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MiT Stock Down 6% Despite Q2 Loss Narrowing Y/Y on DCS Buyout
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 18:32
Core Insights - Moving iMage Technologies, Inc. (MITQ) shares have declined 6.4% since the earnings report for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, underperforming the S&P 500 index's 1.5% decline during the same period [1] - The stock has fallen 16.2% over the past month compared to a 1.9% drop in the broader market, indicating a cautious investor sentiment despite improvements in quarterly performance [1] Financial Performance - For Q2 fiscal 2026, MITQ reported a net loss of $0.04 per share, an improvement from a loss of $0.05 per share in the same quarter last year [2] - Revenues increased by 10% year over year to $3.8 million from $3.4 million, while gross profit rose 24% to $1.2 million, with gross margin expanding to 30.7% from 27.2% [2] - Operating loss narrowed to $0.4 million from $0.6 million in the prior-year quarter, and net loss also narrowed to $0.4 million from $0.5 million [3] Key Business Metrics - MITQ ended the quarter with approximately $4.5 million in working capital, including net cash of $3.9 million and no debt [4] - Cash decreased from $5.7 million at June 30, 2025, to $3.9 million at December 31, 2025, primarily due to a $1.5 million cash outlay for the DCS loudspeaker line acquisition and increased inventory levels [4] - Inventory rose to $3.1 million at quarter-end from $2.1 million at June 30, 2025 [4] Operating Expenses - Operating expenses increased by 5.1% year over year to $1.6 million, mainly due to higher legal expenses [5] - Despite the rise in expenses, improved gross profit helped narrow operating losses, although operating cash flow showed a net use of $1.8 million for the six months ended December 31, 2025, compared to positive cash flow of $0.04 million in the prior-year period [5] Management Commentary - The Chairman and CEO described the second quarter as productive, highlighting a 10% revenue growth during a typically slower period for exhibitors [6] - There is cautious optimism about a rebound in domestic box office receipts in calendar 2026, driven by continued demand for immersive and premium large-format cinema experiences [6] Strategic Developments - The acquisition of the DCS loudspeaker line for $1.5 million is expected to enhance MITQ's proprietary product offerings and expand its international footprint [7][12] - The company has signed distribution agreements with over 25 cinema equipment dealers across various regions, promoting DCS in more than 50 countries [7] Factors Influencing Performance - Revenue growth was supported by steady order flow for parts, replacement products, and higher-margin proprietary offerings during a typically slower exhibition period [8] - Gross margin expansion was attributed to a higher percentage of product revenues and operational execution, while operating expenses were pressured by elevated legal costs [8] Guidance - Management anticipates third-quarter fiscal 2026 revenues of approximately $3 million, reflecting customary seasonality and initial ramp-up in DCS-related sales [11] - Gross margin percentage is expected to return to prior-year lower levels according to management commentary [11]
3 Best Momentum Stock Opportunities (KALU, FET, FNLPF)
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 18:26
Market Overview - Market leadership has broadened with capital flowing into cyclical industrial, materials, and energy-adjacent businesses, indicating a rotation beneath the surface of mega-cap technology dominance [1] - The current environment rewards investors who look beyond obvious names, with Zacks Rank being an effective tool for identifying outperforming stocks [2] Kaiser Aluminum - Kaiser Aluminum benefits from aerospace recovery and industrial demand, operating at the intersection of aerospace, industrial manufacturing, and specialty materials [3] - The aerospace segment is a key driver, with historically elevated aircraft production backlogs supporting demand for high-performance aluminum products [4] - Analyst revisions for Kaiser Aluminum have increased, with current quarter estimates up by over 15% and next year's earnings by 9.3% in the last week, leading to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) rating [7] Forum Energy Technologies - Forum Energy Technologies is positioned well within the global energy investment cycle, providing equipment and technology for oil, gas, and energy infrastructure markets [8] - The current environment is characterized by disciplined production growth and sustained infrastructure investment, favoring service and equipment providers [9] - Earnings outlook for Forum Energy Technologies has improved, with forward estimates strengthening as order activity increases, supporting its top Zacks Rank [10] Fresnillo - Fresnillo is a major player in the precious metals market, benefiting from strong silver and gold prices, with the company being one of the largest primary silver producers [11] - The improving commodity environment has led to stronger earnings expectations, with analyst estimates rising as realized pricing improves [12] - Larger producers like Fresnillo benefit disproportionately from rising metals prices due to their operational scale, allowing for efficient margin gains [13] Investment Opportunities - Kaiser Aluminum, Forum Energy Technologies, and Fresnillo represent diverse opportunities in aerospace recovery, global energy investment, and strength in precious metals, respectively [16] - All three companies currently hold a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) driven by improving earnings outlooks and positive price trends, highlighting strong momentum opportunities outside crowded trades [17]
Earnings Estimates Moving Higher for Applied Materials (AMAT): Time to Buy?
