Pre-Markets Up Ahead of FOMC, Housing Data and Jensen Huang
Apparently, market participants are expecting good things for the tech sector this week. Monday, March 18th, 2024Pre-market futures are into the green (a day after St. Patrick’s Day) considerably at this hour, following a week of trading that was rather atypically erratic — at or near all-time highs one day, down to multi-week lows another, finishing down to the second-worst trading week of the year. Currently, the Dow is +98 points, the S&P 500 is +43 and the Nasdaq +226 points. Apparently, market participants are expecting good things for the tech sector this week.The biggest news we expect is a new report from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), beginning Tuesday and finishing up Wednesday — after which we will head from Fed Chair Jerome Powell at a press conference. No one is expecting the Fed to move from its current 5.25-5.50% interest rate level, but we do expect a new “dot-plot,” which will be used as a sort of road map for potential cuts throughout the remainder of 2024. Currently, the first rate cut is expected at the June meeting, which is two meetings from now.Bond yields are up on both the 2-year and 10-year — 4.726% and 4.320%, respectively — keeping the roughly 40-basis-point (bps) inversion, where we’ve been for most of the past couple years. These days, the inversion itself is not the big story (even though yield-curve inversions do tend to pre-date recessions, lest we forget), it’s the rate of change on both. Previously, with expectations of Fed rate cuts coming as soon as this week’s meeting (which they won’t), bind yields had been recessing notably — certainly from the 5% range, which correlated with the last time a bear market had taken hold of equities (last fall).Aside from the FOMC meeting, we get some housing data this week: the Homebuilder Confidence Survey for February after the opening bell today, Housing Starts and Building Permits tomorrow, and Existing Home Dales for February on Thursday. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not a hugely consequential week for economic data, but every little drib and drab helps us prepare for the immediate future.Also, although Q4 earnings season has been exhausted — and once again better than expected, overall, which has helped markets progress thus far year to date (last week notwithstanding), we do see some companies reporting this week of some note: FedEx FDX — not only a major transportation and logistics firm, but a gauge on global consumption; it’s our first look at Q1 consumer appetite — NIKE NKE and Micron MU. The Q1 earnings season doesn’t really ramp up for another four weeks.Later today, NVIDIA NVDA co-founder and CEO Jensen Huang will deliver a keynote address on A.I. technology at this year’s GTC summit (GTC stands for GPU [which stands for Graphics Processing Unit, used in everything from crypto to video games] Technology Conference) in San Jose, CA. Huang is one of the most important innovators of this century, so when he offers his views on artificial intelligence, it will be of high importance for investors, particularly those in the tech space.Questions or comments about this article and/or author? Click here>> Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 5 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How To Profit From Trillions On Spending For Infrastructure >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report NIKE, Inc. (NKE): Free Stock Analysis Report Micron Technology, Inc. (MU): Free Stock Analysis Report NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA): Free Stock Analysis Report FedEx Corporation (FDX): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»
Best Growth Stocks to Buy for March 18th
RL, AZEK and CHWY made it to the Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) growth stocks list on March 18, 2024. Here are three stocks with buy ranks and strong growth characteristics for investors to consider today March 18th:Ralph Lauren RL: This company which is a major designer, marketer and distributor of premium lifestyle products in North America, Europe, Asia, and internationally, carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 8.5% over the last 60 days.Ralph Lauren Corporation Price and Consensus Ralph Lauren Corporation price-consensus-chart | Ralph Lauren Corporation QuoteRalph Lauren has a PEG ratio of 1.16 compared with 1.25 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of A.Ralph Lauren Corporation PEG Ratio (TTM) Ralph Lauren Corporation peg-ratio-ttm | Ralph Lauren Corporation QuoteAZEK AZEK: This company, which is manufacturer of residential and commercial building products, carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 19.0% over the last 60 days.The AZEK Company Inc. Price and Consensus The AZEK Company Inc. price-consensus-chart | The AZEK Company Inc. QuoteAZEK has a PEG ratio of 1.40 compared with 2.11 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of B.The AZEK Company Inc. PEG Ratio (TTM) The AZEK Company Inc. peg-ratio-ttm | The AZEK Company Inc. QuoteChewy CHWY: This company which, operates as an online pet retailer, carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its next year earnings increasing 1.4% over the last 60 days.Chewy Price and Consensus Chewy price-consensus-chart | Chewy QuoteChewy has a PEG ratio of 1.08 compared with 2.23 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of B.Chewy PEG Ratio (TTM) Chewy peg-ratio-ttm | Chewy Quote See the full list of top ranked stocks here. Learn more about the Growth score and how it is calculated here. Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 5 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How To Profit From Trillions On Spending For Infrastructure >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL): Free Stock Analysis Report Chewy (CHWY): Free Stock Analysis Report The AZEK Company Inc. (AZEK): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»
Wall Street Awaits FOMC Report
Wall Street Awaits FOMC Report Pre-market futures are into the green (a day after St. Patrick’s Day) considerably at this hour, following a week of trading that was rather atypically erratic — at or near all-time highs one day, down to multi-week lows another, finishing down to the second-worst trading week of the year. Currently, the Dow is +98 points, the S&P 500 is +43 and the Nasdaq +226 points. Apparently, market participants are expecting good things for the tech sector this week.The biggest news we expect is a new report from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), beginning Tuesday and finishing up Wednesday — after which we will head from Fed Chair Jerome Powell at a press conference. No one is expecting the Fed to move from its current 5.25-5.50% interest rate level, but we do expect a new “dot-plot,” which will be used as a sort of road map for potential cuts throughout the remainder of 2024. Currently, the first rate cut is expected at the June meeting, which is two meetings from now.Bond yields are up on both the 2-year and 10-year — 4.726% and 4.320%, respectively — keeping the roughly 40-basis-point (bps) inversion, where we’ve been for most of the past couple years. These days, the inversion itself is not the big story (even though yield-curve inversions do tend to pre-date recessions, lest we forget), it’s the rate of change on both. Previously, with expectations of Fed rate cuts coming as soon as this week’s meeting (which they won’t), bind yields had been recessing notably — certainly from the 5% range, which correlated with the last time a bear market had taken hold of equities (last fall).Aside from the FOMC meeting, we get some housing data this week: the Homebuilder Confidence Survey for February after the opening bell today, Housing Starts and Building Permits tomorrow, and Existing Home Dales for February on Thursday. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not a hugely consequential week for economic data, but every little drib and drab helps us prepare for the immediate future.Also, although Q4 earnings season has been exhausted — and once again better than expected, overall, which has helped markets progress thus far year to date (last week notwithstanding), we do see some companies reporting this week of some note: FedEx FDX — not only a major transportation and logistics firm, but a gauge on global consumption; it’s our first look at Q1 consumer appetite — NIKE NKE and Micron MU. The Q1 earnings season doesn’t really ramp up for another four weeks.Later today, NVIDIA NVDA co-founder and CEO Jensen Huang will deliver a keynote address on A.I. technology at this year’s GTC summit (GTC stands for GPU [which stands for Graphics Processing Unit, used in everything from crypto to video games] Technology Conference) in San Jose, CA. Huang is one of the most important innovators of this century, so when he offers his views on artificial intelligence, it will be of high importance for investors, particularly those in the tech space. Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 5 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How To Profit From Trillions On Spending For Infrastructure >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report NIKE, Inc. (NKE): Free Stock Analysis Report Micron Technology, Inc. (MU): Free Stock Analysis Report NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA): Free Stock Analysis Report FedEx Corporation (FDX): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»
Groupon (GRPN) Q4 Earnings Beat Estimates, Revenues Down Y/Y
