If recent market action feels confusing, it should. Over the past several weeks, many of the market’s former leaders have been sharply repriced, in a trend that has been evolving for months. Mega-cap technology companies such as Microsoft ((MSFT) and Amazon ((AMZN), along with higher-beta growth names including Robinhood Markets ((HOOD), AppLovin ((APP), and Palantir Technologies ((PLTR) among many others, have fallen dramatically, in some cases as much as 50% from their 2025 highs. Yet despite the severity ...

Core Viewpoint - NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) is currently positioned as a stronger investment compared to Super Micro Computer, Inc. (SMCI) due to its superior profitability metrics and robust demand for its AI chips, despite both companies benefiting from the AI infrastructure boom [1][12]. Group 1: NVIDIA's Performance - NVIDIA's revenues surged 62% year over year and 22% sequentially to $57 billion in the fiscal third quarter of 2026, with expectations for the fiscal fourth quarter to reach nearly $65 billion, plus or minus 2% [2][8]. - The company's gross margin increased to 73.4% in fiscal third-quarter 2026 from 72.4% in the previous quarter, indicating strong profitability [6][8]. - NVIDIA's return on equity (ROE) stands at an impressive 99.2%, showcasing its effective management and profitability compared to competitors [7][8]. Group 2: Supermicro's Performance - Supermicro's fiscal second-quarter 2026 sales climbed 123% year over year to $12.7 billion, significantly exceeding analysts' expectations of $10.4 billion [3][4]. - However, Supermicro's gross margins fell to 6.3% in fiscal second-quarter 2026 from 11.8% in the same quarter last year, indicating challenges in profitability [6][10]. - The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 66.9%, which is considerably higher than NVIDIA's 6.3%, suggesting greater financial risk [10]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The thawing trade tensions between the United States and China are expected to support NVIDIA's sales, as the U.S. government has approved the shipment of NVIDIA's H200 AI chips to China [2]. - Supermicro is scaling its AI server and storage capabilities, with its Data Center Building Block Solutions (DCBBS) gaining traction among AI clients [4][5].

Core Insights - Rivian Automotive reported a narrower loss of 54 cents per share in Q4 2025, compared to a loss of 69 cents estimated by Zacks Consensus, but wider than the previous year's loss of 52 cents [1] - Revenues for the quarter were $1.29 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.26 billion, but reflecting a year-over-year decline of 25.8% [1] Production and Deliveries - Total production for the quarter was 10,974 units, down from 12,727 units in the same quarter last year [2] - Total deliveries decreased to 9,745 units from 14,183 units a year ago [2] Financial Performance - Gross profit was $120 million, down from $170 million in the prior-year quarter, with a gross margin of 9% [3] - Adjusted operating expenses rose to $712 million from $620 million in the previous year [3] - Adjusted loss before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization was $465 million, compared to a loss of $277 million in Q4 2024 [3] Cash Flow and Expenditures - Net cash used by operating activities was $681 million, contrasting with net cash provided of $1.18 billion in the prior-year period [4] - Capital expenditures for Q4 were $463 million, up from $327 million a year ago [4] - Free cash outflow in the quarter was $1.14 billion [4] Segment Performance - The Automotive segment generated revenues of $839 million, a 45% year-over-year decline, primarily due to reduced regulatory credit sales and lower vehicle deliveries [5] - The Software and Services segment saw revenues of $447 million, more than doubling year-over-year, driven by new vehicle electrical architecture and software services [6] Financial Position - As of December 31, 2025, Rivian had cash and cash equivalents of $3.57 billion, down from $5.3 billion a year earlier [7] - Long-term debt remained relatively stable at $4.44 billion as of December 31, 2025, compared to $4.44 billion in the previous year [7] Future Guidance - For 2026, Rivian expects to deliver between 62,000 and 67,000 units, an increase from 42,284 in 2025 [8] - Adjusted EBITDA is projected to remain negative, ranging from $1.80 billion to $2.10 billion [8] - Anticipated capital expenditures for 2026 are between $1.95 billion and $2.05 billion [8]

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].