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 18:21
Core Viewpoint - Investors are encouraged to consider Applied Materials (AMAT) due to recent improvements in earnings estimates and positive stock momentum [1][10] Earnings Estimate Revisions - The trend in earnings estimate revisions reflects growing analyst optimism regarding Applied Materials' earnings prospects, which is expected to positively influence its stock price [2] - The current-quarter earnings estimate is $2.55 per share, representing a +6.7% change from the previous year [6] - Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Applied Materials has increased by 17.08%, with five estimates moving higher and no negative revisions [6] - The full-year earnings estimate is projected at $10.63 per share, indicating a +12.9% change from the prior year, with seven estimates moving higher and no negative revisions [7] Zacks Rank - Applied Materials currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong potential for outperformance based on the positive estimate revisions [9] - Stocks with Zacks Rank 1 and 2 have historically outperformed the S&P 500 [9] Stock Performance - Applied Materials shares have increased by 12.9% over the past four weeks, suggesting strong investor confidence in its earnings growth prospects [10]
Earnings Estimates Moving Higher for Fastly (FSLY): Time to Buy?
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 18:21
Core Viewpoint - Fastly (FSLY) shows a significant improvement in earnings outlook, making it an attractive investment option as analysts continue to raise earnings estimates for the company [1][2]. Earnings Estimates - Analysts' optimism regarding Fastly's earnings prospects is driving higher estimates, which is expected to positively impact the stock price [2]. - The consensus earnings estimate for the current quarter is $0.08 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +260.0% [5]. - For the full year, the earnings estimate is projected at $0.26 per share, indicating a +100.0% change from the previous year [6]. Estimate Revisions - Over the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Fastly has increased by 31.08%, with four estimates raised and no negative revisions [5]. - For the current year, five estimates have been revised upward, contributing to a 23.03% increase in the consensus estimate [6][7]. Zacks Rank - Fastly has achieved a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) due to favorable estimate revisions, indicating strong potential for outperformance [8]. - Stocks with Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and 2 (Buy) have historically outperformed the S&P 500 [8]. Stock Performance - Fastly shares have increased by 101.1% over the past four weeks, suggesting strong investor confidence in the company's earnings growth prospects [9].
FEMSA Q4 Earnings on The Horizon: Will It Surprise Investors?