Groupon's (GRPN) fourth-quarter results are hurt by weakening momentum across travel and goods end markets and a declining customer base. Groupon GRPN reported non-GAAP earnings of 30 cents per share in fourth-quarter 2023, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 11 cents per share. The company reported a non-GAAP loss of 38 cents per share in the year-ago quarter.Revenues of $137.72 million beat the consensus estimate of $135 million. The figure declined 7% on a year-over-year basis (down 8%, excluding the foreign exchange effect).Region-wise, North America revenues of $99.9 million beat the consensus mark by 2.9% but slumped 6% year over year. International revenues of $37.8 million beat the consensus mark by 8.3% but fell 10% year over year (down 15%, excluding the foreign exchange effect).Groupon, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Groupon, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Groupon, Inc. QuoteQuarterly DetailsLocal revenues of $123.6 million beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.3% but declined 2.8% year over year (down 4% excluding the foreign exchange effect). North America Local revenues declined 2.8% while International Local revenues fell 2.9% year over year.Consolidated Travel revenues of $5.4 million missed the consensus mark by 8.1% and decreased 8.3% year over year. North America Travel revenues rose 0.4% year over year. International Travel revenues declined 21.4% in the reported quarter.On a consolidated basis, Goods revenues of $8.7 million missed the consensus mark by 11.4% and declined 42.1% year over year. North America Goods revenues declined 42.4% while International Goods revenues fell 44.8%, excluding the foreign exchange effect, on a year-over-year basis.Customer MetricsAt the end of the fourth quarter, Groupon had approximately 16.5 million active customers compared with 18.8 million at the end of the year-ago quarter. The metric beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.1%.At the end of the fourth quarter, the company had approximately 10.3 million active customers based in North America, beating the consensus mark by 14.1%, and 6.2 million active international customers, missing the consensus mark by 4.8%.Operating DetailsIn the fourth quarter, gross profit was $122.3 million, down 5% year over year.Selling, general and administrative expenses fell 35% year over year to $72.5 million in the reported quarter. Marketing expenses declined 18.8% to $34.5 million.The company reported a GAAP operating income of $17.65 million against a loss of $32.8 million in the year-ago quarter.Balance Sheet & Cash FlowGroupon exited the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $141.6 million, up from $86.1 million as of Sep 30, 2023.In the fourth quarter, the company generated $54.5 million in operating cash flow against the operating cash outflow of $13.85 million in the prior quarter.Groupon reported a free cash flow of $51.1 million against $17.97 million of free cash outflow reported in the previous quarter.GuidanceFor first-quarter 2024, the company expects revenues in the band of $113-$118 million, indicating a 7-3% year-over-year decline.Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be between $7 million and $12 million.Groupon expects a free cash outflow for the first quarter.For 2024, the company expects revenues between $489 million and $515 million, indicating a year-over- year change in the band of (5%)-0%.Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be between $80 million and $100 million.Groupon expects a positive free cash flow for 2024.Zacks Rank & Stocks to ConsiderGroupon currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Some better-ranked stocks in the retail-wholesale sector are American Eagle Outfitters AEO, eBay EBAY and Amazon AMZN. While American Eagle Outfitters currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Best Buy and Amazon carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) each. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.American Eagle Outfitters shares have gained 9.5% year to date. It has a long-term earnings growth rate of 12.53%.eBay shares have increased 19.7% on a year-to-date basis. The company has a long-term earnings growth rate of 6.71%.Amazon shares have rallied 14.8% on a year-to-date basis. AMZN has a long-term earnings growth rate of 28.13%. Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 5 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How To Profit From Trillions On Spending For Infrastructure >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis Report American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO): Free Stock Analysis Report eBay Inc. (EBAY): Free Stock Analysis Report Groupon, Inc. (GRPN): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»
Top 5 ETF Picks for March Madness Betting Frenzy
Investors should tap the three-week sports betting extravaganza with ETFs. The 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association (“NCAA”) Division I Men's Basketball Tournament will kick off on Mar 19, spreading “March Madness” among millions of Americans. This is especially true as the annual event will lead to crazy legal sports betting with increased legalization, pushing up stocks in this sector.The champion will be crowned on Apr 8 at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Investors should tap the three-week sports betting extravaganza with VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF ESPO, Global X Video Games & Esports ETF HERO, Roundhill Sports Betting & iGaming ETF BETZ, VanEck Vectors Gaming ETF BJK and Pacer BlueStar Digital Entertainment ETF ODDS.Sports betting has never been more accessible to Americans than in recent years, as gambling is now legal in more states and growing in popularity. The legalization of sports betting across the United States has increased significantly since 2019, with online gambling now legal in 38 states and the District of Columbia.According to the American Gaming Association, Americans will legally bet $2.72 billion on the upcoming men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments with American sportsbooks. This represents roughly twice the amount legally wagered on this year’s Super Bowl, according to the AGA’s head of research, Dave Forman (read: 3 Sector ETFs to Win Despite Hot February Inflation Data).March Madness is available for betting at sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and BetRivers. DraftKings Sportsbook is known for its user-friendly interface and a wide selection of bets, making it a go-to for beginners and seasoned bettors. FanDuel stands out for its clean design and easy navigation, offering a variety of betting options, including popular same-game parlays. BetMGM combines the prestigious MGM brand with competitive odds and a broad selection of bets for March Madness. Known for its straightforward platform and rewarding loyalty program, BetRivers is a solid choice for placing your bets.Per estimates from the latest report from research firm Eilers and Krejcik Gaming, 35-40% of the amount bet on the men's NCAA tournament will come from in-game wagers and 5% of the handle will be generated from same-game parlays.We have highlighted the details of the above-mentioned ETFs.VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF offers exposure to global companies involved in video game development, e-sports and related hardware and software by tracking the MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index. ESPO holds 31 stocks in its basket, with a moderate concentration on the top firms. VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF is tilted toward American firms, which account for 45.9% of the portfolio, while Japan and China round off the next two, with double-digit allocation each.VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF has gathered $307.6 million in its asset base and trades in an average daily volume of 20,000 shares. ESPO charges 56 bps in annual fees from investors.Global X Video Games & Esports ETF (HERO)Global X Video Games & Esports ETF offers exposure to companies that develop or publish video games, facilitate streaming and distribution of video gaming or esports content, own and operate within competitive esports leagues, or produce hardware used in video games and esports, including augmented and virtual reality. This can be easily done by the Solactive Video Games & Esports Index (read: 3 Factors to Bet on U.S. Consumer ETFs).Holding 41 securities in its basket, Global X Video Games & Esports ETF has an AUM of $133.1 million and charges 50 bps in annual fees. It trades in an average daily volume of 32,000 shares.Roundhill Sports Betting & iGaming ETF (BETZ)Roundhill Sports Betting & iGaming ETF is designed to offer retail and institutional investors global exposure to sports betting and iGaming industries by tracking the Morningstar Sports Betting & iGaming Select Index.Roundhill Sports Betting & iGaming ETF holds 36 stocks in its basket and has amassed $93.4 million in its assets base. It charges 75 bps in annual fees and trades in an average daily volume of 21,000 shares.VanEck Vectors Gaming ETF (BJK)VanEck Vectors Gaming ETF provides investors with exposure to companies involved in casinos and casino hotels, sports betting, lottery services, gaming services, gaming technology and gaming equipment. It follows the MVIS Global Gaming Index, holding 38 securities in its basket.VanEck Vectors Gaming ETF has an AUM of $44.9 million and an average daily volume of roughly 4,000 shares. It charges 72 bps in annual fees.Pacer BlueStar Digital Entertainment ETF (ODDS)Pacer BlueStar Digital Entertainment ETF offers investors exposure to globally listed companies and depositary receipts that generate the majority of their revenues from online gambling, video game development or eSports. It follows the BlueStar Global Online Gambling, Video Gaming, and eSports Index, holding 50 stocks in its basket.Pacer BlueStar Digital Entertainment ETF has accumulated $0.9 million in its asset base and trades in an average daily volume of 200 shares. It charges 60 bps in fees per year. Want key ETF info delivered straight to your inbox? Zacks’ free Fund Newsletter will brief you on top news and analysis, as well as top-performing ETFs, each week.Get it free >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Global X Video Games & Esports ETF (HERO): ETF Research Reports VanEck Gaming ETF (BJK): ETF Research Reports VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO): ETF Research Reports Roundhill Sports Betting & iGaming ETF (BETZ): ETF Research Reports Pacer BlueStar Digital Entertainment ETF (ODDS): ETF Research ReportsTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»
Strength Seen in Essa Bancorp (ESSA): Can Its 7.2% Jump Turn into More Strength?
