Industry Overview - The Zacks Investment Management industry is under pressure from rising technology and AI-related expenses, which are expected to impact near-term profitability despite potential long-term efficiency gains [1][4] - The industry is characterized by companies managing securities and funds for clients, earning revenue through service fees or commissions [3] Key Themes Influencing the Industry - Rising Expenses: Increased technology and AI-related costs are expected to hurt profits in the near term, alongside elevated compliance costs due to regulatory requirements [4] - Demand for Passive Investing: A shift towards low-cost passive funds has compressed fees and intensified competition, leading to reduced revenue per dollar of assets and limiting earnings growth [5][6] - Mergers and Partnerships: Firms are pursuing mergers and partnerships to achieve scale, cut costs, and diversify offerings in response to competitive pressures [7][8] Performance Metrics - The Zacks Investment Management industry has underperformed the S&P 500 Index, with a collective gain of 8.4% over the past two years compared to 41.6% for the S&P 500 [13] - The industry's current Zacks Industry Rank is 137, placing it in the bottom 44% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a bleak earnings outlook [9][10][11] Valuation Insights - The industry has a trailing 12-month price-to-tangible book ratio (P/TB) of 4.07X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 11.78X, indicating a discount compared to the broader market [17][19] - Compared to the broader Finance sector, the Zacks Investment Management industry is trading at a discount, with the Finance sector's P/TB at 6.06X [19] Company Highlights Ameriprise Financial (AMP) - As of December 31, 2025, Ameriprise had total assets under management of $1.7 trillion, with a CAGR of 9.2% in net revenues over the past five years [24][25] - The company has been restructuring its business and focusing on core competencies to improve market share [26] - Ameriprise shares have gained 4.2% in the past three months, with a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [28] SEI Investments Company (SEIC) - SEIC administered $1.9 trillion in assets as of December 31, 2025, with a CAGR of 9.9% in total assets under management over the past five years [31][32] - The company has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its business capabilities, including the recent acquisition of Stratos for $440.8 million [35][36] - SEIC shares have gained 0.7% in the past three months, also carrying a Zacks Rank of 2 [36] Federated Hermes, Inc. (FHI) - Federated Hermes had $902.6 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2025, with a CAGR of 7.8% over the past five years [38][39] - The company has been actively seeking alliances and acquisitions to expand its global presence [39] - FHI shares have gained 14.2% in the past three months, maintaining a Zacks Rank of 2 [42]

Core Insights - Republic Services, Inc. (RSG) reported mixed fourth-quarter 2025 results, with earnings exceeding estimates while revenues fell short [1][10] Financial Performance - RSG's earnings per share (EPS) for Q4 2025 was $1.76, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 8.7% and reflecting an 11.4% increase year-over-year [1][10] - Total revenues for the quarter were $4.1 billion, missing the consensus estimate by 1.8% but showing a 2.2% year-over-year growth [1][10] Segment Performance - Collection segment revenues reached $2.8 billion, up 3.8% year-over-year but below the consensus estimate of $2.9 billion [3] - Environmental Solutions revenues were $422 million, down 12.4% year-over-year and missing the consensus projection of $438.2 million [3] - Transfer segment revenues were $214 million, increasing 5.4% year-over-year and surpassing the consensus estimate of $213.5 million [4] - Landfill segment revenues totaled $467 million, also up 5.4% year-over-year but falling short of the consensus projection of $484 million [4] - Other segment revenues were $200 million, rising 5.3% year-over-year but missing the consensus estimate of $208.6 million [4] Operating Results - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $1.3 billion, reflecting a 3.4% increase from the previous year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 31.3%, up 30 basis points year-over-year [5][10] Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - At the end of Q4 2025, RSG had cash and cash equivalents of $76 million, down from $84 million at the end of Q3 2025 [6] - Long-term debt increased to $13 billion from $12.4 billion in the previous quarter [6] - Cash generated from operating activities was $981 million, with adjusted free cash flow at $242 million and capital expenditure of $577 million [6] 2026 Guidance - For 2026, RSG expects revenues between $17.05 billion and $17.15 billion, lower than the consensus mark of $17.33 billion [7] - The company anticipates adjusted EPS in the range of $7.20-$7.28, with the midpoint below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7.26 [7] - Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $5.475 billion and $5.525 billion, while adjusted free cash flow is expected to be $2.52 billion to $2.56 billion [7]

