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Monster Beverage Gears Up for Q4 Earnings: Here's What You Should Know
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 19:22
Core Insights - Monster Beverage Corporation (MNST) is anticipated to report strong growth in both revenue and earnings for Q4 2025, driven by robust demand for energy drinks, effective pricing strategies, and ongoing international market expansion [1][9] Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Q4 revenues is $2.1 billion, reflecting a 13% increase from the same quarter last year [2][9] - The consensus estimate for earnings is 49 cents per share, indicating a 28.98% rise compared to the previous year [2][9] - The consensus estimates have remained stable over the past 30 days, with the company having a history of positive earnings surprises [2][8] Demand and Market Trends - Continued strength in global energy drink demand is expected, particularly in North America, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific regions [3] - The energy drink category is experiencing healthy growth, supported by increased household penetration and consumer interest in functionality and lifestyle [3] - Monster Beverage's diverse product portfolio, including Monster Energy and the Ultra family, positions the company to capitalize on evolving consumer preferences, especially for zero-sugar and flavored products [3] Innovation and Product Mix - Product innovation, particularly within the Ultra and Juice Monster families, is a key growth driver, supported by strong demand for zero-sugar options and new flavor launches [4] - Limited-time offerings and athlete-backed products are crucial for maintaining brand relevance and encouraging repeat purchases [4] Pricing and Cost Management - Pricing actions and cost management are expected to significantly influence profitability, with selective price adjustments and reduced promotional allowances anticipated to help maintain gross margins [5] - Ongoing supply chain optimization and strategic hedging against aluminum price volatility are expected to stabilize input costs [5] International Performance and Macro Conditions - International markets are contributing positively to Monster Beverage's performance, although currency fluctuations and regulatory developments present potential challenges [6] Operating Expenses - The company is facing high operating expenses due to increased costs related to sponsorships, endorsements, and payroll, which may necessitate tighter expense management to preserve margins [7] Valuation and Stock Performance - Monster Beverage's stock is trading at a premium, with a forward P/E ratio of 35.49x compared to the industry average of 20.08x [11] - The stock has gained 29.5% over the past six months, outperforming the industry growth of 14.6% [13]
Boston Beer's Q4 Results: Is an Earnings Surprise in the Cards?
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 19:16
Core Insights - Boston Beer Company, Inc. (SAM) is anticipated to report year-over-year declines in both revenues and earnings for the fourth quarter of 2025, with revenues expected at $384.5 million, a 4.4% decrease from the previous year, and a loss per share of $2.33, widening from a loss of $1.68 in the same quarter last year [1][2]. Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is $384.5 million, reflecting a 4.4% decline from the prior-year quarter [2]. - The loss per share is estimated at $2.33, indicating a widening compared to the loss of $1.68 reported in the year-ago quarter [2]. Recent Performance - In the last reported quarter, the company achieved an earnings surprise of 12.4%, with an average trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 42.9% [3]. Factors Influencing Q4 Results - Seasonal and business-related challenges are expected to pressure Boston Beer’s fourth-quarter earnings, as this period is typically the weakest for the company, characterized by the lowest revenues and profit margins of the year [4]. - The company is increasingly reliant on summer-focused brands like Truly, Twisted Tea, and Sun Cruiser, which tend to sell less during colder months [4]. - Brand-specific challenges include the decline of the hard seltzer category, with Truly facing pressure from consumer shifts towards spirits-based ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages and higher-ABV options [5]. - Twisted Tea has experienced weakness in larger pack formats due to inflation and affordability concerns affecting value-conscious consumers [5]. - Broader industry headwinds include reduced discretionary spending, health-related concerns regarding alcohol consumption, and competition from hemp-derived beverages [6]. Strategic Initiatives - Boston Beer is focusing on strategic pricing, product innovation, and brand development to strengthen its market position and performance [7]. - The company is expanding its presence in the Beyond Beer category, which is growing faster than the traditional beer market [7]. - Strong price realization and ongoing procurement savings are helping to mitigate inflationary pressures [7]. Valuation Perspective - Boston Beer stock is trading at a premium compared to historical and industry benchmarks, with a forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 20.12X, above the Beverages - Alcohol industry's average of 16.89X [9]. Stock Performance - Boston Beer shares have increased by 20% over the past three months, while the industry has grown by 23.3% [12].
