Global Economic Outlook - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects global GDP growth of approximately 3.3% for 2026, supported by corporate investment in digital infrastructure and advanced technologies [1] - The U.S. labor market shows resilience, with nonfarm payrolls increasing by 130,000 in January 2026 and an unemployment rate of 4.3% [1] Industry Projections - The global semiconductor industry is expected to reach $975 billion in annual sales in 2026, driven by an AI infrastructure boom [2] - The Semiconductor Industry Association forecasts global semiconductor sales to approach $1 trillion in 2026, indicating a 26% growth, primarily due to advanced logic and high-bandwidth memory for generative AI workloads [5] Sector Performance - AI-linked infrastructure and healthcare innovation are expected to outperform the broader market in 2026, supported by strong demand drivers and favorable earnings momentum [3] - Hyperscalers like Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet are significantly investing in AI data centers and cloud infrastructure, which remains a core earnings catalyst [4] Aerospace and Defense - The industrial sector benefits from sustained defense spending, with U.S. national defense spending exceeding $800 billion annually, providing multi-year revenue visibility for prime contractors [8] - Companies like Lockheed Martin and RTX report substantial backlogs, with Lockheed Martin exiting 2025 with a $194 billion backlog and RTX with a $268 billion backlog, indicating extended revenue streams [9] Electrification and Grid Modernization - Electrification and grid modernization are identified as powerful structural drivers, with companies like Eaton and Siemens focusing on data center power demand and energy transition investments as key growth catalysts [10]

Core Insights - Valero Energy Corporation (VLO) stock is nearing its 52-week high of $206.77, closing at $196.91 on February 12, with a 50.3% increase compared to a 30.2% gain in the broader sub-industry [1][7] - Valero operates 15 refineries across the U.S., Canada, and Peru, with a combined throughput capacity of 3.2 million barrels per day, setting it apart from other independent refiners [2] - The current softness in crude oil prices is expected to benefit Valero by lowering input costs, as the West Texas Intermediate spot crude price is projected to drop from $65.40 per barrel in 2025 to $53.42 in 2026 [5] - Valero's refineries possess operational flexibility to process various feedstocks, allowing for adjustments in production based on market conditions, which enhances profitability [6] Financial Metrics - Valero's stock trades at a trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA of 7.73X, which is above the industry average of 5.06X [7][10] - Competitors Phillips 66 and HF Sinclair have trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA ratios of 13.03X and 6.82X, respectively [10] Market Position - The company is expected to benefit from strong refining margins due to lower crude prices, enabling it to convert cheaper feedstock into high-value products [9] - Despite the potential for profitability, Valero's current valuation suggests it may be overvalued, prompting a recommendation for investors to wait for a more favorable entry point [12]

Key Takeaways WAT beat Q4 estimates with EPS up 10.5% and sales rising 7% year over year. Pharma and Industrial sales rose 8%, while Europe revenues climbed 13% reported.WAT guides 2026 EPS to $14.30-$14.50 on 5.5-7% constant currency sales growth.Waters Corporation (WAT) reported fourth-quarter 2025 non-GAAP earnings of $4.53 per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.67% and increased 10.5% year over year. Net sales of $932.4 million topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.55%. The figure in ...

Key Takeaways SPNT is set to report Q4 2025 results on Feb. 18, with revenues expected to jump 26.6% year over year.SiriusPoint may see gains from Insurance & Services, Reinsurance and premium growth across Surety and A&H.SPNT's Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank #3 make an earnings beat uncertain despite prior surprises.SiriusPoint (SPNT) is expected to witness an improvement in its top and bottom lines when it reports fourth-quarter 2025 results on Feb. 18, after the closing bell.The Zacks Consensus E ...

Core Viewpoint - Sanofi has announced a leadership change, appointing Belén Garijo as the new CEO effective April 29, 2026, following the decision not to renew the mandate of current CEO Paul Hudson, which has led to a 4.5% drop in shares on February 12, 2026 [1][7]. Leadership Change - Paul Hudson's last day as CEO will be February 17, 2026, and Olivier Charmeil will serve as interim CEO until Garijo takes over [2]. - Belén Garijo, a Spanish national, previously served as CEO of Merck KGaA and has held roles at Abbott Laboratories and Sanofi [2]. Market Reaction - Investors have reacted negatively to the sudden CEO change, expressing concerns over Garijo's lack of a proven track record in leading large companies [3]. Stock Performance - Over the past six months, Sanofi's shares have declined by 4.1%, contrasting with a 28.4% increase in the industry [4]. Company Challenges - Sanofi is recognized as a major vaccine manufacturer and has a significant immunology drug, Dupixent, expected to generate around €22 billion in sales by 2030 [5]. - The company has faced setbacks in its research and development (R&D) efforts and pipeline innovation, which may have contributed to the decision for a leadership change [8][9]. - Sanofi has lagged in mergers and acquisitions compared to peers, impacting its growth and diversification [9]. Future Focus - Garijo's primary objectives will include enhancing R&D productivity, governance, and innovation, with the potential to turn around the company's fortunes [10].