Essa Bancorp (ESSA) saw its shares surge in the last session with trading volume being higher than average. The latest trend in earnings estimate revisions may not translate into further price increase in the near term. Essa Bancorp (ESSA) shares ended the last trading session 7.2% higher at $18.44. The jump came on an impressive volume with a higher-than-average number of shares changing hands in the session. This compares to the stock's 7.7% loss over the past four weeks.After getting hammered because of industry-wide concern related to commercial real estate (CRE) loans, shares of Essa Bancorp are showing signs of improvement. Given the company’s notable CRE loan exposure, the Federal Reserve’s signal of rate cuts later this year seem to have turned investors bullish on the ESSA stock.This bank is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.35 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -27.1%. Revenues are expected to be $16.29 million, down 5.2% from the year-ago quarter.While earnings and revenue growth expectations are important in evaluating the potential strength in a stock, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.For Essa Bancorp, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. And a stock's price usually doesn't keep moving higher in the absence of any trend in earnings estimate revisions. So, make sure to keep an eye on ESSA going forward to see if this recent jump can turn into more strength down the road.The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>Essa Bancorp belongs to the Zacks Financial - Savings and Loan industry. Another stock from the same industry, OceanFirst Financial (OCFC), closed the last trading session 2% higher at $15.01. Over the past month, OCFC has returned -8.4%.For OceanFirst, the consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming report has remained unchanged over the past month at $0.42. This represents a change of -23.6% from what the company reported a year ago. OceanFirst currently has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold). Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 5 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How To Profit From Trillions On Spending For Infrastructure >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report ESSA Bancorp, Inc. (ESSA): Free Stock Analysis Report OceanFirst Financial Corp. (OCFC): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»
Jabil (JBL) Q2 Earnings Top, Sales Up in Auto & Transportation
Jabil's (JBL) cost optimization initiative is supporting operating margin. Strength in automotive and healthcare are tailwinds. Jabil Inc. JBL, one of the largest global suppliers of electronic manufacturing services, reported second-quarter non-GAAP earnings per share of $1.68, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.65. Cost optimization initiatives and healthy demand in the automotive & transportation end market primarily drove the outperformance. However, the bottom line declined from the year-ago quarter’s tally of $1.88 per share.The company reported revenues of $6.76 billion. The top line fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.9 billion and came in 17% lower than second-quarter 2023 sales, primarily due to weakness in several end markets.Fiscal 2024 is going to be a year of transition for Jabil as management is placing a strong emphasis on optimizing its footprint and cost structure. In the second quarter, the company completed divestiture of its Mobility business. The move highlight’s company’s strategic intent to invest more in core operations and reward shareholders with risk-adjusted returns in the form of incremental share repurchases.Jabil, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Jabil, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Jabil, Inc. Quote Segment PerformanceNet sales from the Diversified Manufacturing Services (DMS) declined 16% year over year to $3.4 billion. The mobility divestiture and demand softness in connected devices impacted the top line from this vertical. However, 11% year-over-year growth in the automotive and transportation end market supported the top line. Healthy traction in healthcare is a tailwind. Non-GAAP operating margin was 5.6% up from 4.6% in the year ago quarter. Changes in the business mix in the DMS segment drove the uptick in profitability.Electronics Manufacturing Services contributed $3.3 billion in revenues, down 18% year over year. The ongoing transition to a consignment model in cloud business combined with sluggish demand trends in 5G, renewable energy and digital print businesses impeded the top line. During the quarter, fast growing market such as India scaled back 5G infrastructure investments. The downtrend in infrastructure rollout was earlier than anticipated. Non-GAAP operating margin was 4.4% in the second quarter, down from 5.1% in the year-ago quarter.Financial PositionIn the February quarter, selling, general and administrative costs rose to $308 million from 285 million in the year-earlier quarter. Research and development costs increased to $10 million from $8 million in the year-ago quarter.The company reported an operating cash flow of $218 million from operating activities compared to $414 million in the year-ago quarter. As of Feb 29, 2024, the company had $2.56 billion in cash and cash equivalents, with $2.87 billion of notes payable and long-term debt. Capital expenditure stands at $170 million with an adjusted free cash flow of $48 million.In the second quarter, the Zacks Rank #3(Hold) company bought back 6.5 million shares worth $825 million from its total $2.5 billion repurchase authorization for fiscal 2024.You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.GuidanceManagement expects weakness in 5G and renewable energy end markets will likely continue in the second half of fiscal 2024. Demand trends in digital print, networking & storage and connected devices are also projected to remain weak for the remainder of the current fiscal. However, solid traction in health care, AI cloud data centers and the growing proliferation of EV and autonomous driving systems will likely support the top line.For fiscal 2024, Jabil estimated net revenues to be $28.5 billion, down from the previous estimation of $31 billion. Core earnings per share is expected at $8.40, down from the prior expectation of around $9 per share. The core operating margin is expected at about 5.6%.End market-wise, for fiscal 2024, net sales of 5G wireless & cloud are projected at $4.4 billion, suggesting a decline of 28% year over year. Net sales from connected devices are forecast at $3 billion, indicating a 25% year-over-year decline. Networking & storage is likely to witness a 16% revenue decline year over year to $2.6 billion. Revenues from industrial & semi-cap are estimated at $3.7 billion, suggesting a 16% year-over-year downturn. Jabil expects $5.7 billion in revenues from healthcare and packaging in 2024. Revenues from auto & transportation are estimated at $4.8 billion, indicating a rise of 9% year over year. Contribution from digital Print & retail and mobility is anticipated at $2.6 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively.Other Stocks to ConsiderInterDigital, Inc. IDCC, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present, delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 170.50%. In the last reported quarter, it delivered an earnings surprise of 16.53%.IDCC is a pioneer in advanced mobile technologies that enable wireless communications and capabilities. The company engages in designing and developing a wide range of advanced technology solutions, which are used in digital cellular as well as wireless 3G, 4G and IEEE 802-related products and networks.Pinterest PINS, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 at present, delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 37.42%. In the last reported quarter, it delivered an earnings surprise of 3.92%.Pinterest is increasingly establishing a unique value proposition to advertisers that could provide a competitive advantage in the long haul. Through various innovations, it continues to dramatically improve the advertising platform, which appears to be one of the best ad platforms for consumer discretionary brands looking for ways to reach customers and stretch smaller ad budgets.Workday Inc. WDAY, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 at present, delivered an earnings surprise of 9.03% in the last reported quarter.Workday is a provider of enterprise-level software solutions for financial management and human resource domains. The company’s cloud-based platform combines finance and HR in a single system that makes it easier for organizations to provide analytical insights and decision support. Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 5 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How To Profit From Trillions On Spending For Infrastructure >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Jabil, Inc. (JBL): Free Stock Analysis Report InterDigital, Inc. (IDCC): Free Stock Analysis Report Workday, Inc. (WDAY): Free Stock Analysis Report Pinterest, Inc. (PINS): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»
Immuneering (IMRX) Plummets 71% in One Week: Here"s Why
