Here at Zacks, we focus on our proven ranking system, which places an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions, to find winning stocks. But we also understand that investors develop their own strategies, so we are constantly looking at the latest trends in value, growth, and momentum to find strong companies for our readers.Looking at the history of these trends, perhaps none is more beloved than value investing. This strategy simply looks to identify companies that are being undervalued by the ...

Core Viewpoint - JPMorgan's shares reached an all-time high of $316.31, driven by optimism regarding the easing rate cycle and a strong capital return momentum, including a $50 billion buyback and a 7% dividend increase [1][10][18]. Group 1: Stock Performance - JPMorgan's stock has gained 30.4% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P Index's 14.1% increase [1]. - In comparison, Bank of America and Citigroup saw stock increases of 17.6% and 46.3%, respectively, during the same period [1]. Group 2: Net Interest Income (NII) Outlook - JPMorgan's balance sheet is highly asset-sensitive, and the anticipated Fed rate cuts may exert downward pressure on NII, projected to be $95.5 billion in 2025, reflecting over 3% year-over-year growth [5][6]. - The bank's NII recorded a five-year CAGR of 10.1%, primarily due to high-interest rates since 2022 and the acquisition of First Republic Bank [7]. - Other banks like Bank of America and Citigroup also expect modest NII declines but project growth in 2025 driven by strong loan demand [8]. Group 3: Non-Interest Income and Fee Income - Lower borrowing costs from rate cuts are expected to revive corporate financing activity, enhancing JPMorgan's advisory and underwriting fees [12]. - The bank's trading revenues are likely to benefit from increased client hedging and speculative activity due to market volatility [13]. - JPMorgan's asset management business is anticipated to see rising assets under management and higher fee revenues as markets rally [14]. Group 4: Branch Expansion and Acquisitions - JPMorgan operates 4,994 branches, the most of any U.S. bank, and plans to open 500 more by 2027 to enhance relationship banking [15][16]. - The bank has also expanded through strategic acquisitions, including a larger stake in Brazil's C6 Bank and the purchase of First Republic Bank [16]. Group 5: Financial Strength and Capital Returns - As of June 30, 2025, JPMorgan had total debt of $485.1 billion and cash and deposits of $420.3 billion, maintaining strong liquidity [17]. - The bank has consistently rewarded shareholders, increasing its quarterly dividend by 7% to $1.50 per share and authorizing a $50 billion share repurchase program [18][19]. Group 6: Asset Quality and Credit Performance - Lower interest rates are expected to improve asset quality by easing debt-service burdens, particularly benefiting variable-rate consumer and corporate loans [21]. - JPMorgan anticipates a card net charge-off rate of approximately 3.6% for 2025, indicating stable credit performance [22]. Group 7: Valuation and Earnings Estimates - JPMorgan's stock is trading at a forward P/E of 15.55X, above the industry average of 15.25X, indicating a stretched valuation [23][25]. - Earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have been revised upward, reflecting bullish analyst sentiments [25][26].

Key Takeaways Kinross Gold sold 36.9M Asante Gold shares for gross proceeds of C$73.1M.KGC remains a supportive investor in Asante through convertible instruments.Kinross' shares have surged 153.7% in a year, outperforming its industry.Kinross Gold Corporation (KGC) announced the sale of 36,927,650 common shares in Asante Gold Corporation at C$1.98 per share, representing roughly 5.2% of the outstanding shares.The transaction, through a private placement, generated gross proceeds of approximately C$73.1 mil ...

Key Takeaways FSI starts production for its second food-grade contract at the Illinois plant.The deal could bring $6.5M-$13M annually, scaling further through 2026.Contract includes five-year growth options and safeguards on tariffs and inflation.Flexible Solutions International, Inc. (FSI) , a developer and manufacturer of biodegradable polymers, environmentally safe water and energy conservation technologies, has announced the start of production for its second food-grade contract. This contract for the I ...