Investors seek growth stocks to capitalize on above-average growth in financials that help these securities grab the market's attention and produce exceptional returns. However, it isn't easy to find a great growth stock.That's because, these stocks usually carry above-average risk and volatility. In fact, betting on a stock for which the growth story is actually over or nearing its end could lead to significant loss.However, the task of finding cutting-edge growth stocks is made easy with the help of the Z ...

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights Woodward (WWD) as a promising growth stock, supported by its favorable growth metrics and strong Zacks Rank, indicating potential for outperformance in the market [2][10]. Earnings Growth - Woodward has a historical EPS growth rate of 25.9%, with projected EPS growth of 20.6% for the current year, surpassing the industry average of 20.4% [5][4]. Asset Utilization Ratio - The company has an asset utilization ratio (sales-to-total-assets) of 0.82, indicating it generates $0.82 in sales for every dollar in assets, which is significantly higher than the industry average of 0.57 [6]. Sales Growth - Woodward's sales are expected to grow by 12.7% this year, compared to the industry average of 9.6%, showcasing its strong sales growth potential [7]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - The current-year earnings estimates for Woodward have increased by 9.4% over the past month, reflecting a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions, which is correlated with stock price movements [8]. Overall Positioning - Woodward has achieved a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a Growth Score of B, positioning it well for potential outperformance in the growth investment space [10].

Core Insights - DexCom, Inc. (DXCM) reported Q4 2025 adjusted EPS of 68 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 65 cents by 4.6%, and up from 45 cents in the prior-year quarter [1] - Full-year adjusted EPS was $2.09, reflecting a 27.4% increase from 2024 [1] - GAAP net income per share for Q4 was also 68 cents, up from 38 cents year-over-year [1][2] Revenue Performance - Total revenues for Q4 grew 13% year-over-year to $1.26 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.6% [3] - Full-year revenues for 2025 increased by 16% to $4.66 billion [4] - U.S. revenues, accounting for 70.8% of total revenues, rose 11% to $891.5 million, while international revenues improved 18% to $368.1 million [5] Margin and Operating Income - Adjusted gross profit reached $799.8 million, a 20.9% increase from the prior-year quarter, with an adjusted gross margin of 63.5%, up 410 basis points year-over-year [9] - Total adjusted operating income was $331.5 million, up 58.2% from the previous year, with an adjusted operating margin of 26.3%, an increase of 750 basis points [10] Financial Position - As of the end of Q4, the company had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $2 billion, down from $3.32 billion in Q3 2025 [11] - Total assets were reported at $6.34 billion, a decrease from $7.5 billion [11] Future Guidance - For 2026, DexCom expects revenues between $5.16 billion and $5.25 billion, indicating 11-13% growth year-over-year [12] - The company anticipates an adjusted gross margin of approximately 63-64% and an adjusted operating margin of about 22-23% [12] Strategic Developments - The nationwide launch of the G7 15-Day system is expected to enhance customer experience and drive growth [8] - The company is preparing for potential Medicare coverage for type 2 non-insulin users, which could significantly expand its market [19] - The G7 system's improvements in accuracy and reliability are expected to support ongoing adoption and market share growth [15]

Core Insights - Eversource Energy (ES) reported fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of $1.12 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.10 by 1.82% and reflecting a 10.9% increase from $1.01 in the same quarter last year [1] - Total revenues for 2025 were $3.37 billion, falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.41 billion by 1.29%, but representing a 13.4% increase from $2.97 billion in the previous year [2] - The company projected 2026 earnings of $4.80-$4.95 per share and anticipates a long-term EPS growth rate of 5% to 7% through 2030 [8][9] Financial Performance - Total operating expenses were $2.66 billion, up 1.38% from $2.62 billion in the prior year, driven by higher costs in purchased power, natural gas, and maintenance expenses [3] - Operating income surged to $710.5 million, a 104.3% increase from $347.8 million in the year-ago quarter [3] - Interest expenses rose to $331.2 million, up 14.7% from $288.7 million in the previous year [3] Segment Performance - Electric Transmission earnings were $183.7 million, a slight decrease of 0.16% from the prior year due to the absence of a carrying charge benefit [4] - Electric Distribution earnings fell to $95.5 million, down 13.5% from the previous year, impacted by customer credits related to a settlement agreement in Massachusetts [5] - Natural Gas Distribution earnings increased to $123.6 million, up 19.5% from the prior year, attributed to higher revenues from base distribution rate increases [6] - Water Distribution earnings were $7.4 million, down 1.33% from the previous year [6] - Earnings from Eversource Parent & Other Companies amounted to $11.1 million, a significant increase of 132.2% from a loss of $34.5 million in the year-ago quarter [7] Future Outlook - Eversource Energy expects cash from operations to be between $24.2 billion and $24.7 billion from 2026 to 2030 [9] - The company plans to invest $27.8 billion during the same period, including $1.3 billion for its water business [9] - Eversource anticipates distributing dividends of $6.7 billion to $7.2 billion from 2026 to 2030 [9]

Shares of EVI Industries, Inc. (EVI) have declined 10.4% since the company reported its earnings for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2025, underperforming the S&P 500 index, which slipped just 0.1% over the same period. Over the past month, EVI stock has declined 17.1%, again lagging the broader market’s modest 0.4% decline, reflecting a sharply negative investor reaction despite what the company described as record quarterly results.For the second fiscal quarter, EVI Industries reported earnings per share of 15 ...