Immuneering (IMRX) plunges after multiple Wall Street analysts downgraded the stock on lackluster results from an early-stage study evaluating its lead drug across advanced RAS-mutant solid tumors. Immuneering Corporation IMRX is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing universal-RAS/RAF medicines to treat cancer patients.Devoid of marketed drugs in its portfolio, Immuneering is entirely dependent on its pipeline for growth. The company’s lead pipeline candidate is IMM-1-104, an investigational RAS medication, which is being evaluated in a phase I/IIa study in patients with advanced solid tumors harboring RAS mutations.In the past week, Immuneering’s shares have plunged 70.9% compared with the industry’s 2.1% fall. This downside came after the company reported topline results from the phase I portion of the phase I/IIa study on IMM-1-104 last week.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchThe endpoints of the phase I portion of the study were to assess the safety and tolerability of IMM-1-104, identify a candidate recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D), and evaluate pharmacokinetics (PK). As of Feb 20 (cut-off date), management enrolled heavily-pretreated study participants who had a dozen different RAS mutations across eight different types of cancer.As of the cut-off date, treatment with the drug was well-tolerated among study participants, with the occurrence of just one grade 3 event (non-serious rash). Results from the study demonstrated clear proof of concept, as treatment with IMM-1-104 showed promising signs of initial clinical activity through deep cyclic mechanisms. Based on this data, management decided to proceed with a 320mg dose of the drug as RP2D.The above results failed to impress investors. Though the data does warrant clinical advancement of Immuneering’s lead drug, a lack of confirmed responses observed across different doses (including the RP2D) did not sit well with investors. With the study participant population being very diverse and low in number (n=41), it was difficult to point out the level of clinical activity in patients treated with the drug with clarity.Due to the above factors, multiple Wall Street analysts downgraded the IMRX stock. Analysts at Jeffries downgraded the stock from ‘Buy’ to ‘Hold’ and also set the price target to $3 per share from the previously set target of $16.Prior to the announcement of the above results, management started dosing patients in the phase IIa portion of the study. This portion will evaluate a 320mg dose of IMM-1-104 as monotherapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma, and as combination therapy in PDAC.Initial data from the phase IIa portion is expected later this year. The results from this portion are expected to provide a clearer picture as management intends to enroll more study participants at a longer follow-up period.Apart from IMM-1-104, management has also moved a second pipeline drug, IMM-6-415 to clinical development. Immuneering has started evaluating this drug in a phase I/IIa study in patients with advanced solid tumors harboring RAS or RAF mutations. The company is expected to dose the first patient in this study before this month’s end.Immuneering Corporation Price Immuneering Corporation price | Immuneering Corporation Quote Zacks Rank & Key PicksImmuneering currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the overall healthcare sector include ADMA Biologics ADMA, ANI Pharmaceuticals ANIP and GSK plc GSK, each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.In the past 60 days, estimates for ADMA Biologics’ 2024 earnings per share (EPS) have risen from 22 cents to 30 cents. During the same period, EPS estimates for 2025 have improved from 32 cents to 50 cents. Year to date, shares of ADMA have risen 32.5%.Earnings of ADMA Biologics beat estimates in three of the last four quarters while meeting the same on one occasion. ADMA delivered a four-quarter average earnings surprise of 85.00%.In the past 60 days, estimates for ANI Pharmaceuticals’ 2024 EPShave risen from $4.06 to $4.40. In the same period, EPS estimates for 2025 have improved from $4.80 to $5.01. Year to date, shares of ANIP have risen 19.7%.Earnings of ANI Pharmaceuticals beat estimates in each of the last four quarters. ANI delivered a four-quarter average earnings surprise of 109.06%.In the past 60 days, estimates for GSK’s 2024 EPS have risen from $3.87 to $4.03. During the same period, EPS estimates for 2025 have improved from $4.20 to $4.39. Year to date, shares of GSK have risen 13.8%.GSK's earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters while missing the mark on one occasion. On average, GSK’s four-quarter earnings surprise was 7.59%. Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 5 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How To Profit From Trillions On Spending For Infrastructure >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report GSK PLC Sponsored ADR (GSK): Free Stock Analysis Report ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ANIP): Free Stock Analysis Report ADMA Biologics Inc (ADMA): Free Stock Analysis Report Immuneering Corporation (IMRX): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»
COTY on Track With Cost Savings Amid Inflationary Headwinds
COTY is making several partnerships to enhance its brand portfolio. Management is committed to optimizing the overall cost structure amid inflation. Coty Inc. COTY is benefiting from the focus on its strategic pillars aimed at sustainable growth. The beauty products provider undertakes strategic partnerships to enhance its brand portfolio. Management is on track with cost-saving efforts to counter inflationary headwinds.Let’s delve deeper.Core Priorities Drive GrowthThe company is benefiting from its focus on six strategic pillars that are aimed at sustainable growth. These include stabilizing Consumer Beauty make-up brands and mass fragrances; accelerating luxury fragrances and setting up Coty as a core player in prestige make-up; establishing a skincare portfolio in prestige and mass channels; strengthening e-commerce and Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) capabilities; growing presence in China via Prestige and certain Consumer Beauty brands; and setting Coty as an industry leader in sustainability.Coty is benefiting from the booming global prestige fragrance market. In the second quarter of fiscal 2024, its Prestige fragrance revenues increased 15% LFL. In the first half of fiscal 2024, e-commerce sales were a driver, with Prestige and Consumer Beauty seeing more than 20% e-commerce growth. Results benefited from strong enhancements in e-commerce fundamentals, better customer service, social media promotions and closer ties with online retailers. The company continues to witness impressive momentum in Travel Retail sales.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchPartnerships Hold Promise Management made several partnerships to enhance its brand portfolio. Per the fiscal second-quarter earnings call, management signed a license with Marni, an Italian luxury brand, which complements the prestige portfolio. In the Consumer Beauty space, the company extended two key licenses — bruno banani and Mexx. In January 2023, Coty and Jil Sander unveiled that they have renewed their license deal and are in for a long-running collaboration. The renewed deal is likely to solidify the ongoing business alliance while laying the foundation for a new strategic project stretching more than 10 years.Cost HurdlesCoty is witnessing dynamic inflation and a supply chain environment. In the fiscal second quarter, the company’s cost of sales increased to $603.5 million from $525.3 million reported in the year-ago quarter. Quarterly adjusted gross margin came in at 65.1%, contracting 40 basis points from increased excess and obsolescence, inflation and tough comparison with some benefits realized in the year-ago period.Cost-Savings Offer RespiteCoty is committed to optimizing the overall cost structure amid cost hurdles. Management is progressing well with the All In to Win transformation program across five key work areas, driving notable improvement in cost, gross margins, sales growth and cash. In the fiscal second quarter, the company delivered savings of nearly $30 million. The company targets savings of $110-$120 million for fiscal 2024.Shares of the Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have increased 7.5% in the past six months compared with the industry’s 2.8% growth.3 Key PicksThe Chef’s Warehouse CHEF, which engages in the distribution of specialty food products, currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). CHEF has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 3.2%, on average. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for The Chef’s Warehouse’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings suggests growth of 8.7% and 4.7%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.Vital Farms Inc. VITL offers a range of produced pasture-raised foods. It currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. VITL has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 155.4%.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Vital Farms’ current financial-year sales and earnings suggests growth of 20.2% and 28.8%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.Utz Brands Inc. UTZ manufactures a diverse portfolio of salty snacks, currently carrying a Zacks Rank #2. UTZ has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 2.6% on average.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Utz Brands’ current financial-year earnings suggests growth of 19.3% from the year-ago reported numbers. Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 5 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How To Profit From Trillions On Spending For Infrastructure >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. (CHEF): Free Stock Analysis Report Coty (COTY): Free Stock Analysis Report Vital Farms, Inc. (VITL): Free Stock Analysis Report Utz Brands, Inc. (UTZ): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»
