financial markets close on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
Management will host a conference call on Wednesday, August 5 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time / 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time to discuss the Company’s financial results and provide a business update. Please visit the “Investor Relations” page of the Company’s website (https://investors.evercommerce.com/) for both telephonic and webcast access to this call; a replay will be archived on the website as well.
About EverCommerce
EverCommerce (Nasdaq: EVCM) is an AI-powered platform for the service economy, enabling more than 745,000 SMB customers worldwide with software that helps them schedule and manage work, communicate with customers and patients, bill and get paid, and build lasting customer relationships. With its EverPro, EverHealth, and EverWell brands specializing in the Home, Health, and Wellness service industries, EverCommerce delivers AI driven workflows that matter most so service professionals can spend more time delivering great outcomes and less time on administrative work. Learn more at EverCommerce.com.
Investor Contact:
Ryan Siurek
Chief Financial Officer
720-407-2888 [email protected]
The three major U.S. stock indexes moved in different directions Monday morning as investors weighed competing forces. There's renewed optimism in artificial intelligence infrastructure against persistent concerns about Middle East oil disruptions. Meanwhile, Wall Street faces a heavy week of corporate earnings.
By 11:34 a.m. ET, the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC +0.33%) index had climbed 0.5%, the S&P 500 (^GSPC +0.12%) was up 0.3%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI 0.43%) moved 0.3% lower. All three indexes opened modestly higher, and the Nasdaq briefly flirted with a 1% pop around 9:50 a.m. Then the early enthusiasm faded, and the Dow crossed into negative territory before 10:00 a.m.
^IXIC data by YCharts
The AI boom roars back to life Alphabet (GOOG +2.03%) (GOOGL +1.91%) emerged as the session's primary catalyst. The Google parent jumped 3% after The Information reported that Google is cooking up a new chip called "Frozen v2." The hardware will reportedly run Google's Gemini AI models six to ten times more efficiently than current silicon. Alphabet added 61 points to the Dow and topped the leaderboard across all three key indexes.
The semiconductor sector rallied broadly on the news. Micron Technology (MU +4.35%) surged 4.2%, the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX +1.68%) gained 2.1%, Nvidia (NVDA +0.73%) added 1.5%, and Broadcom (AVGO +2.89%) rose 2.8%. Some of them have a hand in Alphabet's chip designs, while others are direct rivals. Either way, investors applauded fresh signs of innovation in the chip sector.
After today's gains, SOXX has still cratered 19% from its June high. Monday felt less like a victory lap and more like a pressure release valve finally popping. Mind you, longtime investors are still doing fine. Micron's stock is up 681% in 52 weeks. SOXX more than doubled with a 117% gain.
Image source: Getty Images.
Not everyone got an invitation to Monday's party. Apple (AAPL 2.75%) dropped 2.4%, which is awkward timing given all the positive buzz around its AI rollout in China. Sometimes stocks just need to catch their breath after a big run; Apple gained 5% last week.
Meanwhile, Caterpillar (CAT 1.45%) fell 1.2%. Because the Dow is price-weighted and Caterpillar's shares trade near $870, that decline alone erased about 62 points from the index, essentially erasing Alphabet's positive contribution. Caterpillar's stock accounts for roughly 10% of the Dow's entire value nowadays. Maybe it's time for a stock split.
Overseas, the U.S. military conducted its ninth consecutive night of strikes against Iran. Brent crude oil briefly punched above $90 per barrel before retreating on hints that Tehran might be open to negotiations. Gasoline prices have climbed back to $4 per gallon nationally. Oil refiners Marathon Petroleum (MPC +1.85%) and Valero (VLO +1.90%) are two of the five largest gainers on the S&P 500 over the last month.
Index
NASDAQ Composite IndexToday's Change
(
0.33
%)
+
84.28
Index Level
25,604.52
Buckle up for earnings season Monday's session sets the stage for one of the busiest earnings weeks of the quarter. Alphabet and Tesla (TSLA 2.38%) report on Wednesday, followed by Intel (INTC +3.59%) later in the week. More than 300 companies are releasing results before the weekend. Investors are hungry for clarity on AI spending. For better or worse, they're going to get a buffet of data points.
None of this changes the long game. Sector rotation and volatility are part of the deal. The question isn't whether AI stocks will bounce; it's whether the companies behind them can prove the spending is worth it. This week's earnings should offer some answers.
Anders Bylund has positions in Alphabet, Intel, Micron Technology, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Apple, Broadcom, Caterpillar, Intel, Micron Technology, Nvidia, Tesla, and iShares Trust-iShares Semiconductor ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
• Truist Financial shares are under pressure. Why is TFC stock retreating?
Truist Financial’s diversified business model and strongly positioned franchises helped the company deliver strong quarterly results, according to RBC Capital Markets.
The Truist Financial Analyst: Analyst Gerard Cassidy maintained an Outperform rating and price target of $53.
The Truist Financial Thesis: While the company’s fee income inflected in the quarter, net interest margin (NIM) contracted, Cassidy said in the note.
Check out other analyst stock ratings.