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 18:16
Core Insights - Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (FMX) is expected to report fourth-quarter 2025 earnings on February 25, with anticipated growth in both revenue and earnings [1][9] Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FMX's fourth-quarter revenues is $12.4 billion, reflecting a growth of 24.6% compared to the same quarter last year [1][9] - The consensus estimate for quarterly earnings is $1.53 per share, a significant increase from 46 cents reported in the previous year [2][9] - The earnings estimate has decreased by one cent in the past 30 days [2] Business Growth Factors - FEMSA is experiencing growth across its business units, supported by effective growth strategies and investments in digital and technology-driven initiatives [3] - The Digital@FEMSA unit is focused on creating a digital and financial ecosystem, with successful products like the OXXO digital wallet and loyalty program [3] - The company is expanding its footprint in the specialized distribution industry, which is part of its strategy to invest in adjacent businesses and leverage capabilities across different markets [4] Cost Pressures - FEMSA is facing cost pressures from inflation, rising labor expenses, and supply-chain inefficiencies, which may negatively impact profitability [5] Earnings Prediction - The company's Earnings ESP is +3.92%, and it holds a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a potential earnings beat [6] Market Performance and Valuation - FEMSA's shares have increased by 8.4% over the past three months, while the industry has grown by 12.5% [7] - The company is trading at a forward 12-month P/E multiple of 24.64X, which is higher than the industry average of 20.08X [7]
Verisk's Q4 Earnings and Revenues Surpass Estimates, Increase Y/Y
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 18:16
Key Takeaways VRSK Q4 EPS rose 13% to $1.82, beating estimates as revenues climbed 5.9% to $778.8M.VRSK's underwriting revenues jumped 8.7% to $556M, lifting adjusted EBITDA margin to 56.1%.VRSK guides fiscal 2026 revenues of $3.19B-$3.24B and EPS of $7.45-$7.75, both below the consensus estimate.Verisk (VRSK) reported impressive fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results, with both earnings and revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate.VRSK’s adjusted earnings were $1.82 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consens ...
Rising Development Expenses Pressure USAR: What's the Road Ahead?
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 18:11
Core Insights - USA Rare Earth, Inc. (USAR) is advancing rare earth mining and magnet manufacturing in the U.S., particularly through the Round Top mining project in Texas and a magnet production facility in Oklahoma, but remains in the pre-revenue phase with ongoing operating losses since inception [1][8] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, USAR's selling, general and administrative expenses rose to $11.4 million from $0.8 million year-over-year, driven by increased legal and consulting costs, workforce expansion, and additional overheads [2] - Research and development expenses increased to $4.45 million from $1.16 million in the same period due to higher employee-related costs linked to staff expansion, resulting in a loss of 25 cents per share for the third quarter [3] - The company anticipates that the Round Top project will commence commercial production in late 2028, two years earlier than previously planned, but expects substantial project development outlays and operating expenses to remain a short-term drag until revenue generation begins [4][8] Peer Comparison - Trilogy Metals Inc. (TMQ) maintains financial discipline while advancing its Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects, managing expenditures effectively amid significant investment requirements [5] - NioCorp Developments Ltd. (NB) is experiencing cost pressures, with total operating expenses significantly increasing year-over-year due to advancements in the Elk Creek Project, which may affect margin performance if not controlled [6] Market Performance - USAR shares have gained 72.1% over the past year, outperforming the industry growth of 47.3% [7] - The company is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of negative 65.60X, compared to the industry's average of 15.85X, and holds a Value Score of F [10] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for USAR's 2026 earnings has increased over the past 60 days, with current estimates showing a loss of $0.76 per share for the current year and $0.23 for the next year [12][13]
DUOL Prioritizes Teaching Quality to Strengthen Long-Term Growth
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 18:11