KBR Wins Project Management Contract for Lobito Refinery Project
KBR wins a project management contract from Sonangol for the designing and construction of a new 200,000bpd refinery in Lobito, Angola. KBR, Inc. KBR recently won the Lobito Refinery Project’s management contract by Sonangol, thus, solidifying the foundation of this more than 20-year-long partnership.Per the contract, KBR will design and construct a new 200,000bpd refinery in Lobito, Angola. The services offered will include project management of engineering, procurement and construction phase execution.In early 2023, the company already completed the FEED phase of the project, succeeding in providing a cost-competitive design. This design met with Sonangol's business objectives, the industry’s advanced emission standards and KBR’s strategy to provide more environmentally friendly solutions.Furthermore, the FEED design meets 2030 African and European Product Specifications, which specify 30% less river water consumption and waste-water treatment requirements, thanks to KBR's innovation in the refinery's cooling system design.Consistent Contract Wins Bode WellKBR’s focus on a resilient business model and efficiency-boosting initiatives has sparked its project-winning momentum. Also, the rising global importance of national security, energy security, energy transition and climate change has been acting as a major tailwind.As of Dec 29, 2023, the total backlog (including award options of $4.4 billion) was $21.73 billion compared with $19.76 billion in 2022-end. Of the total backlog, Government Solutions booked $12.79 billion and the Sustainable Technology Solutions segment accounted for $4.55 billion.Since the fourth quarter of 2023-end, the company announced three contract wins. Recently, on Jan 10, 2024, KBR’s blue ammonia technology was selected by Tokyo-based INPEX Corporation and Oklahoma City-based LSB Industries to support a large, commercial-scale clean ammonia production and export project in the U.S. Gulf Coast.Furthermore, on Jan 8, its K-GreeN technology was selected by a consortium of Lotte Chemical, Korea National Oil Corp and Samsung Engineering for Lotte Chemical's H2biscus green ammonia project development in Sarawak, Malaysia.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchShares of this global engineering, construction and services firm have gained 11.3% in the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Engineering - R and D Services industry’s 10% growth.Zacks Rank & Key PicksKBR currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Here are some better-ranked stocks from the Construction sector.NVR, Inc. NVR currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.NVR delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 8.1%, on average. The stock has gained 22.4% in the past six months. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NVR’s 2024 sales and earnings per share (EPS) indicates growth of 7.7% and 4.6%, respectively, from the prior-year levels.Toll Brothers, Inc. TOL currently sports a Zacks Rank of 1. TOL delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 30.2%, on average. The stock has gained 54.3% in the past six months.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TOL’s fiscal 2024 sales and EPS indicates growth of 0.6% and 11%, respectively, from a year ago.Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. STRL presently sports a Zacks Rank of 1. It has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 20.4%, on average. Shares of STRL have rallied 44.6% in the past six months.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for STRL’s 2024 sales and EPS indicates a rise of 11.7% and 11.4%, respectively, from the prior-year levels. Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 5 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How To Profit From Trillions On Spending For Infrastructure >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report KBR, Inc. (KBR): Free Stock Analysis Report Toll Brothers Inc. (TOL): Free Stock Analysis Report NVR, Inc. (NVR): Free Stock Analysis Report Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»
Waters (WAT) Boosts PFAS Testing Solutions With New Cartridges
Waters (WAT) launches Oasis WAX/GCB and GCB/WAX Cartridges for PFAS testing, thus boosting the Waters Operating segment. Waters WAT is leaving no stone unturned to capitalize on growth opportunities present in the Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) testing market. Per a Markets and Markets report, the PFAS testing market is expected to reach $217 million by 2028, witnessing a CAGR of 14.4% between 2023 and 2028.In this regard, the company introduced Oasis WAX/GCB and GCB/WAX Cartridges, designed to streamline sample preparation and analysis of PFAS and undergo QC testing for low residual PFAS.The Waters Oasis WAX/GCB and GCB/WAX Cartridges for PFAS analysis use a Weak Anion-Exchange cartridge and dispersive solid phase extraction graphitized carbon black, thus reducing the preparation process by 30 minutes per sample batch and eliminating manual steps.Further, these cartridges offer time savings, laboratory cleanliness and high-quality sample preparation products. They eliminate loose carbon steps, ensuring efficiency and supporting the growing demand for PFAS environmental testing.The latest move adds strength to the company’s liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) solutions portfolio. Moreover, WAT will likely gain solid traction across laboratories on the back of these launches.Waters Corporation Price and Consensus Waters Corporation price-consensus-chart | Waters Corporation QuoteStrength in Waters Operating SegmentThe latest move is in sync with Waters’ growing efforts to strengthen its Waters Operating Segment.Notably, the company launched the HPLC CONNECT software to integrate its high and ultra-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/UPLC) systems and multi-angle light-scattering instruments (MALS) into an all-in-one software platform. The HPLC CONNECT software enhances efficiency, reduces human error and provides accurate size exclusion chromatography-MALS analyses for complex biopharmaceutical innovations.Waters also collaborated with the University of San Agustin to equip the latter’s new mass spectrometry imaging center with its advanced technologies.Per the terms, the MALDI/DESI Mass Spectrometry Imaging Laboratory in the Philippines will be equipped with Waters’ ACQUITY UPLC System and SYNAPT High-Definition Mass Spectrometer technologies, providing effective therapeutics for treating cancer and other infectious diseases through drug discoveries.Further, the company introduced new bioprocess walk-up solutions to streamline biologic sample prep and analysis. These solutions are created by integrating Waters’ BioAccord LC-MS system and Andrew+ robot into its OneLab software.These solutions allow upstream bioprocess development to be accelerated by up to six weeks using the updated version of Waters OneLab laboratory automation software.Bottom LineThe above-mentioned endeavors will enable the company to capitalize on growth opportunities present in the global LC and MS systems market. Per an MMR report, the global LC systems market is expected to reach $14.45 billion by 2029, witnessing a CAGR of 5.8% between 2023 and 2029.A Markets and Markets report suggests the global mass spectrometry market will reach $7.8 billion by 2028, witnessing a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period of 2023-2028.Solidifying prospects in these promising markets will likely bolster the overall financial performance of the company.However, softness in the pharmaceutical, industrial, government and academic markets and unfavorable foreign exchange fluctuations remain major concerns for the company. Its shares have gained 4.3% in the year-to-date period, underperforming the Zacks Medical sector’s growth of 7.2%.Waters expects first-quarter 2024 total sales to decline in the 8.5-6.5% band on a reported basis.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter 2024 sales is pegged at $633.49 million, indicating a decline of 7.5% from the year-ago quarter.Zacks Rank & Stock to ConsiderCurrently, Waters carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Some better-ranked stocks in the broader medical market sector are DaVita DVA, Cardinal Health CAH and ICON ICLR. While DaVita sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present, Cardinal Health and ICON carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.DaVita shares have surged 32% in the year-to-date period. DVA’s long-term earnings growth rate is currently projected at 12.15%.Cardinal Health shares have gained 10.2% in the year-to-date period. CAH’s long-term earnings growth rate is currently projected at 14.25%.ICON shares have gained 17.8% in the year-to-date period. The long-term earnings growth rate for ICLR is currently projected at 14.90%. Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 5 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How To Profit From Trillions On Spending For Infrastructure >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report DaVita Inc. (DVA): Free Stock Analysis Report Waters Corporation (WAT): Free Stock Analysis Report Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH): Free Stock Analysis Report ICON PLC (ICLR): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»