GEHC Expands BARDA Collaboration With $35M Boost for AI Ultrasound
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 19:10
Core Insights - GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. (GEHC) has expanded its contract with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) by $35 million to enhance the development of AI-enabled ultrasound technologies and next-generation imaging platforms [1][2][5] Company Developments - The additional investment aims to accelerate the development of AI-enabled ultrasound tools for trauma assessment and improve readiness for large-scale casualty incidents [2][5] - GEHC's partnership with BARDA focuses on advancing ultrasound innovation through AI-powered tools and specialized hardware designed for frontline healthcare providers [3][5] - The expanded clinical scope of the agreement will support the development of multiple AI-enabled tools to enhance diagnostic workflows and reduce reliance on specialized operators, making them usable by non-expert ultrasound users [9][11] Market Position and Financial Performance - Following the announcement, GEHC shares increased by 1.6%, with a 11.6% rise over the past six months, contrasting with a 12.9% decline in the industry [4] - GEHC currently holds a market capitalization of $36.61 billion [7] Strategic Initiatives - The contract expansion is expected to strengthen GE HealthCare's position in the growing AI-enabled medical imaging market, enhancing its innovation pipeline and driving long-term revenue opportunities [5][12] - GEHC plans to advance point-of-care ultrasound systems that are reliable, portable, and easy to use in high-intensity environments [10] - The program also includes collaboration with clinicians to generate real-world evidence and guide product development, aiming to validate the clinical effectiveness of innovations [11] Industry Prospects - The AI in the ultrasound imaging market is projected to reach $1.22 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 8.4% through 2035, driven by the recognition of AI-based technologies' benefits [13]
Toll Brothers' Q1 Earnings & Revenues Surpass Estimates
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 19:05
Core Insights - Toll Brothers, Inc. (TOL) reported strong first-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with earnings and revenues exceeding expectations and showing year-over-year growth [1][4][10] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) reached $2.19, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.05 by 6.8% and increasing 25.1% year-over-year [4] - Total revenues amounted to $2.15 billion, exceeding the consensus mark of $1.84 billion and reflecting a 15.4% year-over-year increase [4] Sales and Deliveries - Home sales revenues increased by 0.5% year-over-year to $1.85 billion, contrary to expectations of a decline [5] - Home deliveries decreased by 4.6% to 1,899 units, better than the anticipated 7.3% decline [5] - The average selling price (ASP) of homes delivered was $976,800, up 5.6% from the previous year [5] Contracts and Backlog - Net-signed contracts totaled 2,303 units, slightly down from 2,307 units year-over-year, but the value of these contracts rose to $2.38 billion from $2.31 billion [6] - The backlog at the end of the quarter was 5,051 homes, a 20% decrease year-over-year, with potential revenues from the backlog declining 13.3% to $6.02 billion [7] Margins and Expenses - Adjusted home sales gross margin was 24.8%, a contraction of 20 basis points [8] - Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses as a percentage of home sales revenues increased to 13.9% from 13.1% year-over-year [8] Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - Cash and cash equivalents stood at $1.2 billion, down from $1.26 billion at the end of fiscal 2025 [9] - The debt-to-capital ratio decreased to 24.4% from 26% at the end of fiscal 2025 [9] Future Guidance - For the second quarter of fiscal 2026, home deliveries are expected to be between 2,400 and 2,500 units, with an average price of $975,000 to $985,000 [12] - For fiscal 2026, home deliveries are anticipated to be in the range of 10,300 to 10,700 units, reflecting a decline from fiscal 2025 [14] - The company expects an adjusted home sales gross margin of 26%, down from 27.3% in fiscal 2025 [15]
