Core Insights - Veracyte, Inc. (VCYT) is set to report its fourth-quarter 2025 results on February 25, with expectations of strong performance based on previous earnings surprises [1][9] Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is $138.7 million, indicating a 16.9% increase from the previous year [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EPS is 41 cents, reflecting a 13.9% year-over-year growth [2] - Earnings estimates have increased by 2.5% in the last 30 days, suggesting positive sentiment leading up to the earnings report [3] Business Segments - The core testing business is anticipated to show solid revenue growth, driven by strong volumes in Decipher and Afirma tests [4][9] - Decipher Prostate tests delivered approximately 26,700 tests in the third quarter, marking 14 consecutive quarters of over 25% year-over-year volume growth, a trend expected to continue [5] - Test volumes in the high-risk localized segment are also expected to have increased, supported by ongoing research and clinical adoption [6] Product Insights - Product volume in the third quarter was around 2,200 tests, with a year-over-year revenue growth of 4%, a trend expected to persist [7] - However, management has indicated a decline in product gross margin due to a transition to a contract manufacturing model [7][9] Market Position - VCYT has an Earnings ESP of +7.98% and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a higher likelihood of beating earnings estimates [11] - The company is facing challenges in its biopharma revenues and expects lower product gross margins in the fourth quarter due to restructuring efforts [9][10]

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on "buying high and selling higher" rather than traditional strategies of "buying low and selling high" [1] Group 1: Momentum Investing - Momentum investors often face challenges in determining the right entry point, as stocks may lose momentum when their valuations exceed future growth potential [2] - A safer approach involves investing in bargain stocks that exhibit recent price momentum, utilizing tools like the Zacks Momentum Style Score to identify such opportunities [3] Group 2: Redwood Trust (RWT) Analysis - Redwood Trust (RWT) has shown a price increase of 10.6% over the past four weeks, indicating growing investor interest [4] - RWT has gained 29% over the past 12 weeks, with a beta of 1.59, suggesting it moves 59% more than the market [5] - RWT has a Momentum Score of A, indicating a favorable time to invest based on momentum [6] - The stock has a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) due to upward revisions in earnings estimates, which attract more investors [7] - RWT is trading at a Price-to-Sales ratio of 0.74, suggesting it is undervalued at 74 cents for each dollar of sales [7] Group 3: Additional Investment Opportunities - Besides RWT, there are other stocks that meet the criteria of the 'Fast-Paced Momentum at a Bargain' screen, presenting further investment opportunities [8] - The Zacks Premium Screens offer over 45 different strategies tailored to help investors find winning stock picks [9]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of identifying and maintaining stock price trends for successful short-term investing, highlighting the utility of a specific screening strategy to find stocks with strong fundamentals and positive momentum. Group 1: Stock Screening Strategy - The "Recent Price Strength" screen is designed to identify stocks with sufficient fundamental strength to sustain their upward price trends, focusing on those trading in the upper portion of their 52-week high-low range, indicating bullishness [3]. - This screening method simplifies the process of shortlisting stocks that are likely to maintain their recent uptrend, which is crucial for short-term investors [3]. Group 2: Company Analysis - Forum Energy Technologies (FET) - Forum Energy Technologies (FET) has shown a significant price increase of 67.3% over the past 12 weeks, indicating strong investor interest and potential for further upside [4]. - FET has also experienced a price increase of 19.8% over the last four weeks, confirming that the upward trend is still intact [5]. - Currently, FET is trading at 101.1% of its 52-week high-low range, suggesting it may be on the verge of a breakout [6]. Group 3: Fundamental Strength Indicators - FET holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), placing it in the top 5% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises, which are critical for near-term price movements [6]. - The stock has an Average Broker Recommendation of 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting high optimism from the brokerage community regarding its near-term price performance [7]. - Historically, Zacks Rank 1 stocks have generated an average annual return of +25% since 1988, indicating a strong track record for this rating [7].

Key Takeaways SPGI reported mixed Q4 2025 results with 14% EPS growth and a 9% revenue increase.SPGI's subscription model and acquisitions like ORBCOMM boost recurring revenues and AI capabilities.SPGI faces rising costs, liquidity pressure and stiff competition from Moody's and Fitch.S&P Global’s (SPGI) top line benefits from its subscription-based revenues, which carry a low churn rate in the dynamic finance sector. Recent acquisitions are instrumental to its segmental growth and strong revenues per emplo ...