Jacobs (J) Wins United Utilities" Strategic Solutions Deal
Jacobs (J) develops efficient, integrated solutions and recommends preferred options based on best value, lowest carbon and cost. Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. J received a contract from one of the U.K.'s largest listed water companies, United Utilities, to support program optimization for major capital works within its Strategic Solutions Team.Per the deal, J will drive program and asset optimization, value engineering, innovation and standardization across United Utilities’ existing and new asset base, which will develop efficient and integrated solutions and will recommend ideal options.Jacobs' technical advisories will provide feasibility and value management studies, commercial modeling, business case development, design and digital engineering, whole-life cost, best value assessments and more.The total framework agreement is valued at approximately $211 million for the base contract period of six years with a five-year extension option.Solid Project Execution to Drive GrowthJacob's ability to execute projects efficiently has played a pivotal role in driving the company's performance in recent quarters. The continuous success in securing new contracts stands as evidence of this proficiency. As of the first quarter of fiscal 2024-end, the company disclosed a backlog of $29.6 billion, marking a 4.7% increase compared to the previous year. This growth underscores the sustained strong demand for Jacobs' consulting services.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchJ’s shares have gained 15.8% in the past three months compared with the Zacks Technology Services industry’s 13% growth.Earnings estimates for fiscal 2024 have increased to $8.06 per share from $8.05 in the past 60 days. The estimated figure suggests 11.9% year-over-year growth on 5.4% higher revenues.Zacks Rank and Stocks to ConsiderCurrently, Jacobs carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Here are some better-ranked stocks from the Zacks Business Services sector.AppLovin Corporation APP currently sports a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.APP delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 26.5%, on average. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for APP’s 2024 sales and earnings per share (EPS) indicates growth of 23.2% and 153.1%, respectively, from the prior-year levels.Block, Inc. SQ currently sports a Zacks Rank of 1.SQ delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 10.8%, on average. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SQ’s 2024 sales and EPS indicates growth of 12.8% and 68.3%, respectively, from the prior-year levels.Duolingo, Inc. DUOL currently sports a Zacks Rank of 1.DUOL delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 111.5%, on average. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DUOL’s 2024 sales and EPS indicates growth of 36.5% and 294.3%, respectively, from the prior-year levels. Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 5 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How To Profit From Trillions On Spending For Infrastructure >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report AppLovin Corporation (APP): Free Stock Analysis Report Block, Inc. (SQ): Free Stock Analysis Report Jacobs Solutions Inc. (J): Free Stock Analysis Report Duolingo, Inc. (DUOL): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»
Cybin (CYBN) Begins Phase II Study on Anxiety Drug, Stock Up
Cybin (CYBN) initiates a phase II proof-of-concept study evaluating CYB004 for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. The stock rises 7.2%. Cybin Inc.’s CYBN shares were up 7.2% on Mar 15 after the company initiated a phase II proof-of-concept study evaluating its proprietary deuterated dimethyltryptamine molecule, CYB004, for the treatment of patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).Per the company, the double-blind phase II CYB004-002 study will investigate the safety and efficacy of CYB004 in the given patient population. Patients will be divided into two groups. The first group of patients will receive two IM doses of CYB004, while the second group will take two low-dose control administrations of CYB004.The primary endpoint of the study is to see the change in the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale score from baseline at six weeks of treatment after the administration of the second dose.Meanwhile, the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating scale depression assessment, safety assessments, psychedelic experience assessment and the quality of life assessment remain the other endpoints of the above study.Top-line data from the CYB004-002 study is expected to be announced in the fourth quarter of 2024. Data from the study is likely to establish the proof of concept for the efficacy of CYB004 in the treatment of GAD.The FDA cleared the investigational new drug application for CYB004 in January 2024.Shares of Cybin have rallied 24.4% in the past year against the industry’s decline of 7.7%.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchAnother company that is developing a treatment for GAD is Mind Medicine (MindMed) (MNMD).MNMD plans to initiate a phase III study evaluating its lead candidate, MM120, for treating GAD.Earlier this month, the FDA granted breakthrough therapy designation to MM120 for the given indication.This apart, Cybin is developing another candidate, CYB003, in a phase II study for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).The FDA recently granted a breakthrough therapy designation to CYB003 for treating MDD. The company held a positive end-of-phase II meeting with the regulatory body to discuss the path ahead for CYB003 and announced positive four-month durability data, which support a phase III study on CYB003, which is likely to begin in the middle of 2024.Zacks Rank & Stocks to ConsiderCybin currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).Some better-ranked stocks in the healthcare sector are ADMA Biologics, Inc. ADMA, Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. VNDA and ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ANIP, each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.In the past 60 days, estimates for ADMA Biologics’ 2024 earnings per share have improved from 22 cents to 30 cents. In the past year, shares of ADMA have rallied 94.5%.ADMA Biologics’ earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and met the same once. ADMA delivered an average earnings surprise of 85.00%.In the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Vanda Pharmaceuticals’ 2024 bottom line has improved from a loss of 46 cents per share to earnings of 1 cent. In the past year, shares of VNDA have plunged 42.3%.Vanda Pharmaceuticals’ earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing three quarters. VNDA delivered an average earnings surprise of 92.88%.In the past 60 days, estimates for ANI Pharmaceuticals’ 2024 earnings per share have improved from $4.06 to $4.40. In the past year, shares of ANIP have surged 67.7%.Earnings of ANI Pharmaceuticals beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. ANIP delivered a four-quarter average earnings surprise of 109.60%. Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 5 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How To Profit From Trillions On Spending For Infrastructure >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VNDA): Free Stock Analysis Report ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ANIP): Free Stock Analysis Report ADMA Biologics Inc (ADMA): Free Stock Analysis Report Cybin Inc. (CYBN): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»
Revvity"s (RVTY) New Launch to Boost Newborn Sequencing Research