Core Insights - Duolingo (DUOL) is focusing on long-term user growth and teaching quality over immediate monetization, which may impact short-term financial metrics [2][4][9] - The company is experiencing a slowdown in daily active user growth, prompting a strategic shift to enhance the core learning experience [2][9] - Duolingo's stock has declined 74% over the past year, contrasting with a 12% decline in the industry [8] Financial Performance - Duolingo's forward price-to-earnings ratio is 26.95X, significantly higher than the industry average of 21.58X [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Duolingo's 2026 earnings has been declining over the past 60 days, indicating potential challenges ahead [10] Strategic Direction - Management's pivot towards improving educational quality is seen as a long-term value creation strategy, despite potential short-term revenue trade-offs [4][5] - The focus on course quality aims to differentiate Duolingo in a competitive, AI-driven market [4] Peer Comparison - Coursera (COUR) is also investing in content quality and user engagement, facing similar challenges in balancing short-term monetization with long-term growth [6] - Chegg (CHGG) has historically prioritized monetization but is now adapting to a changing education landscape, highlighting the risks associated with slower user growth [7]
13F: What Druckenmiller, Dalio, Tepper, & NVIDIA are Buying
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 18:11
Group 1: 13F Filings Overview - 13F disclosures are quarterly reports that institutional investors with $100 million or more in assets under management must file with the SEC, providing insights into their investment strategies [1][2] - The reports include details such as the name of the security, type of security, number of shares or contracts held, fair market value, and the percentage of the portfolio that the position comprises [1] Group 2: Notable Investments in AI - Stanley Druckenmiller made a $64 million investment in Bloom Energy (BE), capitalizing on the increasing demand for energy in AI data centers [2][3] - Ray Dalio's Bridgewater has increased its investments in large-cap tech stocks, despite concerns over the fiscal deficit [3][6] - Nvidia has made a strategic $5 billion investment in Intel (INTC), with 50.30% of its investment portfolio currently allocated to Intel [4][6] Group 3: Institutional Investments in AI Infrastructure - BlackRock disclosed an $800 million position in Nebius (NBIS), representing a 39.418% increase quarter-over-quarter, indicating a strong interest in AI infrastructure [5][6] - David Tepper doubled his position in Micron (MU), betting on the continuation of the AI-driven memory chip shortage [8] Group 4: Summary of Major Investments - Major investments reported include $695 million in Nvidia (NVDA), $487 million in Alphabet (GOOGL), $395 million in Microsoft (MSFT), and $388 million in Amazon (AMZN) [7] Group 5: Conclusion on 13F Filings - While 13F filings represent a snapshot of past investments, they are crucial for monitoring trends and aligning portfolios with successful investors as the AI revolution accelerates [9]
SolarEdge Technologies Q4 Earnings Top Estimates, Revenues Rise Y/Y
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 18:05
Core Insights - SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. (SEDG) reported a narrower adjusted loss of 14 cents per share for Q4 2025, improving from a loss of $3.52 per share in the prior-year quarter and better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 63 cents [1][8] - For the full year 2024, SEDG incurred an adjusted loss of $2.38 per share, which was also narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $2.65, and improved from a loss of $22.99 per share in the previous year [2] Revenue Performance - SEDG's revenues for Q4 2025 reached $335.4 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $325 million by 3.2% and representing a 70.9% increase from $196.2 million in the same quarter last year [3][8] - For the full year 2024, the company generated revenues of $1.18 billion, significantly higher than the prior year's $0.90 billion, aligning with the Zacks Consensus Estimate [3] Operational Highlights - In Q4 2025, SEDG shipped approximately 98.8 thousand inverters, 2.87 million optimizers, and 280 MWh of batteries for PV applications [4][8] - The company reported an adjusted gross profit of $74.5 million, a significant recovery from an adjusted gross loss of $112.3 million in the prior-year period [4] - Adjusted operating expenses decreased by 18.9% year over year to $122.8 million [4] Financial Performance - As of December 31, 2025, SEDG had cash and cash equivalents of $455.1 million, up from $274.6 million a year earlier [6] - Total long-term liabilities increased slightly to $951.2 million from $930.8 million as of December 31, 2024 [6] - The net cash provided by operating activities in 2025 was $104.3 million, compared to cash used of $313.3 million in the previous year [6] Q1 2026 Guidance - SEDG expects revenues for Q1 2026 to be in the range of $290-$320 million, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate at $291.7 million, which is lower than the midpoint of the company's guidance [7][9] - Adjusted operating expenses are projected to be between $88-$93 million, with an expected adjusted gross margin of 20-24% [9]