Core Insights - IBM and Intel are focusing on emerging technologies like cloud computing and AI to attract investors [1][2] - IBM is enhancing its capabilities in hybrid cloud and AI, while Intel is shifting towards data-centric businesses [2][4] IBM Overview - IBM is expected to benefit from strong demand for hybrid cloud and AI, particularly in its Software and Consulting segments [4] - The company's watsonx platform is central to its AI capabilities, enhancing enterprise productivity [4] - IBM's acquisition of HashiCorp has improved its ability to manage complex cloud environments, supporting its hybrid multi-cloud strategy [5] - Despite growth in hybrid cloud and AI, IBM faces competition from AWS and Azure, with pricing pressures impacting margins [6] Intel Overview - Intel is expanding manufacturing capacity under its IDM 2.0 strategy, launching new processors like the Intel Core Ultra series and Xeon 6+ [7] - The company has secured a $5 billion investment from NVIDIA to develop advanced AI solutions, benefiting the semiconductor ecosystem [8][9] - Intel's revenue is significantly impacted by its exposure to China, facing challenges from market restrictions and competition from domestic chipmakers [10] Financial Performance and Estimates - IBM's 2026 sales are projected to increase by 5.5%, with EPS growth of 6.7%, and shares trade at a lower forward P/S ratio than Intel [11][14] - Intel's 2026 sales are expected to grow by 1.8%, with EPS rising by 16.7%, but EPS estimates have declined by 15.5% over the past 60 days [12][13] Valuation and Investment Outlook - Over the past year, IBM's stock has gained 0.4%, while Intel's has increased by 98.2% [16] - IBM is viewed as more attractive from a valuation perspective, trading at a forward P/S ratio of 3.44 compared to Intel's 4.31 [14] - IBM is rated Hold, while Intel carries a Sell rating, with IBM seen as better positioned for sustainable growth [15][17]

Core Viewpoint - Southern Company is expected to report fourth-quarter earnings of 56 cents per share on revenues of $6.9 billion, with a year-over-year profit increase of 12% and an 8.3% rise in revenues [1][3][8] Group 1: Previous Quarter Performance - In the last reported quarter, Southern Company achieved adjusted earnings per share of $1.60, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by $1.50, with sales of $7.8 billion surpassing the consensus by 3.8% [2] - The company has topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in three of the last four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 3% [3] Group 2: Factors Influencing Performance - Weather conditions are a significant factor affecting earnings, with milder temperatures in Q3 impacting year-over-year results and potentially limiting heating-related usage in Q4 [4] - Increased financing and depreciation expenses may pressure fourth-quarter profitability, as management noted higher costs offsetting operating growth [5] - Despite challenges, Southern Company has solid earnings visibility due to firm load growth and executed contracts, with retail sales rising 1.8% and commercial sales increasing by 3.5% in Q3 [6] Group 3: Earnings Prediction Model - The Zacks model does not predict a definitive earnings beat for Southern Company in the fourth quarter, as the Earnings ESP is -4.76% and the company holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [7][9]

Core Insights - Seagate Technology Holdings plc (STX) has seen a significant stock increase of 30.6% in the past month, outperforming the Zacks Computer-Integrated Systems industry, the Zacks Computer & Technology sector, and the S&P 500, which fell by 0.7%, 4%, and 1.9% respectively [2][9] - The company has outperformed competitors such as Micron Technology (MU) and Silicon Motion Technology (SIMO), which rose by 13.5% and 20.8% respectively, as well as Western Digital Corporation (WDC), which increased by 27.1% [3] Key Catalysts Fueling Growth - The growth of Seagate is driven by booming data storage demand, strong earnings, and margins, particularly in data center markets [5] - Fiscal second-quarter revenues reached $2.83 billion, marking a 22% year-over-year increase, with record margins of 42.2% attributed to high-capacity nearline demand [9][11] - Seagate's strategy focuses on balancing performance with cost efficiency, aligning with the long-term growth of AI-generated data, which is expected to sustain demand [6] Product and Technology Developments - Seagate's HAMR (Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording) technology is seen as a key enabler for AI and machine learning-driven demand for cost-efficient mass-capacity storage [7] - The Mozaic 3 HAMR drives are now qualified with major U.S. cloud providers, with global qualification expected by the first half of 2026 [7] - Quarterly HAMR shipments have exceeded 1.5 million units, supporting a roadmap toward achieving 10TB-per-disk areal density [7] Financial Performance and Projections - Data center revenue rose by 28% year-over-year to $2.2 billion, constituting 79% of total sales, driven by cloud demand and a recovering enterprise OEM market [13] - The edge IoT segment generated $601 million, accounting for 21% of revenue, with a 2% year-over-year increase [14] - For the fiscal third quarter, Seagate expects revenues of approximately $2.9 billion, indicating a 34% year-over-year improvement [14] Estimate Revisions and Valuation - Earnings estimates for fiscal 2026 have increased by 11.8% to $12.63, while estimates for fiscal 2027 have risen by 29.7% to $18.89 [18] - The company's shares currently trade at a price/earnings ratio of 26.97 for forward earnings, compared to 16.66 for the industry [19] Investment Considerations - Seagate's recent stock rally reflects strong earnings momentum and growing investor confidence in data storage, particularly in AI infrastructure [20][21] - The company is positioned to create long-term value for customers and shareholders, with expectations of sequential revenue and profit growth through 2026 [15]