Revvity's (RVTY) next-generation newborn sequencing research workflow is likely to build the foundation for diagnosing rare diseases in the future. Revvity, Inc. RVTY recently announced the introduction of a flexible end-to-end workflow solution for newborn research. This will likely enable the users to utilize different instruments, reagents and databases based on a lab’s requirements.The research-use-only offering includes dried blood spot collection and processing devices, Chemagic kits and instruments for nucleic acid extraction, liquid handlers and reagents for library preparation, VICTOR2 D Instrument for sample quality control and software capabilities. The workflow is compatible with the Element AVITI system and other leading next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms.The latest product introduction is expected to significantly boost Revvity’s sequencing research business on a global scale and solidify its foothold in the niche space.Significance of the LaunchPer Revvity, the solution is expected to enable the identification of variants in more than 350 genes, complemented by a large database of carefully pre-curated variants. Management believes that the new workflow will likely improve customer experience by leveraging a rich variant database for newborn sequencing research and provide critical components necessary to be able to go from sample to result.Industry ProspectsPer a report by Grand View Research, the global NGS market was estimated at $8.40 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to witness a CAGR of approximately 21.7% between 2024 and 2030. Factors like the rise in applications of NGS and the growing technological developments in NGS instruments and technologies are expected to drive the market.Given the market potential, the latest launch is expected to significantly boost Revvity’s global business.Notable DevelopmentsLast month, Revvity announced that its software and informatics division, Revvity Signals, was unveiling the Signals Clinical solution. It is a software-as-a-service, end-to-end clinical data science platform designed to centralize all clinical trial data, providing fast, actionable insights for quicker clinical decisions and accelerated market delivery of therapeutics.The same month, Revvity announced its fourth-quarter 2023 results, wherein management commented that the company persevered through continued industry headwinds and performed better than expected during the final months of 2023. The company is currently leading with innovation to be a strategic scientific partner for its customers, which is expected to position it well to continue to perform at a high level.Price PerformanceShares of Revvity have lost 15.3% in the past year against the industry’s 6.1% rise and the S&P 500’s 29.4% growth.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchZacks Rank & Key PicksCurrently, Revvity carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Some better-ranked stocks in the broader medical space are DaVita Inc. DVA, Cardinal Health, Inc. CAH and Cencora, Inc. COR.DaVita, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), has an estimated long-term growth rate of 12.1%. DVA’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 35.6%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.DaVita’s shares have gained 75.2% compared with the industry’s 23.8% rise in the past year.Cardinal Health, carrying a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) at present, has an estimated long-term growth rate of 14.2%. CAH’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average being 15.6%.Cardinal Health has gained 55.5% compared with the industry’s 15.6% rise in the past year.Cencora, carrying a Zacks Rank of 2 at present, has an estimated long-term growth rate of 9.8%. COR’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 6.7%.Cencora’s shares have rallied 54.8% compared with the industry’s 6.1% rise in the past year. Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 5 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How To Profit From Trillions On Spending For Infrastructure >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report DaVita Inc. (DVA): Free Stock Analysis Report Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH): Free Stock Analysis Report Cencora, Inc. (COR): Free Stock Analysis Report Revvity Inc. (RVTY): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»
GPS vs. DECK: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option?
GPS vs. DECK: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option? Investors interested in Retail - Apparel and Shoes stocks are likely familiar with Gap (GPS) and Deckers (DECK). But which of these two stocks presents investors with the better value opportunity right now? Let's take a closer look.Everyone has their own methods for finding great value opportunities, but our model includes pairing an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system with a strong Zacks Rank. The proven Zacks Rank emphasizes companies with positive estimate revision trends, and our Style Scores highlight stocks with specific traits.Both Gap and Deckers have a Zacks Rank of # 1 (Strong 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 just one piece of the puzzle for value investors.Value investors analyze a variety of traditional, tried-and-true metrics to help find companies that they believe are undervalued at their current share price levels.Our Value category highlights undervalued companies by looking at a variety of key metrics, including the popular P/E ratio, as well as the P/S ratio, earnings yield, cash flow per share, and a variety of other fundamentals that have been used by value investors for years.GPS currently has a forward P/E ratio of 18.13, while DECK has a forward P/E of 33.88. We also note that GPS has a PEG ratio of 1.51. 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. DECK currently has a PEG ratio of 1.78.Another notable valuation metric for GPS is its P/B ratio of 3.37. The P/B ratio is used to compare a stock's market value with its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. For comparison, DECK has a P/B of 11.10.Based on these metrics and many more, GPS holds a Value grade of A, while DECK has a Value grade of D.Both GPS and DECK are impressive stocks with solid earnings outlooks, but based on these valuation figures, we feel that GPS is the superior value option right now. Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 5 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How To Profit From Trillions On Spending For Infrastructure >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report The Gap, Inc. (GPS): Free Stock Analysis Report Deckers Outdoor Corporation (DECK): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»
FIS vs. EFX: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option?
FIS vs. EFX: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option? Investors looking for stocks in the Financial Transaction Services sector might want to consider either Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) or Equifax (EFX). But which of these two companies is the best option for those looking for undervalued stocks? Let's take a closer look.Everyone has their own methods for finding great value opportunities, but our model includes pairing an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system with a strong Zacks Rank. The Zacks Rank favors stocks with strong earnings estimate revision trends, and our Style Scores highlight companies with specific traits.Currently, Fidelity National Information Services has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy), while Equifax has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold). This system places an emphasis on companies that have seen positive earnings estimate revisions, so investors should feel comfortable knowing that FIS is likely seeing its earnings outlook improve to a greater extent. But this is just one piece of the puzzle for value investors.Value investors also tend to look at a number of traditional, tried-and-true figures to help them find stocks that they believe are undervalued at their current share price levels.Our Value category highlights undervalued companies by looking at a variety of key metrics, including the popular P/E ratio, as well as the P/S ratio, earnings yield, cash flow per share, and a variety of other fundamentals that have been used by value investors for years.FIS currently has a forward P/E ratio of 14.93, while EFX has a forward P/E of 33.75. We also note that FIS has a PEG ratio of 0.88. This figure is similar to the commonly-used P/E ratio, with the PEG ratio also factoring in a company's expected earnings growth rate. EFX currently has a PEG ratio of 2.Another notable valuation metric for FIS is its P/B ratio of 2.14. The P/B is a method of comparing a stock's market value to its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. By comparison, EFX has a P/B of 6.85.These are just a few of the metrics contributing to FIS's Value grade of B and EFX's Value grade of C.FIS sticks out from EFX in both our Zacks Rank and Style Scores models, so value investors will likely feel that FIS is the better option right now. Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 5 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How To Profit From Trillions On Spending For Infrastructure >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (FIS): Free Stock Analysis Report Equifax, Inc. (EFX): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»
SPPJY or WRK: Which Is the Better Value Stock Right Now?