Global Payments Q4 Earnings Meet on Merchant Solutions Strength
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 19:05
Core Insights - Global Payments Inc. (GPN) reported fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $3.18, which was in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate, reflecting a 12% year-over-year increase [1] - Adjusted net revenues for the quarter improved 1.4% year over year to $2.3 billion, slightly missing the consensus mark [1] - The earnings growth was driven by the Merchant Solutions business, although elevated operating expenses partially offset the positives [1] GPN's Operating Performance - Adjusted operating income reached $1 billion, marking a 3.3% year-over-year increase, with an adjusted operating margin expansion of 80 basis points to 44.7% [2] - Total operating expenses rose significantly by 42.7% year over year to $1.7 billion, attributed to higher selling, general and administrative expenses, and cost of service [2] - Interest and other expenses increased by 35.1% year over year to $204.5 million [2] Q4 Segmental Performances of Global Payments - Merchant Solutions segment reported adjusted revenues of $1.8 billion, a 0.4% year-over-year increase, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.8% [3] - Adjusted operating income for Merchant Solutions increased by 2.8% year over year to $877.1 million [3] - Issuer Solutions segment saw adjusted revenues of $557.1 million, growing 5.1% year over year but missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.6% [3][4] GPN's Financial Position (As of Dec. 31, 2025) - Cash and cash equivalents stood at $8.3 billion, up from $2.4 billion at the end of 2024 [5] - Total assets increased to $53.3 billion from $46.9 billion at the end of 2024 [5] - Long-term debt rose to $19.5 billion compared to $15.1 billion at the end of 2024, with the current portion of long-term debt totaling $1.9 billion [5] - Total equity increased to $23.6 billion from $22.9 billion at the end of 2024 [5] Capital Deployment Update - The company initiated a $550 million accelerated share repurchase program and repurchased shares worth $1.2 billion in 2025 [7] Full-Year 2025 Update - Net revenues for 2025 grew by 2% year over year to $9.3 billion, with adjusted operating margin improving by 97 basis points [10] - Adjusted EPS for 2025 registered an 11% year-over-year growth to $12.22 [10] GPN's 2026 Outlook - Adjusted net revenue growth on a constant currency basis is expected to be around 5% in 2026 [11] - Adjusted EPS growth is anticipated to be between 13% and 15% in 2026, with an expected increase of around 150 basis points in annual adjusted operating margin [11] - The company aims to convert almost 90% of adjusted net income into adjusted free cash flow [11] GPN's Zacks Rank - GPN currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [12]
MSTR Stock Plunges 60% in a Year: Why the Dip Signals a Buying Chance
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 19:01
Key Takeaways MSTR shares have tumbled 59.7% in 12 months, lagging sector and crypto-linked peers.Strategy holds 717,131 bitcoins worth $58.9B, the largest corporate BTC treasury globally.MSTR raised $25.3B in 2025, doubling equity and supporting sustained Bitcoin accumulation.Strategy (MSTR) shares have plunged 59.7% in the trailing 12 months, sharply lagging the Zacks Finance sector’s appreciation of 10.4% and the Zacks Financial - Miscellaneous Services industry’s decline of 24.4%.MSTR shares have also u ...
DELL vs. SMCI: Which AI-Server Stock Offers Better Growth Opportunity?
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 19:01
Key Takeaways SMCI posted $12.68B in Q2 FY26 revenues, up 123% YoY, with AI GPU platforms over 90% of sales.Dell shipped $5.6B of AI servers in Q3 FY26 and holds an $18.4B backlog, eyeing $25B in FY26 AI shipments.SMCI's gross margin fell to 6.3%, and one data center customer made up 63% of revenues.Dell Technologies (DELL) and Super Micro Computer (SMCI) are leading players in the fast-growing AI server market. Dell stands out as a diversified infrastructure giant with strengths across PCs, storage and dat ...