Core Viewpoint - Kinross Gold Corporation (KGC) is expected to report strong fourth-quarter 2025 results, driven by higher gold prices and robust production, despite facing cost pressures [1]. Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for KGC's fourth-quarter earnings is 55 cents per share, reflecting a 175% year-over-year increase. Revenue estimates stand at $1.87 billion, indicating a 32.4% rise year-over-year [2]. - KGC has outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in three of the last four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 17.4% [3][4]. Market Conditions - Gold prices have significantly increased, with a nearly 13% rise in the fourth quarter and approximately 65% increase in 2025, supporting KGC's performance [9]. - The average realized gold price per ounce for KGC in the fourth quarter is estimated at $4,080, a 53.2% increase from the previous year [9]. Production and Costs - KGC's production profile is strong, with key assets Tasiast and Paracatu contributing significantly to cash flow and production [10]. - However, the company is facing headwinds from rising production costs, with a 17% year-over-year increase in production cost of sales per ounce to $1,145 in the third quarter [11]. Stock Performance - KGC's shares have surged 205.2% over the past year, outperforming the Zacks Mining – Gold industry and the S&P 500 [12]. - The company is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 13.39, which is a 4.2% discount to the peer group average [15]. Investment Outlook - KGC has a promising pipeline of exploration and development projects, which are expected to enhance production and cash flow [18]. - The company maintains a strong liquidity position and generates substantial cash flows, allowing it to finance development projects and reduce debt [19]. - Despite the positives, high production costs may pressure KGC's margins, suggesting a cautious approach for investors [20][21].

Core Insights - Moody's (MCO) is expected to report its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results on February 18, with a focus on revenue growth across its divisions [1][9]. Corporate Finance - The Corporate Finance line, the largest revenue contributor within the Moody's Investors Service (MIS) division, is projected to see a revenue increase of 22.7% year-over-year, with estimates at $467.4 million, driven by healthy bond and loan issuance volumes [3][9]. - Global bond issuance activity remained robust in the fourth quarter, despite seasonal slowdowns in December, supporting issuance volumes [2]. Financial Institutions and Other Business Lines - The Financial Institutions business line is estimated to generate revenues of $173.4 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 3.8% [4]. - Public, Project, and Infrastructure Finance revenues are expected to reach $139.1 million, indicating a growth of 20.1% [4]. Structured Finance - Structured Finance revenues are anticipated to rise to $149.8 million, suggesting an 8.5% increase, supported by strong issuance volumes in collateral debt obligations and asset-backed securities [5]. Moody's Analytics Division - The Moody's Analytics (MA) division is projected to report revenues of $945 million, representing a 9.1% growth year-over-year, driven by rising demand for analytics and efforts to enhance profitability [6][7]. Overall Revenue and Earnings Expectations - The total revenue for the MIS division is expected to be $993.9 million, indicating a 15.8% year-over-year rise [5][9]. - The consensus estimate for earnings is pegged at $3.46, reflecting a 32.1% increase from the previous year [11]. 2025 Outlook - Moody's anticipates adjusted earnings per share between $14.50 and $14.75, with GAAP earnings projected at $13.15 to $13.40 per share, and expects revenue growth in the high-single-digit percent range for both MIS and MA segments [13].

Company Insights - Shares of Moderna, Inc. (MRNA) rose 5.3% on February 13, indicating renewed investor interest in large-cap biotech names amidst a choppy broader market [1][5] - The increase in stock price reflects confidence in Moderna's underlying vaccine platform and its ability to maintain momentum beyond the initial pandemic-driven surge [2] - Moderna continues to advance its mRNA technology, developing updated vaccines and expanding its development pipeline, which reinforces its long-term growth narrative [2] Industry Trends - Broader sentiment toward the biotech space improved, with several healthcare names attracting fresh capital as investors sought to diversify portfolios and manage volatility [3] - Institutional buying and short-covering likely contributed to the stock's strength, as investors rewarded companies with established commercial products and visible research pipelines [4] - The 5.3% rally in MRNA reflects a recalibration in risk appetite, balancing caution about market conditions with confidence in innovative healthcare leaders [4]