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Whirlpool (WHR) Recently Broke Out Above the 200-Day Moving Average
ZACKS· 2025-07-01 14:51
Core Viewpoint - Whirlpool (WHR) is showing potential for investment as it has reached a significant support level and crossed above the 200-day moving average, indicating a long-term bullish trend [1][2]. Technical Analysis - The 200-day simple moving average is a critical indicator for establishing long-term market trends for various financial instruments, including stocks like WHR [2]. - WHR has experienced a rally of 29.1% over the past four weeks, and it currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting a strong potential for further upward movement [2]. Earnings Estimates - Recent earnings estimate revisions for WHR show one upward revision with no downward revisions for the current fiscal year, indicating growing investor confidence [3]. - The consensus estimate for WHR has also increased, reinforcing the bullish outlook alongside the technical indicators [3].
Capital One Hits 52-Week High: Should You Buy the Stock Now?
ZACKS· 2025-07-01 14:45
Core Insights - Capital One Financial Corporation (COF) shares reached a 52-week high of $215.62 after passing the Federal Reserve's 2025 stress test, indicating strong capital reserves to absorb significant losses [1][8] Stock Performance - Over the past three months, COF stock has increased by 16.8%, outperforming the industry growth of 11.5% and the S&P 500 Index's 9% [2] Growth Drivers - The company has pursued a robust inorganic expansion strategy, including the acquisition of Discover Financial for $35.3 billion and Velocity Black in 2023, enhancing shareholder value [5] - COF's total revenues have shown a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2019 to 2024, with continued growth momentum into the first quarter of 2025 [6] - The Domestic Credit Card division, which represents 94.9% of credit card net revenues, has seen improvements in loans held for investment, indicating strong growth opportunities [11] - The net interest margin (NIM) has increased from 6.63% in 2023 to 6.88% in 2024, benefiting from high rates and steady demand for credit card loans [12] - As of March 31, 2025, Capital One's total debt was $41.8 billion, with cash and cash equivalents at $48.6 billion, indicating a strong liquidity position [13] Challenges - COF has experienced a rising expense base, with a CAGR of 6.8% over the last five years, primarily due to increased marketing costs and inflation [16] - The provision for credit losses has increased with a CAGR of 13.4% from 2019 to 2024, reflecting deteriorating asset quality amid a challenging macroeconomic environment [20] Earnings Outlook - Analysts have revised earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 upward by 16.9% and 4.7%, respectively, indicating optimism about the company's growth potential [22] - The estimated year-over-year growth rates for earnings are 5.8% for 2025 and 27.4% for 2026 [22] Valuation - COF stock has a P/E (F1) ratio of 14.41, which is higher than the industry's 11.51, suggesting that the stock may be trading at a premium [26]
3 Financial Stocks to Buy Now on Core PCE Coming in High
ZACKS· 2025-07-01 14:45
Group 1: Economic Environment - The May 2025 Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation report indicates core PCE inflation rose approximately 0.22% month over month and 2.68% year over year, reinforcing expectations for the Fed's hawkish stance [1][11] - Treasury yields have increased, with the benchmark 10-year yield climbing from roughly 3.35% to about 3.45%, reflecting market reactions to persistent inflation data [2][11] Group 2: Financial Sector Performance - Financial institutions, including banks and insurance companies, are expected to see increased profitability due to higher lending rates and improved net interest margins in a high-rate environment [4][5] - The S&P 500 Financials Select Sector SPDR (XLF) has risen 9.1% year to date as of June 30, indicating strong performance in the financial sector [5] Group 3: Investment Opportunities - Stocks such as Nelnet, Inc. (NNI), Pagaya Technologies Ltd. (PGY), and United Fire Group, Inc. (UFCS) are highlighted as viable investment options due to their strong earnings momentum and favorable growth rates [3][11] - Nelnet (NNI) has an expected earnings growth rate of 59% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 1 and a VGM Score of B [8] - Pagaya Technologies (PGY) shows an expected earnings growth rate of 195.2% for the current year, also holding a Zacks Rank 1 and a VGM Score of B [9] - United Fire Group (UFCS) has an expected earnings growth rate of 8% for the next year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a VGM Score of B [10]
Carnival's EBITDA Momentum Picks Up: Is Margin Expansion Sustainable?