He highlighted the following from Truist Financial’s results:
Non-interest income (NII) grew 5.9% sequentially and 17% year-on-year to $1.644 billion. NII was the primary driver of revenue growth in the quarter. NIM taxable equivalent (TE) contacted 4 basis points (bps) sequentially to 2.98%, the lowest in recent quarters, "pressured by slightly higher funding costs, lower loan spreads, and a larger balance sheet." "YoY fee growth of 17% demonstrates the growing contribution of its wholesale banking franchise and higher AUM (Assets Under Management)," the analyst wrote.
With improving credit quality, provision declined sharply from $479 million to $395 million, he added.
Truist Financial returned $1.8 billion to shareholders during the quarter, with dividends of $600 million and share buybacks of $1.2 billion, Cassidy noted. Management reaffirmed a share buyback target of around $5 billion for 2026, versus $2.5 billion in 2025, "signaling strong conviction in ongoing capital generation," he further wrote.
Outlook: Management lowered the full-year 2026 NII guidance to 1%-1.5%, from their prior projection of 2%-3%, "citing portfolio optimization of less strategic lending books, lower loan spreads, less favorable deposit mix, and an updated forward curve," Cassidy noted.
TFC Price Action: Shares of Truist Financial had declined by 2.27% to $51.31 at the time of publication on Monday.
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Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC | WFC Price Prediction) just delivered a striking pair of price target hikes on cybersecurity leaders Okta (NASDAQ:OKTA) and Fortinet (NASDAQ:FTNT). The firm raised its Okta stock price target to $150 from $100 while keeping an Equal Weight rating, and lifted its Fortinet stock price target to $120 from $70 while keeping an Underweight rating. For investors, the size of these hikes matters more than the unchanged ratings: they mark a sector-wide re-rating rather than a green light to pile in.
The move lands as cybersecurity demand accelerates on the back of AI-driven threat proliferation and enterprise platform consolidation. Both Okta and Fortinet have posted five consecutive quarterly EPS beats, and management teams at each are pitching their platforms as essential infrastructure for securing AI agents and hybrid workloads.
Still, Wells Fargo kept Okta stock at Equal Weight and Fortinet stock at Underweight, signaling that valuation, not fundamentals, is the constraint. That gap between raised targets and cautious ratings is what investors need to weigh before adding exposure here.
Ticker Company Firm Action Old Rating New Rating Old Target New Target OKTA Okta Wells Fargo Price Target Raise Equal Weight Equal Weight $100 $150 FTNT Fortinet Wells Fargo Price Target Raise Underweight Underweight $70 $120 The Analyst’s Case Wells Fargo’s rationale is identical for both names. Supplementing 14 field checks over the past month, the firm’s Q2 on-cycle reseller survey pointed to improving overall cyber demand driven by AI-related urgency. That’s a demand-side signal, and it’s why targets moved sharply higher on Okta stock and Fortinet stock.
Yet, the ratings didn’t budge. Equal Weight on Okta and Underweight on Fortinet suggest Wells Fargo sees prices catching up to fundamentals rather than fundamentals justifying a bullish stance.
Earnings Snapshots: Okta and Fortinet Okta is the leading independent identity platform. In Q1 FY2027, Okta posted revenue of $765 million, up 11.2% year over year (YoY), with non-GAAP EPS of $0.91 and free cash flow of $271 million. Management is now positioning identity as the control plane for AI agents inside the enterprise.
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Meanwhile, Fortinet is the firewall market leader. In Q1 FY26, Fortinet delivered revenue of $1.85 billion, up 20.1% YoY, non-GAAP EPS of $0.82, and a record $1.01 billion in free cash flow, supported by a hardware refresh cycle and the FortiOS 8.0 launch.
Why the Move Matters Now The valuation backdrop is rich. Per Yahoo Finance as of July 20, Okta shares are up 76% year to date (YTD) with a TTM P/E ratio of 111x, while Fortinet shares are up 105% YTD with a TTM P/E ratio of 63x. The cybersecurity-sector peers look similar: Palo Alto Networks stock is up 95% YTD with a TTM P/E ratio of 312x, and CrowdStrike stock is up 75% YTD with TTM EPS of -$0.02, so no trailing P/E ratio applies.
Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:PANW) and CrowdStrike (NASDAQ:CRWD) are riding the same AI-driven demand wave, and both have shown accelerating platform consolidation among enterprise customers. That’s the sector thesis Wells Fargo is validating.
What It Means for Your Portfolio These are fully valued names. The Wells Fargo price target raises on Okta and Fortinet stock reflect sector momentum, and investors can approach these names with restraint. Thus, it makes sense to keep one’s position sizes modest.
For diversified exposure, the First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (NASDAQ:CIBR) holds all four names, with PANW at 8.46%, CRWD at 8.25%, FTNT at 7.4%, and OKTA at 2.7% of net assets. It isn’t leveraged, but single-sector concentration risk is real. All in all, position sizing is just as important as diversification in this fast-moving market sector.
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With over four years of experience in covering and tracking the financial markets, Sneha Agrawal is a dedicated Crypto Journalist and Editor with passion for researching and writing the crypto pieces. She is currently leading the Block of Fame, here at CoinGape. She likes to keep track of political, legal and financial happenings all around the world - without which she deems her day incomplete. Apart from her Journalistic endeavours, she is a solo traveler, museum goer, and a keen reader of books.