Core Viewpoint - Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC) and Hercules Capital, Inc. (HTGC) are two prominent Business Development Companies (BDCs) with differing investment strategies, where ARCC targets middle-market firms and HTGC focuses on high-growth technology and life sciences sectors [1][2] Group 1: Ares Capital (ARCC) - ARCC's investments typically range from $30 million to $500 million, with power generation projects between $10 million and $200 million, offering customized financing solutions primarily in senior secured debt [3] - In the first half of 2025, ARCC experienced year-over-year growth in total investment income, driven by increased interest income and capital structuring service fees [4] - Over the past five years, ARCC's total investment income has grown at a CAGR of 14.4%, with gross investment commitments of $15.1 billion in 2024 and $6 billion in 2023 [5] - As of June 30, 2025, ARCC's diversified investment portfolio was valued at $27.9 billion across more than 560 companies, with significant investments in software & services (24%) and healthcare equipment & services (13%) [6] - Analysts have revised ARCC's earnings estimates downward, indicating a 13.7% decline for 2025 and a 0.9% decline for 2026 [12][15] - ARCC's stock is currently trading at a 12-month forward P/E of 10.40X, reflecting a premium valuation [20] Group 2: Hercules Capital (HTGC) - HTGC's investments generally range from $15 million to $40 million, focusing on structured debt with warrants and targeting companies with at least six months to one year of operational history [7] - In the first half of 2025, HTGC saw slight growth in total investment income and an increase in gross new debt and equity commitments [8] - Over the last decade, HTGC's total investment income has grown at a CAGR of 12.1%, with new debt and equity commitments of $2.6 billion in 2021 and $3.1 billion in 2022 [9] - As of June 30, 2025, HTGC's investment portfolio was valued at $4.2 billion, with 35% in software companies and 25% in drug discovery & development [11] - Analysts are more optimistic about HTGC's prospects, with a projected 4% decline in 2025 earnings but a 5% growth expected in 2026 [15] - HTGC is trading at a lower 12-month forward P/E of 9.66X compared to ARCC, making it a more attractive valuation [20][23] Group 3: Comparative Analysis - The operating environment is improving, positioning HTGC for long-term growth due to its focus on high-growth sectors, rising investment commitments, and projected earnings growth for 2026 [24] - ARCC's broader industry exposure makes it more susceptible to tariff-related risks, while its diversified portfolio offers income stability [25] - Both companies currently hold a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a neutral outlook [26]

Investors often turn to recommendations made by Wall Street analysts before making a Buy, Sell, or Hold decision about a stock. While media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm employed (or sell-side) analysts often affect a stock's price, do they really matter?Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let's see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about Hasbro (HAS) .Hasbro currently has an average brokerage recommendation (AB ...

For the quarter ended July 2025, Thor Industries (THO) reported revenue of $2.52 billion, down 0.4% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $2.31, compared to $1.68 in the year-ago quarter.The reported revenue represents a surprise of +9.03% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.31 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being $1.16, the EPS surprise was +99.14%.While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall Street e ...

Investors often turn to recommendations made by Wall Street analysts before making a Buy, Sell, or Hold decision about a stock. While media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm employed (or sell-side) analysts often affect a stock's price, do they really matter?Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let's see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about Consolidated Water (CWCO) .Consolidated Water currently has an average bro ...

Apollo Global Management Inc. (APO) reached a significant support level, and could be a good pick for investors from a technical perspective. Recently, APO broke through the 200-day moving average, which suggests a long-term bullish trend.The 200-day simple moving average is widely-used by traders and analysts, and helps establish market trends for stocks, commodities, indexes, and other financial instruments over the long term. The indicator moves higher or lower together with longer-term price moves, serv ...

Investors often turn to recommendations made by Wall Street analysts before making a Buy, Sell, or Hold decision about a stock. While media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm employed (or sell-side) analysts often affect a stock's price, do they really matter?Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.Johnson & Johnson currently has an ...