Key Takeaways DB will add up to 50 relationship managers in emerging markets this year, with hires continuing through 2028.Expansion targets Asia and Gulf UHNW clients amid rising demand for cross-border wealth management.Lombard lending capabilities will be scaled to meet growing client interest in borrowing against portfolios.Deutsche Bank AG (DB) is set to expand its emerging markets private banking operations, according to a Reuters report, which was published in Yahoo Finance. The German bank intends t ...

Core Insights - Lincoln National Corporation (LNC) reported fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share of $2.21, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 18.7% and reflecting a year-over-year increase of 15.7% [1][9] - Adjusted operating revenues rose 5.7% year over year to $4.9 billion, surpassing the consensus mark by 1% [1][9] Financial Performance - The increase in quarterly results was driven by higher insurance premiums, strong annuity deposits, and solid Life Insurance performance, alongside higher net investment income and improved mortality results [2] - Insurance premiums increased by 5.4% year over year to $1.7 billion, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1% [3] - Net investment income grew 11% year over year to $1.6 billion, exceeding the consensus mark by 6.7% [3] - Total expenses rose 35.2% year over year to $4 billion, while net income was reported at $754 million, down from $1.7 billion in the prior-year quarter [4] Segment Performance - The Annuities segment's operating income was $311 million, up 2.6% year over year, with operating revenues increasing by 7% to $1.3 billion [6] - The Life Insurance unit recorded an operating income of $77 million, improving from a loss of $15 million in the prior year, with operating revenues growing 2.2% to $1.6 billion [7] - The Group Protection segment's operating income increased 1.9% year over year to $109 million, with operating revenues totaling $1.5 billion, an 8.3% year-over-year improvement [8] - The Retirement Plan Services segment reported an operating income of $46 million, rising 7% year over year, with operating revenues increasing 4.5% to $352 million [10] Financial Position - As of December 31, 2025, Lincoln National had cash and invested cash of $9.5 billion, up from $5.8 billion at the end of 2024, and total assets of $417.2 billion, an increase from $390.8 billion [12] - Long-term debt remained stable at $5.9 billion, while total stockholders' equity rose to $10.9 billion from $8.3 billion at the end of 2024 [12] - Book value per share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income, was $73.10, up from $72.06 at the end of 2024 [13] Full-Year Update - For the full year 2025, Lincoln National reported adjusted earnings per share of $8.23, a 16.4% increase year over year, with adjusted operating revenues improving 4.1% to $19.1 billion [15] - The operating revenues in the Annuities, Life Insurance, Group Protection, and Retirement Plan Services segments saw year-over-year improvements of 1.9%, 3.1%, 6.7%, and 2.4%, respectively [15] 2026 Outlook - In 2026, the Annuities, Life Insurance, Group Protection, and Retirement Plan Services units are projected to account for 58-60%, 8-9%, 24-25%, and 8-9% of the company's total operating income earnings, respectively [16] - Management aims to maintain an RBC ratio of over 420% in both 2026 and the long term [16]

Core Insights - Home Depot's shares have increased by 17% over the past three months, underperforming the Zacks Retail - Home Furnishings industry's growth of 18.8% but outperforming the Retail-Wholesale sector's return of 3.7% and the S&P 500's rally of 4.1% during the same period [1][6] - The stock is currently trading at $391.05, which is 8.4% below its 52-week high of $426.75 reached in September [1][2] Performance Comparison - Home Depot has lagged behind key peers such as Lowe's Companies Inc. (31.5%), Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (19.1%), and Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. (21%) over the past three months [2][6] - The stock is trading above its 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages, indicating a favorable technical setup [2][3] Growth Strategy - Home Depot is focusing on expanding its Pro ecosystem and enhancing digital tools, including AI-powered blueprint takeoffs, to drive growth [6][7] - The company is deepening relationships with professional contractors by combining retail scale with wholesale distribution expertise, enhancing cross-selling opportunities [8] Digital Innovation - The AI-powered blueprint takeoffs tool improves planning efficiency by analyzing construction plans and generating material estimates quickly [9] - Investments in fulfillment and operational efficiency are aimed at enhancing customer experience through faster delivery and improved inventory visibility [10] Financial Overview - In Q3 of fiscal 2025, Home Depot invested approximately $900 million in capital expenditures, with a full-year capex projected at 2.5% of sales [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects a 3.3% year-over-year increase in sales and a 4.9% decline in EPS for the current fiscal year [12] Market Challenges - Home Depot faces downward estimate revisions due to pressures in the home improvement environment, particularly for larger discretionary projects [15] - High interest rates and subdued housing turnover are impacting customer demand for big-ticket remodels, while smaller projects remain stable [15] Valuation Analysis - The company is currently trading at a forward 12-month P/E multiple of 25.74, which is above the industry's average of 23.53 and the sector's 24.19, suggesting that Home Depot may be overvalued [18][20] - Compared to peers, Home Depot trades at a premium to Lowe's and Williams-Sonoma but at a discount to Floor & Decor Holdings [20] Investment Outlook - Home Depot's structural strengths through Pro expansion and digital investments support its long-term growth outlook [21] - However, the stock's premium valuation and slower earnings momentum limit near-term upside potential, suggesting that maintaining existing positions may be prudent while new investors might wait for clearer demand improvement [22]

Shares of Optex Systems Holdings, Inc. (OPXS) have declined 2.9% since the company reported results for the quarter ended Dec. 28, 2025, underperforming the S&P 500 index, which fell 1.6% over the same period. Over the past month, however, the stock has edged down 0.9%, outperforming the broader market’s 1.9% decline.For the fiscal first quarter of 2026, Optex Systems reported net income of 3 cents per share compared with 12 cents per share in the prior-year quarter.Revenues rose 11.6% year over year to $9. ...