Analysts at Bernstein have raised their price target on Robinhood Markets, based on their investment thesis that the online brokerage’s next phase of growth will be driven by tokenized equities and prediction markets rather than traditional crypto trading.
In a Monday research note, Bernstein raised its price target on Robinhood (HOOD) stock to $160 from $130 per share and maintained its Outperform rating. HOOD stock was last seen trading around $101.
The analysts said prediction markets are poised to become Robinhood’s fastest-growing business, forecasting segment revenue to reach $1.7 billion by 2028, representing a 64% compound annual growth rate.
Beyond prediction markets, Bernstein identified tokenized equities as a major long-term opportunity, pointing to Robinhood’s investment in blockchain infrastructure. The firm highlighted Robinhood Chain, the company’s Arbitrum-based layer-2 network, as its proprietary infrastructure for tokenized real-world assets, enabling the platform to build on-chain financial products without relying on third-party blockchains.
Bernstein said that tokenization is emerging as a foundational layer for capital markets, projecting that the value of onchain real-world assets will grow to between $2 trillion and $4 trillion by 2030 from roughly $35 billion today. The analysts expect tokenized equities to account for an increasing share of that growth as adoption expands beyond Treasury securities and private credit.
Robinhood is competing across key “battleground” asset classes, including prediction markets, perpetual futures and tokenized RWAs. Source: Bernstein
Wall Street expands tokenization infrastructureThe Bernstein report comes as financial institutions continue to expand infrastructure for tokenized securities.
On Monday, brokerage infrastructure provider Alpaca and financial technology company Broadridge Financial Solutions announced they had integrated Broadridge’s shareholder governance tools into Alpaca’s Instant Tokenization Network. The integration adds capabilities such as proxy voting, investor communications and regulatory disclosures for tokenized securities, aiming to give token holders governance rights comparable to those of traditional shareholders.
The announcement follows last week’s partnership between tokenization platform Securitize and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald to develop infrastructure for blockchain-based initial public offerings and follow-on equity offerings within existing US securities regulations.
The institutional push comes as tokenized stocks continue to gain traction. The asset class has grown to nearly $2 billion in market value this year, according to RWA.xyz.
Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently.
Investors with an interest in Computer - Software stocks have likely encountered both Progress Software (PRGS) and Cadence Design Systems (CDNS). But which of these two stocks presents investors with the better value opportunity right now?
Strategic Thermal Labs delivers advanced liquid cooling and thermal engineering solutions for high-performance computing
, /PRNewswire/ -- Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL), a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm, is pleased to announce the sale of Strategic Thermal Labs (STL), a specialist in advanced liquid-cooling technologies, to a wholly owned subsidiary of Vertiv Holdings Co. (NYSE: VRT), a global leader in critical digital infrastructure.
Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL), a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm, is pleased to announce the sale of Strategic Thermal Labs (STL), a specialist in advanced liquid-cooling technologies, to a wholly owned subsidiary of Vertiv Holdings Co. (NYSE: VRT), a global leader in critical digital infrastructure. BGL's Digital Infrastructure investment banking team served as the exclusive financial advisor to Strategic Thermal Labs. Learn more here: https://www.bglco.com/industry-coverage/infrastructure-investment-banking/digital-infrastructure-investment-banking/
Headquartered in Georgetown, Texas, STL is a thermal engineering firm specializing in direct-to-chip liquid cooling, including the design and development of high-performance cold plate solutions. The company provides deep expertise and proven capability in addressing some of the industry's most demanding chip-level density and thermal challenges across data centers, high-performance computing, and AI-driven infrastructure.
Headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, Vertiv provides power, cooling, and IT infrastructure solutions and services that support critical applications across data centers, communication networks, and commercial and industrial environments.
Transaction Details
The acquisition extends Vertiv's thermal-chain strategy by strengthening engineering capability at the interface between server-side liquid cooling and supporting infrastructure—an increasingly critical factor in high-density, liquid-cooled environments supporting AI and high-performance computing workloads. The addition of Strategic Thermal Labs supports Vertiv's broader strategy of helping customers address increasing infrastructure complexity through integrated power, thermal, controls, and lifecycle services capabilities. Strategic Thermal Labs adds proven cold-plate design, server-side liquid cooling, and high-density thermal validation expertise and engineering capability that is expected to strengthen Vertiv's ability to simulate and emulate real high-density compute conditions, optimize the interaction between the thermal chain and power train, and support customers across design, integration, commissioning, and lifecycle operations. About BGL's Digital Infrastructure Investment Banking Team
BGL's Digital Infrastructure investment banking team helps clients both create and maximize value across various sectors, including broadband, wireless, data centers & managed services, towers & wireless infrastructure, and digital infrastructure services.
To learn more about BGL's recent transactions in digital infrastructure investment, visit our Transaction page.
About Brown Gibbons Lang & Company
Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL) is a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm focused on the global middle market. The firm advises private and public corporations and private equity groups on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, financial restructurings, business valuations and opinions, and other strategic matters. BGL has offices in Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles, and New York. The firm is also a founding member of REACH Cross-Border Mergers & Acquisitions, enabling BGL to service clients in 30 countries around the world. Securities transactions are conducted through Brown, Gibbons, Lang & Company Securities, LLC, an affiliate of Brown Gibbons Lang & Company LLC and a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. For more information, please visit www.bglco.com.