Industry Overview - The Financial Transaction Services industry is part of the broader FinTech space, encompassing card and payment processing, ATM services, money remittance, and investment solutions for financial advisors [2] - The industry benefits from ongoing digitization accelerated by the pandemic, facilitating quick and secure monetary transactions across multiple currencies globally [2] Key Growth Drivers - Expanding global trade, rising international travel, and increasing demand for cross-border payments and remittances are key factors driving growth in the industry [5] - Continued e-commerce growth and a resilient labor market are sustaining transaction volumes, although inflation and tariff pressures may strain consumer budgets [1][4] Technology Investments - Companies are significantly increasing technology expenditures to enhance digital infrastructure, including investments in biometric authentication, QR-code payments, and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platforms [3] - The rise in digital payments has led to increased exposure to cyber threats, prompting companies to invest heavily in cybersecurity and fraud detection systems [3] Strategic Mergers and Acquisitions - Companies in the sector are engaging in strategic mergers and acquisitions to strengthen digital ecosystems, expand service offerings, and enhance global reach [6][7] - Expectations for interest rate cuts in 2026 may encourage companies to utilize debt financing for M&A activities, allowing them to pursue growth opportunities while preserving cash [7] Consumer Spending Trends - Stable consumer spending supports higher transaction volumes, although persistent inflation may lead to more cautious spending behavior [4] - A resilient labor market with low unemployment and steady wage growth could help sustain consumer purchasing activity in the near term [4] Industry Performance - The Zacks Financial Transaction Services industry has underperformed compared to the Business Services sector and the S&P 500, declining 24.3% over the past year [11] - The industry's current valuation is at a forward 12-month price/earnings ratio of 18.15X, lower than the S&P 500's 22.51X [15] Notable Companies - **Global Payments**: Positioned for growth with strong performances in Merchant and Issuer Solutions, benefiting from increasing transaction volumes [18] - **Visa**: A major player in digital payments, expanding through strategic alliances and acquisitions, with a focus on technology investment [23] - **Mastercard**: Operates a multi-rail infrastructure for seamless payments, with a strong cross-border payments platform [26] - **Fiserv**: Maintains a competitive position in digital payments with a broad portfolio and strategic acquisitions [30] - **Fidelity National**: Achieving solid revenue growth through Banking and Capital Markets Solutions, with a strategic international footprint [34]

Industry Overview - The Waste Management industry is witnessing positive trends due to government regulations, advanced technology adoption, and increased environmental awareness, with a projected 6.6% CAGR through 2031 [1] - The industry is categorized into segments based on waste type, including industrial, commercial, domestic, and agricultural waste, with industrial waste gaining significance due to ongoing industrial expansion [3] - The Disposal services segment is the primary revenue-generating category, driven by the growing need for waste recycling [3] Environmental and Technological Impact - Waste management is integral to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, with an average ESG disclosure score of 50-60% for the industry, aligning with consumer and investor demands for sustainability [4] - Technology, particularly AI, is crucial for improving waste sorting and management, leading to more effective and eco-friendly practices [5] - Waste-to-Energy (WTE) technologies are expected to grow from $37.3 billion in 2025 to $51.7 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 3.6%, driven by increased waste generation and a focus on sustainable living [6] Financial Performance and Challenges - The Zacks Waste Removal Services industry has seen a 3.7% decline over the past year, underperforming compared to the S&P 500's 15% rally [10] - The industry is currently trading at an EV-to-EBITDA ratio of 12.84X, lower than the S&P 500's 17.7X, indicating potential valuation opportunities [13] - Rising operating costs due to the complexity of waste management processes are putting pressure on companies' bottom lines [7] Company Highlights - **Casella Waste Systems (CWST)**: The company is focused on solid waste pricing strength and has automated 60% of its trucks, leading to improved operational efficiencies. CWST has a strong balance sheet with $193 million in cash and a current ratio of 1.51 [17][18][19] - **Republic Services, Inc. (RSG)**: RSG is investing in new technologies and AI to enhance service delivery and productivity. The company plans to invest $1 billion in acquisitions in 2026, which could strengthen its competitive position [23][25][26] - **Clean Harbors (CLH)**: CLH's growth is supported by pricing gains and increased productivity, particularly in PFAS solutions, which are expected to generate $100-$120 million in revenues in 2025. The company has a strong liquidity position with a current ratio of 2.44 [29][30][31]

Sonic Automotive (SAH) reported $3.87 billion in revenue for the quarter ended December 2025, representing a year-over-year decline of 0.6%. EPS of $1.52 for the same period compares to $1.51 a year ago.The reported revenue represents a surprise of -1.04% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.91 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being $1.53, the EPS surprise was -0.44%.While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall St ...