Core Viewpoint - AngloGold Ashanti PLC is expected to report strong fourth-quarter 2025 results, driven by higher gold prices and increased production, with earnings projected to rise by 113.5% year-over-year and total sales expected to increase by 73% [1][4][19] Earnings and Sales Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter 2025 earnings is $1.90 per share, unchanged over the past 60 days [1] - Total sales for the fourth quarter are estimated at $3.03 billion, reflecting a 73% increase from the previous year [4] Production Performance - In the third quarter, AngloGold Ashanti reported a 17% year-over-year increase in gold production, totaling 768,000 ounces, supported by contributions from key assets such as Sukari, Obuasi, Kibali, and Geita [8][9] - The production increases are expected to continue into the fourth quarter, contributing to the anticipated higher earnings [8] Market Conditions - The rise in gold prices in 2025 has been influenced by geopolitical tensions, a depreciating U.S. dollar, potential monetary policy easing, and central bank purchases, leading to near-record high levels of gold prices [10] - This favorable market environment is expected to enhance AngloGold Ashanti's performance in the upcoming quarter [10] Stock Performance and Valuation - AngloGold Ashanti's shares have surged 258.3% over the past year, outperforming the industry average increase of 147.6% [12] - The stock is currently trading at a forward earnings multiple of 12.60X, which is below the industry average of 14.05X [13] Strategic Growth Initiatives - The company is pursuing both organic and inorganic growth strategies, including the acquisition of Centamin, which added the Sukari mine to its portfolio, capable of producing 500,000 ounces annually [17] - AngloGold Ashanti is also focusing on streamlining operations and enhancing its presence in core markets, particularly in the United States [18]

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, aiming to buy high and sell higher, with the expectation that established trends will continue [1] Company Overview: First Majestic Silver (AG) - First Majestic Silver has a Momentum Style Score of B, indicating potential for strong performance based on price changes and earnings estimate revisions [3] - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting it is positioned for outperformance in the market [4] Price Performance - Over the past week, AG shares have increased by 4.41%, outperforming the Zacks Mining - Silver industry, which rose by 2.73% [6] - In a longer timeframe, AG's shares have surged by 90.38% over the past quarter and 322.06% over the last year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's gains of 1.76% and 13.08% respectively [7] Trading Volume - The average 20-day trading volume for AG is 29,463,580 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [8] Earnings Outlook - In the last two months, one earnings estimate for AG has increased, raising the consensus estimate from $0.25 to $0.30 for the full year, with two upward revisions for the next fiscal year [10] Conclusion - Given the positive momentum indicators and earnings outlook, AG is recommended as a strong buy candidate for investors seeking short-term opportunities [12]

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, with the aim of buying high and selling higher, capitalizing on established price movements [1]. Company Overview: TIM S.A. Sponsored ADR (TIMB) - TIMB currently holds a Momentum Style Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a favorable outlook for the stock [3][4]. - The stock has shown strong performance, with a 6.79% increase over the past week, outperforming the Zacks Wireless Non-US industry, which rose by 4.43% during the same period [6]. - Over the last month, TIMB's price change is 22.63%, significantly higher than the industry's 15.68% [6]. - In the longer term, TIMB shares have increased by 13.91% over the past quarter and 71.73% over the last year, while the S&P 500 has only moved 1.76% and 13.08%, respectively [7]. Trading Volume - TIMB's average 20-day trading volume is 393,343 shares, which serves as a useful indicator of market interest and price movement [8]. Earnings Outlook - Recent earnings estimate revisions for TIMB have been positive, with two estimates moving higher and none lower, raising the consensus estimate from $1.72 to $1.79 over the past 60 days [10]. - For the next fiscal year, one estimate has increased while there have been no downward revisions [10]. Conclusion - Given the positive momentum indicators and earnings outlook, TIMB is positioned as a strong buy candidate for investors seeking short-term opportunities [12].

Accenture (ACN) could be a solid addition to your portfolio given its recent upgrade to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). An upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices -- has triggered this rating change.A company's changing earnings picture is at the core of the Zacks rating. The system tracks the Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus measure of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years.The power of a chang ...

Core Viewpoint - Entergy (ETR) is identified as a strong momentum stock with a Momentum Style Score of A and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating potential for short-term gains [3][12]. Company Performance - ETR shares have increased by 7.26% over the past week, outperforming the Zacks Utility - Electric Power industry, which rose by 4.55% during the same period [6]. - Over the past month, ETR's price change is 8.97%, compared to the industry's 7.16% [6]. - In the last quarter, ETR shares rose by 10.04%, and over the past year, they have increased by 27.37%, while the S&P 500 only moved 1.76% and 13.08%, respectively [7]. Trading Volume - ETR's average 20-day trading volume is 2,877,170 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [8]. Earnings Outlook - In the last two months, one earnings estimate for ETR has increased, while none have decreased, raising the consensus estimate from $4.39 to $4.40 [10]. - For the next fiscal year, one estimate has moved upwards with no downward revisions during the same period [10].

Core Viewpoint - Equinox Gold (EQX) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Movement - The Zacks rating system reflects changes in earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [4][6]. - Rising earnings estimates for Equinox Gold suggest an improvement in the company's underlying business, likely leading to increased stock prices [5][10]. Zacks Rating System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. - Only the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks receive a "Strong Buy" rating, indicating superior earnings estimate revisions [9][10]. Recent Earnings Estimate Revisions - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Equinox Gold is expected to earn $0.44 per share, unchanged from the previous year, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 7.7% over the past three months [8].