On a recent Mad Money segment, a caller who identified herself as Sunshine from Florida asked Jim Cramer about Vertiv (NYSE:VRT | VRT Price Prediction). Her framing: “Vertiv took a bigger hit today than my air conditioner does in a Florida summer.“ The stock is down 11.88% in the past month, and she was wondering whether she should buy the dip.
Jim Cramer’s answer was to wait. He acknowledged that Vertiv’s fundamentals remained intact, but sellers might still have more to unload.
“You’ll Get a Better Price”: Why Cramer Says to Wait Before Buying the Dip Cramer’s read on the tape: “Vertiv is in speculative hands right now. The speculative hands are being margined out.” His follow-up was equally direct: “They’re going to get rid of them, and you’ll get a better price if you want to buy.“ On timing, he suggested the bottom was close but not in, telling the caller, “We’re not far from it, but we’re not there yet.”
Vertiv opened the week on July 20, 2026, at $289.56, a 9.19% decline over the prior five sessions and roughly 8.82% below its June 17 level. Year to date, the stock is still up 78.81%, and one-year performance sits at 121.07%. The stock’s pullback after a parabolic run might be causing levered longs to sell into weakness regardless of the story.
Vertiv’s Business Is Booming Even as the Stock Drops Vertiv’s most recent numbers look strong. First-quarter 2026 results, reported April 22, 2026, delivered adjusted diluted EPS of $1.17 against a $1.01 consensus on revenue of $2.649 billion, up 30.1% year over year. Adjusted operating margin expanded 430 basis points to 20.8%, and operating cash flow soared 152.82%. Management raised full-year 2026 guidance to $13.50B to $14.00B in net sales and $6.30 to $6.40 in adjusted EPS. Americas revenue was $1.814 billion at 53.1% growth, offset by EMEA down 20.3%.
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The Q4 2025 backlog stood at $15.0 billion, up 109% year over year, with a book-to-bill near 2.9x. Vertiv was added to the S&P 500 in March 2026 and picked up inaugural investment-grade ratings from Moody’s (Baa3) and S&P (BBB-). CEO Giordano Albertazzi framed the setup: “As infrastructure density increases and deployment timelines compress, we’re positioned to be the partner customers need to bring their most ambitious projects to life, at scale.“
Cramer Sees the Same Forced Selling Hammering Microchip Cramer extended the same “wait out the forced sellers” diagnosis in the segment to Microchip Technology (NASDAQ:MCHP), arguing margin unwinds were distorting prices across semis and data center infrastructure names alike.
Microchip opened July 20 at $80.96, down 8.61% on the week and 13.97% over one month, even as the operational turnaround under CEO Steve Sanghi keeps producing. Q4 fiscal 2026 revenue was $1.311 billion, up 35.1% year over year; non-GAAP EPS came in at $0.57, and June-quarter guidance calls for $1.442 billion to $1.469 billion in sales with distributor inventory now at 26 days.
What to Watch Next Cramer’s message is simple: Vertiv’s decline may reflect forced selling rather than weakness in the underlying business. The company reports Q2 earnings next, with guidance calling for $3.25 billion to $3.45 billion in sales and adjusted EPS of $1.37 to $1.43. Investors should watch whether the selling pressure fades and whether Vertiv reports improving conditions in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
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Investors looking for stocks in the Chemical - Diversified sector might want to consider either Innospec (IOSP) or Air Liquide (AIQUY). But which of these two stocks presents investors with the better value opportunity right now?
The technology sector is gaining momentum from the ongoing wave of digital transformation, driven by the rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Technology companies have been spending heavily on AI as demand expands beyond model training into inference, agentic AI and eventually physical AI, creating sustained demand for advanced semiconductors. Rather than being concentrated in a single chip category, AI is increasing investments across leading-edge logic, DRAM, NAND, High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM) and advanced packaging. Demand is being fueled by hyperscaler investments and enterprise AI adoption.
Simultaneously, as enterprises build AI applications, demand for platforms that simplify AI development, testing and deployment has been increasing. Enterprises are investing heavily in organizing, governing and preparing data and demand for enterprise automation software has been on the rise. AI workloads consume significantly more compute resources than traditional applications, making cloud observability and monitoring applications more in demand. AI expands the attack surface while enabling attackers to discover vulnerabilities faster, thereby driving cybersecurity spending.
These factors bode well for technology stocks, a number of which are set to report quarterly results over the next couple of weeks. We pick four technology stocks — Alphabet (GOOGL - Free Report) , Texas Instruments (TXN - Free Report) , Amphenol (APH - Free Report) and Lam Research (LRCX - Free Report) — well-poised to beat earnings estimates this season.
Technology Stocks Riding on AI Boom, InvestmentsAI demand is escalating, and that has increased the need for AI infrastructure capacity expansion, including AI-optimized IaaS, AI-optimized servers, AI network fabric, AI processing semiconductors and devices. Per Gartner, global AI spending is expected to hit $2.59 trillion in 2026, indicating 47% growth over 2025.