Core Insights - Glaukos Corporation reported a fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted loss of 28 cents per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.06%, but showing improvement from a loss of 40 cents per share in the same quarter last year [1] - For the full year, the adjusted loss per share was 90 cents, reflecting a 51.6% increase from the previous year [1] - The GAAP loss per share was $2.32, compared to a loss of 60 cents in the prior-year quarter [1] Revenue Details - Glaukos achieved revenues of $143.1 million in the fourth quarter, marking a 36% year-over-year increase and surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6% [2] - Total revenues for 2025 reached $507.4 million, up 32% year over year [2] Quarter in Detail - The company recorded net sales of $119.2 million for Glaucoma, a 42% increase year over year, while sales in Corneal Health totaled $24 million [3] Margin Analysis - Adjusted gross profit rose 40.3% year over year to $121.8 million, with an adjusted gross margin of 85.1% compared to 82.3% in the previous year [4] - Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 37.2% year over year to $94.7 million, while research and development expenses totaled $43.7 million, up 19.5% [4] - Total operating expenses were $138.4 million, reflecting a 31% increase from the prior year [4] Financial Update - Glaukos ended the fourth quarter of 2025 with cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $282.6 million, up from $277.5 million at the end of the third quarter [6] 2026 Guidance - The company raised its guidance for 2026 revenues, expecting net sales in the range of $600-$620 million, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate at $610.6 million [7] - The loss per share estimate for 2026 is projected at 33 cents, indicating a 60.9% improvement year over year [7] Growth Drivers - Key growth drivers include the continued adoption of iDose TR and the launch of Epioxa, which supports long-term growth through ROI-focused investment and cash flow management [9] - U.S. glaucoma growth is driven by rapid adoption of iDose TR, broader physician utilization, and strong clinical confidence in the therapy's long-term outcomes [10] - International growth reflects broad-based strength across key regions, supported by investments in international infrastructure [11] Epioxa Launch - The recent FDA approval of Epioxa introduces a new topical cross-linking therapy for keratoconus, with drug availability expected soon [12] - The company is building out its Epioxa site-of-care network, aiming to cover nearly 50% of the U.S. population, expanding to 90% over time [12] - Payer engagement for Epioxa has begun, reaching insurers covering 50% of U.S. commercial lives [13] Overall Assessment - The quarter reinforces Glaukos' transition into a diversified ophthalmic growth company, with multiple commercial catalysts and pipeline milestones positioning it for durable double-digit revenue expansion [14] - Shares of Glaukos have gained 18.4% over the past six months, contrasting with a 7.1% decline in the industry [14]

Key Takeaways HudBay Minerals is set to report Q4 earnings with EPS expected to jump 122% year over year.HBM may see sequential recovery, aided by deferred copper shipments and strong October output.Cost controls, lower cash cost guidance and strong gold prices likely supported Q4 earnings.HudBay Minerals (HBM) is set to report fourth-quarter 2025 results on Feb. 20, before market open. HBM is expected to post a solid year-over-year improvement in earnings.The bottom-line estimate is pegged at 40 cents, ind ...

Core Insights - Samsara Inc. (IOT) shares have decreased by 57.1% over the past year, significantly underperforming the Zacks Internet - Software industry's decline of 20.1% and the Zacks Computer and Technology sector's return of 18.1% [1] - Despite the decline in share price, Samsara is trading at a premium valuation with a forward price-to-sales ratio of 7.81, compared to the industry's 3.87, and holds a Zacks Value Score of F [4] Company Performance - Samsara has gained from the adoption of its Connected AI Platform, adding 133 new customers with annual recurring revenue (ARR) exceeding $100K, totaling 2,771 in Q2 FY26 [8] - The company ended Q2 FY26 with over 147 customers contributing $1 million in ARR [9] - Samsara is positioned to benefit from the global shift towards Industry 4.0, integrating digital technologies into manufacturing, industrial, and transport processes [9] Market Dynamics - The fleet management market, where Samsara operates, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.3% from 2025 to 2030 [10] - Samsara is enhancing its platform capabilities by integrating artificial intelligence, including features like Samsara Assistant and Samsara Intelligent Experiences [11] - The company processes over 20 trillion operational data points to improve its AI models, which helps in delivering accurate predictions and reducing customer churn [12] Competitive Landscape - Samsara faces strong competition in the vehicle telematics market from companies like Motive, Lytx, Verizon, Trimble, and Geotab, as well as in the industrial IoT space from PTC [13] - Despite a robust non-GAAP gross margin of 78% in Q2 FY26, the non-GAAP operating margin was only 19%, indicating pressure from rising competition [15] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Samsara's Q3 FY26 earnings suggests an 18.8% growth, with net margins expected to hover around breakeven [15] Strategic Outlook - The video telematics market remains underpenetrated, presenting an opportunity for Samsara to capture significant market share despite competition from Trimble and Verizon [16] - The company has recently turned profitable, validating its business strategy, and is recommended to be held as a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) stock [17]

Key Takeaways U.S. stocks edged higher as investors shifted focus toward value opportunities.Harmony Biosciences highlights value opportunities with 21.4% sales and 25.9% EPS growth estimates.AES and Concentrix post earnings surprises and carry strong Value Scores amid mixed stock performance.U.S. equities ended modestly higher yesterday, reversing early-session weakness as sentiment improved throughout the day. Stocks came under pressure early on after concerns that advances in artificial intelligence coul ...

Key Takeaways OPKO Health targets 30% fiscal 2026 growth, backed by RAYALDEE and pipeline momentum.RAYALDEE generated $21.0M in sales in first nine months of 2025, supported by broad U.S. distributioOPK advances Phase 1/2 trials and expands deals with Entera, Regeneron and Merck.OPKO Health, Inc. (OPK) is well-poised for growth in the coming quarters, supported by the potential of RAYALDEE. The optimism surrounding the stock is backed by RAYALDEE’s performance and strategic partnerships. However, stiff comp ...