ZACKS· 2025-07-01 14:45
Core Insights - Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) has reported a significant rebound in profitability, achieving its highest second-quarter EBITDA margins in nearly 20 years, with adjusted EBITDA reaching $1.51 billion, an increase from $1.2 billion in the same quarter last year [1][9] - The company attributes its margin improvement to strong pricing and operational leverage, with yields increasing by nearly 6.5% year over year, surpassing guidance by 200 basis points [2][9] - Carnival has exceeded two of its three 2026 SEA Change targets ahead of schedule, with EBITDA per available lower berth day rising 52% from 2023 levels and return on invested capital increasing by 12.5% [3] Financial Performance - The net debt-to-EBITDA ratio improved from 4.1 to 3.7 in the fiscal second quarter, alongside a decline in interest expenses, indicating a positive trend in bottom-line metrics [4] - Carnival has raised its full-year 2025 adjusted EBITDA outlook to approximately $6.9 billion, reflecting a 10% increase from 2024 levels and exceeding previous guidance of $6.7 billion [5][9] Competitive Landscape - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) reported EBITDA margins of 35% in the first quarter, a 360 basis point improvement year over year, driven by strong bookings and favorable pricing [6] - Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) posted adjusted EBITDA of $453 million in the first quarter of 2025, with a trailing 12-month EBITDA margin of 35.5%, up 280 basis points from the prior year, supported by a company-wide efficiency program [7] Market Performance - CCL shares have increased by 40.5% over the past three months, outperforming the industry growth of 16.8% [8] - CCL trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 13.29X, significantly below the industry average of 18.98X [10] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CCL's fiscal 2025 and 2026 earnings indicates a year-over-year increase of 38% and 13.4%, respectively, with EPS estimates having risen in the past 30 days [11]
Here's Why Acuity (AYI) is a Strong Growth Stock
ZACKS· 2025-07-01 14:45
Company Overview - Acuity, Inc. is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, and is the parent company of Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. It manufactures and distributes lighting fixtures and related components, including luminaries, lighting controls, and integrated systems designed for energy efficiency and comfort in various applications [11]. Investment Ratings - Acuity, Inc. currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and has a VGM Score of B, indicating a solid position in the market [12]. - The company is considered a potential top pick for growth investors, with a Growth Style Score of B, forecasting a year-over-year earnings growth of 9.7% for the current fiscal year [12]. Earnings Estimates - In the last 60 days, two analysts have revised their earnings estimates upwards for Acuity, leading to an increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate by $0.04 to $17.07 per share [12]. - Acuity has demonstrated an average earnings surprise of 5.6%, suggesting a positive trend in earnings performance [12]. Investment Considerations - With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Growth and VGM Style Scores, Acuity, Inc. is recommended to be on investors' short lists for potential investment opportunities [13].
Walmart (WMT) is a Top-Ranked Growth Stock: Should You Buy?
ZACKS· 2025-07-01 14:45
Company Overview - Walmart Inc. has transformed from a traditional brick-and-mortar retailer to an omnichannel player, adapting to the evolving retail landscape through acquisitions, partnerships, and delivery programs like Walmart+ and Express Delivery [11] - The company has invested in its online e-commerce platform, Flipkart, to compete with rivals such as Amazon and Target [11] - Walmart's extensive product offerings range from groceries to electronics, home furnishings, health and wellness products, and apparel [11] Investment Ratings - Walmart is currently rated as 3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B, indicating a solid position but not a strong buy [12] - The company has a Growth Style Score of B, forecasting a year-over-year earnings growth of 3.6% for the current fiscal year [12] - Four analysts have revised their earnings estimates upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing to $2.60 per share [12] Performance Metrics - Walmart boasts an average earnings surprise of 5.3%, indicating a history of exceeding earnings expectations [12] - With a solid Zacks Rank and strong Growth and VGM Style Scores, Walmart is positioned as a potential top pick for growth investors [13]
Are Investors Undervaluing GMS (GMS) Right Now?
ZACKS· 2025-07-01 14:41
Core Viewpoint - The Zacks Rank system and Style Scores are effective tools for identifying strong stocks, particularly in value investing, which focuses on undervalued stocks with potential for profit [1][2][3]. Company Analysis: GMS - GMS currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and an A grade for Value, indicating it is a high-quality value stock [3]. - The P/B ratio for GMS is 2.63, which is comparable to the industry average of 2.64, suggesting a solid valuation [4]. - GMS's P/S ratio stands at 0.75, lower than the industry's average of 0.8, reinforcing the notion that GMS may be undervalued [5]. - Overall, GMS's strong earnings outlook and key valuation metrics suggest it is an impressive value stock at this time [6].
Are Retail-Wholesale Stocks Lagging Booking Holdings (BKNG) This Year?
ZACKS· 2025-07-01 14:41
The Retail-Wholesale group has plenty of great stocks, but investors should always be looking for companies that are outperforming their peers. Booking Holdings (BKNG) is a stock that can certainly grab the attention of many investors, but do its recent returns compare favorably to the sector as a whole? By taking a look at the stock's year-to-date performance in comparison to its Retail-Wholesale peers, we might be able to answer that question.Booking Holdings is a member of the Retail-Wholesale sector. Th ...
Should Value Investors Buy Darling Ingredients (DAR) Stock?
ZACKS· 2025-07-01 14:41
The proven Zacks Rank system focuses on earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find winning stocks. Nevertheless, we know that our readers all have their own perspectives, so we are always looking at the latest trends in value, growth, and momentum to find strong picks.Considering these trends, value investing is clearly one of the most preferred ways to find strong stocks in any type of market. Value investors use tried-and-true metrics and fundamental analysis to find companies that they believe are ...
Is Alpha Cognition Inc. (ACOG) Outperforming Other Medical Stocks This Year?
ZACKS· 2025-07-01 14:41
For those looking to find strong Medical stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Is Alpha Cognition Inc. (ACOG) one of those stocks right now? By taking a look at the stock's year-to-date performance in comparison to its Medical peers, we might be able to answer that question.Alpha Cognition Inc. is a member of our Medical group, which includes 989 different companies and currently sits at #7 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank gauges the st ...