Massive investment in chips, particularly graphics processing units (GPUs), and customized accelerators is driving demand for semiconductors. Demand for advanced process technologies (3 nm and 5 nm) is increasing. Per the Semiconductor Industry Association data, semiconductor sales in April 2026 were $110.5 billion, up 93.9% year over year and 11% month over month. In May, sales were $120.6 billion, up 9.2% month over month and 104.1% year over year.
How to Pick Earnings Estimates Beating Stocks?Finding technology stocks with the potential to beat earnings estimates can be daunting. Our proprietary methodology, however, makes it fairly simple.
You could narrow down the list of choices by looking at stocks that have the combination of a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) and a positive Earnings ESP. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Earnings ESP is our proprietary methodology for determining stocks that have the best chances to surprise with their next earnings announcement. It is the percentage difference between the Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
Our research shows that for stocks with this combination of ingredients, the odds of a positive earnings surprise are as high as 70%.
Top BetsAlphabet currently has an Earnings ESP of +1.92% and a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Alphabet’s second-quarter results are expected to have benefited from sustained momentum in Google Search. AI Overviews and AI Mode have been increasing user engagement and pushing search queries to record levels, while Gemini is improving Google’s understanding of longer and more complex queries. This should have supported paid-click growth, ad relevance and advertiser returns. The continued adoption of AI Max and Performance Max could also have lifted advertising demand as businesses use generative AI for targeting, creative development and bidding.
Google Cloud is likely to have remained the fastest-growing part of Alphabet’s business. YouTube should have provided another growth catalyst, supported by direct-response advertising, connected-TV viewing, Shorts monetization and improving brand demand.
The company is scheduled to report second-quarter 2026 results on July 22. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings has increased by a penny to $2.87 per share over the past month and suggests 24.24% growth over the figure reported in the year-ago quarter.
Texas Instruments is scheduled to report its second-quarter 2026 results on July 22. The company has an Earnings ESP of +2.16% and a Zacks Rank #1.
Texas Instruments’ second-quarter performance is likely to have benefited from strong demand for its analog and embedded chips. The company’s analog business remains the largest contributor, which is showing renewed strength supported by improving industrial demand, stronger data center investments and stable automotive sales.
Texas Instruments is benefiting from rising demand for power-management chips used in AI-driven data center infrastructure. Gradually improving end-market demand and easing customer inventory adjustments are likely to have aided growth in the embedded processing business during the second quarter.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings has increased by a penny to $1.91 per share over the past month and suggests 35.46% growth over the figure reported in the year-ago quarter.
Amphenol has an Earnings ESP of +1.12% and currently sports a Zacks Rank #1.
The company is expected to have benefited from continued AI data center spending. AI-related products were the primary contributor to sequential organic growth in the first quarter of 2026, and demand remains robust. Amphenol expects another sequential increase in IT datacom revenues, driven by AI infrastructure investments.
In the first quarter of 2026, quarterly orders of $9.4 billion produced a 1.24X book-to-bill, with every end market posting a book-to-bill above one, providing strong visibility into future shipments. The acquisition of CommScope broadens Amphenol's high-speed copper, fiber optic and power interconnect offerings, strengthening its position in AI data centers and communications infrastructure. APH expects high-single-digit sequential growth in industrial and defense markets, supported by automation, building connectivity and rising defense spending.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings has increased 3 cents to $1.19 per share over the past month. The company is scheduled to report second-quarter 2026 results on July 29.
Lam Research is set to report fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 results on July 29. The company has an Earnings ESP of +1.38% and a Zacks Rank #1.
Lam Research is expected to have benefited from AI-driven wafer fab equipment (WFE) spending in the to be reported quarter. LRCX expects AI to continue driving demand across leading-edge logic, DRAM, NAND and advanced packaging, with WFE demand remaining supply-constrained by clean-room availability rather than end demand. Increasing adoption of Gate-All-Around, backside power, HBM, 3D DRAM and advanced packaging is expanding Lam Research’s served market and boosting equipment intensity. These factors are expected to have benefited LRCX’s fiscal fourth quarter results.
The consensus estimate for LRCX’s earnings has increased by a penny to $1.69 per share over the past 30 days and indicates 27.07% growth over the figure reported in the year-ago quarter.
Investors interested in stocks from the Diversified Operations sector have probably already heard of Grupo Cibest (CIB - Free Report) and ITT (ITT - Free Report) . But which of these two stocks is more attractive to value investors? We'll need to take a closer look to find out.
The best way to find great value stocks is to pair a strong Zacks Rank with an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system. The proven Zacks Rank puts an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions, while our Style Scores work to identify stocks with specific traits.
Right now, Grupo Cibest is sporting a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy), while ITT has a Zacks Rank of #4 (Sell). This system places an emphasis on companies that have seen positive earnings estimate revisions, so investors should feel comfortable knowing that CIB is likely seeing its earnings outlook improve to a greater extent. But this is only part of the picture for value investors.
Value investors also try to analyze a wide range of traditional figures and metrics to help determine whether a company is undervalued at its current share price levels.
The Style Score Value grade factors in a variety of key fundamental metrics, including the popular P/E ratio, P/S ratio, earnings yield, cash flow per share, and a number of other key stats that are commonly used by value investors.