FirstEnergy (FE) Q4 Earnings: Taking a Look at Key Metrics Versus Estimates
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 19:01
FirstEnergy (FE) reported $3.8 billion in revenue for the quarter ended December 2025, representing a year-over-year increase of 19.6%. EPS of $0.53 for the same period compares to $0.67 a year ago.The reported revenue represents a surprise of +16.94% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.25 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being $0.52, the EPS surprise was +1.92%.While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall Street ...
Element Solutions Q4 Earnings & Revenues Surpass Estimates
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 18:55
Core Insights - Element Solutions Inc. (ESI) reported earnings of 3 cents per share for Q4 2025, down from 23 cents in the same quarter last year, but adjusted earnings were 37 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 36 cents [1][7] - The company achieved net sales of $676.2 million, an increase of approximately 8% year-over-year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $623.9 million, with organic net sales rising by 10% [1][7] Financial Performance - ESI's Electronics segment saw net sales increase by 21% year-over-year to $487.3 million, with organic net sales up 13%, beating the consensus estimate of $436 million [3] - In contrast, the Specialties segment experienced a 15% decline in net sales to $188.9 million, although organic net sales increased by 4%, exceeding the consensus estimate of $188 million [3][2] Financial Position - At the end of the quarter, ESI had cash and cash equivalents of $626.5 million, a 74.3% increase from the previous year, while long-term debt decreased to $1,625.9 million from $1,813.6 million [4] - Cash from operating activities was reported at $91.1 million, with free cash flow amounting to $82.8 million for the quarter [4] Future Outlook - For the full year 2026, ESI anticipates adjusted EBITDA in the range of $650 million to $670 million, with a first-quarter expectation of adjusted EBITDA between $140 million and $155 million [5][7] Stock Performance - ESI's shares have increased by 22.4% over the past year, compared to a 3.1% rise in the industry [6]
Are These 3 Energy Stocks Set to Beat Q4 Earnings Estimates?
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 18:51
Core Insights - The energy sector is experiencing contrasting trends in oil and natural gas prices, leading to an intriguing earnings season for energy companies [1] Oil and Natural Gas Pricing Trends - In Q4 2024, average monthly WTI crude prices were $71.99, $69.95, and $70.12 per barrel, while in Q4 2025, they dropped to $60.89, $60.06, and $57.97, indicating a significant year-over-year decline due to global oversupply and OPEC+ production cuts [2] - Conversely, U.S. Henry Hub average natural gas prices rose from $2.20 in October to $3.01 in December 2024, and further increased to $3.19, $3.79, and $4.26 in Q4 2025, showing a positive year-over-year trend [3] Energy Sector Earnings Performance - Approximately 45.8% of S&P 500 oil and energy companies reported Q4 results, with earnings growth of 27.1% year over year despite a 1.3% decline in revenues, indicating strong performance quality as 81.8% exceeded EPS and revenue expectations [4] - The blended outlook for Q4 2025 suggests earnings growth of 13.7% year over year, a significant increase from 3.2% in Q3, although revenues are projected to decline slightly by 0.4%, indicating profit gains driven by margin expansion and cost discipline [5] Company-Specific Insights - TechnipFMC plc (FTI) has an Earnings ESP of +1.61% and a Zacks Rank 2, indicating a high likelihood of an earnings beat, with a consensus estimate of 51 cents per share, reflecting a 5.6% decrease from the prior year [9][11] - Transocean Ltd. (RIG) has an Earnings ESP of +5.88% and a Zacks Rank 3, with a consensus estimate of 9 cents per share, indicating a 200% increase from the prior year [12] - Targa Resources Corp. (TRGP) has an Earnings ESP of +0.18% and a Zacks Rank 3, with a consensus estimate of $2.37 per share, reflecting a 64.6% increase from the prior year [14]