SPPJY vs. WRK: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option? Investors interested in Paper and Related Products stocks are likely familiar with Sappi Ltd. (SPPJY) and WestRock (WRK). But which of these two stocks presents investors with the better value opportunity right now? Let's take a closer look.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.Sappi Ltd. has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy), while WestRock has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold) right now. Investors should feel comfortable knowing that SPPJY likely has seen a stronger improvement to its earnings outlook than WRK has recently. But this is just one piece of the puzzle for value investors.Value investors are also interested in a number of tried-and-true valuation metrics that help show when a company is undervalued at its current share price levels.Our Value category grades stocks based on a number of key metrics, including the tried-and-true P/E ratio, the P/S ratio, earnings yield, and cash flow per share, as well as a variety of other fundamentals that value investors frequently use.SPPJY currently has a forward P/E ratio of 7.70, while WRK has a forward P/E of 24.89. We also note that SPPJY has a PEG ratio of 0.57. This figure is similar to the commonly-used P/E ratio, with the PEG ratio also factoring in a company's expected earnings growth rate. WRK currently has a PEG ratio of 3.98.Another notable valuation metric for SPPJY is its P/B ratio of 0.68. 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, WRK has a P/B of 1.23.These are just a few of the metrics contributing to SPPJY's Value grade of A and WRK's Value grade of C.SPPJY sticks out from WRK in both our Zacks Rank and Style Scores models, so value investors will likely feel that SPPJY is the better option right now. Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 5 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How To Profit From Trillions On Spending For Infrastructure >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Sappi Ltd. (SPPJY): Free Stock Analysis Report WestRock Company (WRK): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»
MURGY vs. GSHD: Which Stock Should Value Investors Buy Now?
MURGY vs. GSHD: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option? Investors interested in Insurance - Multi line stocks are likely familiar with M?nchener R?ckversicherungs-Gesellschaft (MURGY) and Goosehead Insurance (GSHD). But which of these two stocks presents investors with the better value opportunity right now? Let's take a closer look.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.M?nchener R?ckversicherungs-Gesellschaft has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy), while Goosehead Insurance has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold) right now. Investors should feel comfortable knowing that MURGY likely has seen a stronger improvement to its earnings outlook than GSHD has recently. But this is just one piece of the puzzle for value investors.Value investors are also interested in a number of tried-and-true valuation metrics that help show when a company is undervalued at its current share price levels.Our Value category grades stocks based on a number of key metrics, including the tried-and-true P/E ratio, the P/S ratio, earnings yield, and cash flow per share, as well as a variety of other fundamentals that value investors frequently use.MURGY currently has a forward P/E ratio of 11.29, while GSHD has a forward P/E of 46.72. We also note that MURGY has a PEG ratio of 1.01. This figure is similar to the commonly-used P/E ratio, with the PEG ratio also factoring in a company's expected earnings growth rate. GSHD currently has a PEG ratio of 1.47.Another notable valuation metric for MURGY is its P/B ratio of 2.21. 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, GSHD has a P/B of 169.38.These are just a few of the metrics contributing to MURGY's Value grade of B and GSHD's Value grade of F.MURGY sticks out from GSHD in both our Zacks Rank and Style Scores models, so value investors will likely feel that MURGY is the better option right now. Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 5 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How To Profit From Trillions On Spending For Infrastructure >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report M?nchener R?ckversicherungs-Gesellschaft (MURGY): Free Stock Analysis Report Goosehead Insurance (GSHD): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»
SPXC vs. PLTR: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option?
SPXC vs. PLTR: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option? Investors looking for stocks in the Technology Services sector might want to consider either SPX Technologies (SPXC) or Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR). But which of these two stocks offers value investors a better bang for their buck right now? We'll need to take a closer look.Everyone has their own methods for finding great value opportunities, but our model includes pairing an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system with a strong Zacks Rank. The proven Zacks Rank emphasizes companies with positive estimate revision trends, and our Style Scores highlight stocks with specific traits.SPX Technologies and Palantir Technologies Inc. are sporting Zacks Ranks of #2 (Buy) and #3 (Hold), respectively, right now. This means that SPXC's earnings estimate revision activity has been more impressive, so investors should feel comfortable with its improving analyst outlook. But this is just one piece of the puzzle 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 Value category of the Style Scores system identifies undervalued companies by looking at a number of key metrics. These include the long-favored P/E ratio, P/S ratio, earnings yield, cash flow per share, and a variety of other fundamentals that help us determine a company's fair value.SPXC currently has a forward P/E ratio of 23.24, while PLTR has a forward P/E of 71.45. We also note that SPXC has a PEG ratio of 1.29. This figure is similar to the commonly-used P/E ratio, with the PEG ratio also factoring in a company's expected earnings growth rate. PLTR currently has a PEG ratio of 2.73.Another notable valuation metric for SPXC is its P/B ratio of 4.46. 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, PLTR has a P/B of 14.51.These are just a few of the metrics contributing to SPXC's Value grade of B and PLTR's Value grade of D.SPXC stands above PLTR thanks to its solid earnings outlook, and based on these valuation figures, we also feel that SPXC is the superior value option right now. Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 5 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How To Profit From Trillions On Spending For Infrastructure >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report SPX Technologies, Inc. (SPXC): Free Stock Analysis Report Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»
CI or HUM: Which Is the Better Value Stock Right Now?
CI vs. HUM: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option? Investors looking for stocks in the Medical - HMOs sector might want to consider either Cigna (CI) or Humana (HUM). But which of these two stocks offers value investors a better bang for their buck right now? We'll need to take a closer look.There are plenty of strategies for discovering value stocks, but we have found that pairing a strong Zacks Rank with an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system produces the best returns. The Zacks Rank favors stocks with strong earnings estimate revision trends, and our Style Scores highlight companies with specific traits.Cigna and Humana are sporting Zacks Ranks of #2 (Buy) and #5 (Strong Sell), respectively, right now. This means that CI's earnings estimate revision activity has been more impressive, so investors should feel comfortable with its improving analyst outlook. But this is just one piece of the puzzle 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.CI currently has a forward P/E ratio of 12.42, while HUM has a forward P/E of 21.69. We also note that CI has a PEG ratio of 1.08. 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. HUM currently has a PEG ratio of 2.04.Another notable valuation metric for CI is its P/B ratio of 2.23. 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, HUM has a P/B of 2.63.Based on these metrics and many more, CI holds a Value grade of A, while HUM has a Value grade of C.CI sticks out from HUM in both our Zacks Rank and Style Scores models, so value investors will likely feel that CI is the better option right now. Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 5 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How To Profit From Trillions On Spending For Infrastructure >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Cigna Group (CI): Free Stock Analysis Report Humana Inc. (HUM): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»