CIB currently has a forward P/E ratio of 9.07, while ITT has a forward P/E of 24.34. We also note that CIB has a PEG ratio of 0.92. This popular metric is similar to the widely-known P/E ratio, with the difference being that the PEG ratio also takes into account the company's expected earnings growth rate. ITT currently has a PEG ratio of 1.81.
Another notable valuation metric for CIB is its P/B ratio of 1.69. Investors use the P/B ratio to look at a stock's market value versus its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. By comparison, ITT has a P/B of 3.63.
These metrics, and several others, help CIB earn a Value grade of A, while ITT has been given a Value grade of D.
CIB stands above ITT thanks to its solid earnings outlook, and based on these valuation figures, we also feel that CIB is the superior value option right now.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Old Republic International Corporation (NYSE: ORI) – today announced a national partnership with Hope For The Warriors® (HOPE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans, service members, military families, and caregivers. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening communities by supporting those who have served our country and the families who serve alongside them.
Through a personalized, whole-person approach where HOPE recognizes the uniqueness of every military family's journey, the organization provides practical programs and accessible resources that address a range of needs, including career transitions, financial wellbeing, mental health, and community connection. By meeting people where they are, HOPE helps veterans, service members, military families, and caregivers navigate the challenges and opportunities they encounter during and beyond military service.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, HOPE continues to expand its impact. Since its founding, the organization has served more than 203,000 individuals, including more than 49,000 in 2025 alone. That sustained growth reflects the organization's ability to evolve alongside the changing needs of the military community over the past two decades.
"We are proud to support HOPE and the meaningful work they do making a difference in the lives of those who have made sacrifices for our country," said Craig R. Smiddy, Old Republic's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Their commitment to uplifting members of the military community reflects values we deeply share – integrity, resilience, and a long-term commitment to helping individuals thrive."
"We are honored to partner with Old Republic as a company that shares HOPE's commitment to strengthening the lives of veterans, service members and their families," said Robin Kelleher, Hope For The Warriors co-founder and CEO. "We're excited for this partnership to remind the nation of the service and sacrifice put forth by military families and showcase how HOPE's programs and resources empower members of the military community to build resilience and find connections."
Together, Old Republic and HOPE look forward to expanding this partnership nationwide, ensuring more veterans, service members, military families, and caregivers have access to trusted programs and resources that empower them to move forward with confidence and build the futures they envision.
About Old Republic
Old Republic is a leading specialty insurer that operates diverse property & casualty and title insurance companies. Founded in 1923 and a member of the Fortune 500®, we are a leader in underwriting and risk management services for business partners across the United States and Canada. Our specialized operating companies offer significant expertise in their fields, enabling us to provide tailored solutions that set us apart. For more information, please visit www.oldrepublic.com.
About Hope For The Warriors
Hope For The Warriors (HOPE) is a national leader driving transformative change for the post-9/11 U.S. military community (including veterans and active-duty service members as well as military caregivers, spouses and family members, and families of the fallen). At HOPE, our mission is to deliver unparalleled services that uplift individuals and their families as they navigate the complexities of military life. We are committed to fostering resilience and a sense of purpose, ensuring that those who have served our nation will thrive. Together, we forge a strong community that champions courage, commitment, and grit. To learn more or support our mission, visit hopeforthewarriors.org.
At Old Republic:
At Financial Relations Board:
Craig R. Smiddy: President and Chief Executive Officer
Have you been searching for a stock that might be well-positioned to maintain its earnings-beat streak in its upcoming report? It is worth considering Arista Networks (ANET - Free Report) , which belongs to the Zacks Internet - Software industry.
This cloud networking company has an established record of topping earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The company boasts an average surprise for the past two quarters of 8.37%.
For the most recent quarter, Arista Networks was expected to post earnings of $0.81 per share, but it reported $0.87 per share instead, representing a surprise of 7.41%. For the previous quarter, the consensus estimate was $0.75 per share, while it actually produced $0.82 per share, a surprise of 9.33%.
Price and EPS Surprise
With this earnings history in mind, recent estimates have been moving higher for Arista Networks. In fact, the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) for the company is positive, which is a great sign of an earnings beat, especially when you combine this metric with its nice Zacks Rank.
Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven.
The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.
Arista Networks has an Earnings ESP of +0.84% at the moment, suggesting that analysts have grown bullish on its near-term earnings potential. When you combine this positive Earnings ESP with the stock's Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), it shows that another beat is possibly around the corner. The company's next earnings report is expected to be released on August 4, 2026.
Investors should note, however, that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss, but a negative value does reduce the predictive power of this metric.
Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, but that may not be the sole basis for their stocks moving higher. On the other hand, some stocks may hold their ground even if they end up missing the consensus estimate.
Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.
Investors looking for stocks in the Beverages - Soft drinks sector might want to consider either Fomento Economico (FMX - Free Report) or Coca-Cola European (CCEP - Free Report) . But which of these two stocks is more attractive to value investors? We'll need to take a closer look to find out.
The best way to find great value stocks is to pair a strong Zacks Rank with an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system. The proven Zacks Rank emphasizes companies with positive estimate revision trends, and our Style Scores highlight stocks with specific traits.
Fomento Economico and Coca-Cola European are sporting Zacks Ranks of #1 (Strong Buy) and #4 (Sell), respectively, right now. This system places an emphasis on companies that have seen positive earnings estimate revisions, so investors should feel comfortable knowing that FMX is likely seeing its earnings outlook improve to a greater extent. But this is just one factor that value investors are interested in.
Value investors also try to analyze a wide range of traditional figures and metrics to help determine whether a company is undervalued at its current share price levels.
Our Value category grades stocks based on a number of key metrics, including the tried-and-true P/E ratio, the P/S ratio, earnings yield, and cash flow per share, as well as a variety of other fundamentals that value investors frequently use.
FMX currently has a forward P/E ratio of 20.84, while CCEP has a forward P/E of 21.21. We also note that FMX has a PEG ratio of 0.70. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock's expected earnings growth rate. CCEP currently has a PEG ratio of 2.41.
Another notable valuation metric for FMX is its P/B ratio of 2.66. The P/B ratio pits a stock's market value against its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. For comparison, CCEP has a P/B of 5.16.
These are just a few of the metrics contributing to FMX's Value grade of B and CCEP's Value grade of D.
FMX sticks out from CCEP in both our Zacks Rank and Style Scores models, so value investors will likely feel that FMX is the better option right now.
Investors might want to bet on Mettler-Toledo (MTD - Free Report) , as it has been recently upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). This rating change essentially reflects an upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.
The sole determinant of the Zacks rating is a company's changing earnings picture. The Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years is tracked by the system.
Since a changing earnings picture is a powerful factor influencing near-term stock price movements, the Zacks rating system is very useful for individual investors. They may find it difficult to make decisions based on rating upgrades by Wall Street analysts, as these are mostly driven by subjective factors that are hard to see and measure in real time.
As such, the Zacks rating upgrade for Mettler-Toledo is essentially a positive comment on its earnings outlook that could have a favorable impact on 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 Mettler-Toledo 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 Mettler-ToledoFor the fiscal year ending December 2026, this maker of precision instruments is expected to earn $46.63 per share, which is unchanged compared with the year-ago reported number.
Analysts have been steadily raising their estimates for Mettler-Toledo. Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company has increased 0.3%.
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 Mettler-Toledo 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.
OSHKOSH, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company and an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., today announced Epic Flight Academy as the launch customer for the Pipistrel Voyager during Textron Aviation's press conference at EAA AirVenture 2026. The company has signed a purchase agreement for up to 50 Voyager aircraft, with an order for 10 initial deliveries beginning in 2027, and options for up to 20 additional aircraft in 2028 and 20 in 2029, supporting the continue.
[url="]Pipistrel[/url], a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company and an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., today announced [url="]Epic Flight Academy[/url] as the l
Whenever I try to picture where the biggest long-term gains might come from, my mind does not land on a flashy artificial intelligence (AI) chip or a rocket company. It lands on a drive-thru coffee stand that much of the country has never visited.
I remember the first time I visited Dutch Bros (NYSE: BROS). Today the company has around 1,200 shops, mostly in the western United States, and I think the next decade could see it become a household name from coast to coast. That is exactly the kind of runway that turns a good stock into a great one.
Image source: Getty Images.
A store count that could grow sixfold The heart of the Dutch Bros story is simple math. The company has about 1,200 locations now, plans to reach more than 2,000 by 2029, and has talked about an eventual footprint of 7,000 shops nationwide. That would be roughly six times its current size.
Because its stores are small drive-thru and walk-up stands rather than sprawling cafes, each one is cheap to build and quick to open, which makes stamping out hundreds a year realistic rather than fanciful. When a company can profitably replicate a small, proven format thousands of times, its growth can compound for a very long time.
More than one lever to pull What makes me more confident is that Dutch Bros is not relying on new stores alone. It's rolling out food, which historically it has barely offered; early results show food locations getting a lift of about 4% in comparable sales, with the rollout nearly complete. That's a meaningful bump layered on top of unit growth.
Mobile ordering, another recent addition, is speeding up the company's famously long drive-thru lines and pulling in more visits. Sales at established shops have been climbing on genuine traffic gains, not just price hikes. Several engines are firing at once, and most are still early.
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The secret sauce is the brand Here is the part that numbers alone miss. Dutch Bros has built something rare: a coffee brand that people are loyal to in the same way they're loyal to a favorite band.
Employees, called "broistas," treat pickup service like a conversation. And a menu of customizable energy drinks and sweet, colorful concoctions has made the company a favorite of younger customers. Those customers are forming habits now that could last decades, and the Dutch Rewards program keeps them coming back while handing the company a direct line to its fans.
Even as competition in coffee and energy drinks intensifies, Dutch Bros keeps winning traffic. It behaves less like a coffee seller and more like a lifestyle brand that happens to serve caffeine.
I would not call this a safe stock. It trades at a rich valuation, so a lot of that growth is already priced in, and any stumble could hit the shares hard. Expanding nationally means entering unfamiliar markets where the brand is unproven, and protecting its beloved culture while opening shops at a breakneck pace will be a genuine challenge. Weaker consumer sentiment could also slow discretionary coffee runs.
This is a growth stock, with all the volatility that label implies.
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 20, 2026) - Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against ZoomInfo Technologies Inc. ("ZoomInfo" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: GTM) on behalf of investors that purchased or otherwise acquired ZoomInfo securities between November 3, 2025 and May 11, 2026 (the "Class Period").
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CASE
If you are an investor in ZoomInfo and have suffered losses, you may CLICK HERE to contact us. You may also contact Kaplan Fox by emailing [email protected] or by calling (646) 315-9003.
DEADLINE REMINDER: If you are a member of the proposed Class, you may move the court no later than August 24, 2026 to serve as a lead plaintiff for the purported class. If you have losses we encourage you to contact us to learn more about the lead plaintiff process. You need not seek to become a lead plaintiff in order to share in any possible recovery.
On May 11, 2026, after the market closed, ZoomInfo reported its first quarter 2026 financial results. The Company reduced its 2026 revenue guidance from a range of $1.247 - $1.267 billion to $1.185 - $1.205 billion. During the subsequent earnings call, Chief Executive Officer Henry Schuck stated that "[i]n the closing days of March and into April, [the Company] saw a trend of AI and agentic confusion," which led to "a pause in purchasing decisions." According to the complaint, the Company also announced restructuring costs of $45 million to $60 million and that it would be laying off 20% of its workforce.
Following this news, on May 12, 2026, the price of ZoomInfo stock fell $1.98 per share, nearly 33%, to close at $4.06 per share.
The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period Defendants created the false impression that they possessed reliable information pertaining to the Company's projected revenue outlook and anticipated growth of its legacy and emerging AI-driven products, core software business and sustained improvement in net revenue retention. Further, the complaint alleges that, in truth, ZoomInfo's optimistic plan for continued growth was undermined by slowing seat-based demand, weakening upsells and customers revising decisions to purchase AI products and develop internal AI-driven go-to-market solutions, making ZoomInfo's 2026 full year revenue guidance increasingly unlikely to be met.
WHY CONTACT KAPLAN FOX - Kaplan Fox is a leading national law firm focusing on complex litigation with offices in New York, Oakland, Los Angeles, Chicago and New Jersey. With over 50 years of experience in securities litigation, Kaplan Fox offers the professional experience and track record that clients demand. Through prosecuting cases on the federal and state levels, Kaplan Fox has successfully shaped the law through winning many important decisions on behalf of our clients. For more information about Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP, you may visit our website at www.kaplanfox.com.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
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Contacting or submitting information to Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor an obligation on the part of Kaplan Fox to retain you as a client.
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 20, 2026) - Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP is investigating potential securities violations against Medline Inc. ("Medline" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: MDLN).
CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS INVESTIGATION
If you are a Medline investor and have suffered losses, or if you have information that could assist in the Medline investigation, you may CLICK HERE to contact us. You may also contact Kaplan Fox by emailing [email protected] or by calling (646) 315-9003.
On June 2, 2026, the Federal Drug Administration ("FDA") published a warning letter dated May 28, 2026 addressed to Medline summarizing "significant violations of Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations for finished pharmaceuticals[.]" The FDA further states that Medline "failed to thoroughly investigate any unexplained discrepancy or failure of a batch or any of its components to meet any of its specifications."
Following this news, the price of Medline stock fell $2.56 per share, or 7.16%, to close at $33.19 per share on June 2, 2026.
According to a June 3, 2026 Reuters article, the latest FDA warning letter relates to "violations of manufacturing quality standards" and is "the second such action against the [C]ompany in two months." Further, the Reuters article states that according to the FDA, "the Company failed to thoroughly investigate microbial contamination incidents in finished drug products and also cited inadequate cleaning practices."
WHY CONTACT KAPLAN FOX?
Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP is a nationally recognized law firm focused on complex litigation, with offices in New York, Oakland, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New Jersey. Founded in 1956, the firm has spent more than 50 years prosecuting securities, antitrust, and consumer protection actions in federal and state courts nationwide, recovering more than $10 billion for clients and the classes it has represented.
Kaplan Fox is widely regarded as one of the nation's premier plaintiffs' securities litigation firms and has received recognition from Chambers and Partners, Benchmark Litigation, Super Lawyers, and Lawdragon. Serving as lead or co-lead counsel in many landmark cases, the firm has secured some of the largest recoveries in the history of securities litigation, including a $2.425 billion recovery on behalf of Bank of America shareholders in In re Bank of America—the largest recovery ever obtained for claims under Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act—$800 million recovered for the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System and other pension funds in ATRS v. Allianz Global Investors, and a $475 million settlement in In re Merrill Lynch.
For decades, Kaplan Fox has represented public pension funds, institutional investors, businesses, and individuals in high-stakes litigation. Through its successful advocacy and precedent-setting victories, the firm has helped shape important areas of securities and corporate law while advancing accountability and protecting investor interests.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
If you have any questions about this investigation, please contact:
Contacting or submitting information to Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor an obligation on the part of Kaplan Fox to retain you as a client.
SAN FRANCISCO, July 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HireQuotient, an AI-native recruiting platform, today announced its integration with Paylocity (Nasdaq: PCTY), bringing AI-powered candidate sourcing and screening capabilities to Paylocity customers in manufacturing, building services, construction, healthcare and insurance, which are industries where deskless and frontline hiring has historically been underserved by AI recruiting tools. Employers in these sectors who already use HireQuotient are seeing the impact firsthand.
