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Invesco Gains 16.6% in 3 Months: How to Play the Stock Now
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 17:31
Core Insights - Invesco Ltd.'s shares have increased by 16.6% over the past three months, outperforming the industry and the S&P 500 Index [1][9] - The company's assets under management (AUM) have shown a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% from 2020 to 2025, driving fee-based revenues [4][9] - Strategic partnerships and restructuring efforts are aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and expanding market capabilities [5][11] Performance Overview - Invesco's share price has significantly outperformed its peers, with a 16.6% increase compared to BlackRock's 5.3% and AllianceBernstein's 5.9% [1][9] - The company has rebounded in total operating revenues in 2024 and 2025 after a challenging operating environment [6][9] Growth Drivers - The steady growth in AUM is a key factor for revenue generation, with strategic initiatives like partnerships with LGT Capital Partners and MassMutual's Barings to enhance private market capabilities [4][5] - The conversion of the Invesco QQQ Trust into an open-end ETF structure is expected to generate revenues from over $400 billion in AUM [5] Financial Estimates - Zacks Consensus Estimates for Invesco's sales indicate a growth trajectory, with current quarter estimates at $1.25 billion and next year at $5.58 billion, reflecting year-over-year growth of 12.35% [10] - Earnings estimates for 2026 and 2027 have been revised upward, with projections of $2.66 and $3.03 respectively, indicating growth rates of 31% and 13.6% [18][19] Strategic Initiatives - Invesco is executing a broad transformation strategy, including a partnership with CI Global Asset Management to enhance Canadian operations and divesting stakes in certain subsidiaries [11][12] - The company is focusing on a hybrid Alpha investment platform to drive long-term cost savings and operational scalability [11] Global Presence - Invesco has a diversified global footprint, with 31.2% of its client AUM sourced from markets outside the United States, bolstered by the acquisition of Europe-based Source [12] Capital Management - The company maintains solid liquidity, allowing for consistent capital returns to shareholders, including a 2.4% increase in quarterly dividends [13][14] - Invesco has $232.2 million remaining under its share buyback authorization and plans to repurchase $40 million worth of shares in Q1 2026 [14] Challenges - Invesco faces rising operating expenses, with a CAGR of 6.2% over the past five years, primarily due to increased distribution and advisory costs [15] - The company holds $12.4 billion in goodwill and intangible assets, which could pose risks to earnings stability due to potential impairment [16]
Diageo 1H26 Earnings Ready to Unfold: What Are the Chances of a Beat?
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 17:31
Core Insights - Diageo Plc (DEO) is set to release its interim results for the first half of fiscal 2026 on February 25, facing challenges in North America and Asia Pacific, while showing strong performance in Europe, Latin America, and Africa [1][10] Group 1: Performance Overview - Diageo's first-quarter organic net sales were broadly flat despite positive volume growth, indicating regional and category shifts, particularly weakness in Chinese white spirits and softer U.S. spirits demand [2][3] - The company has experienced significant declines in key markets, especially in North America and Greater China, due to soft consumption trends and increased promotional intensity [3][4] - Management has indicated that fiscal 2026 performance will be weighted towards the second half, with expectations of weak organic net sales and operating profit trends in the first half [5][6] Group 2: Regional Performance - The Asia Pacific region has faced the most pressure, particularly in Greater China, where declines in baijiu consumption have negatively impacted performance [4] - Positive trends in India are expected to partially offset weaknesses in the Asia Pacific region [4] - In Europe, strong momentum in Guinness and resilient execution have contributed positively, despite a subdued spirits backdrop [8] - Latin America is benefiting from stabilizing consumer environments in Brazil and Mexico, with positive price/mix trends aiding results [9] Group 3: Market Trends and Valuation - Diageo has been experiencing solid business momentum, strong consumer demand, and market share gains, particularly in the spirits category [7] - The company's shares have risen by 9.1% over the past three months, outperforming the S&P 500 index's growth of 3.2% [10] - Diageo's forward 12-month P/E multiple is 14.88X, which is below the industry average of 16.89X and the S&P 500's average of 22.51X, indicating a relatively cheap valuation compared to the industry [14]
Natural Alternatives Q2 Loss Widens Y/Y, Sales Increase
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 17:31
Core Viewpoint - Natural Alternatives International, Inc. (NAII) has experienced significant stock declines following its second-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with a 25.3% drop compared to a 0.3% return for the S&P 500 index during the same period [1] Financial Performance - For the second quarter ended December 31, 2025, the company reported a net loss of $2.6 million, or 42 cents per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $2.2 million, or 37 cents per diluted share, in the prior-year period [2] - Net sales increased by 2% year over year to $34.8 million from $34.1 million, while gross profit improved to $2.5 million, or 7.2% of net sales, from $1.7 million, or 4.9% [2] - For the first six months of fiscal 2026, net sales rose 8% to $72.5 million from $67.2 million, and the net loss narrowed to $2.8 million, or 47 cents per share, from a $4.2 million loss, or 70 cents per share, a year earlier [3] Segment & Channel Performance - Private-label contract manufacturing, the company's core business, increased by 2% in the quarter to $32.8 million, with private-label sales climbing 9% to $68.9 million for the first six months of fiscal 2026 [4] - On a trailing 12-month basis, private-label manufacturing accounted for approximately 94.5% of total revenues, highlighting its importance in the revenue mix [4] - CarnoSyn beta-alanine royalty, licensing, and raw material sales rose 13% year over year in the second quarter to $2 million from $1.8 million, but for the first six months, CarnoSyn revenues declined 15% to $3.7 million from $4.3 million [5] Management Commentary & Operating Environment - The company faces challenges in forecasting demand from clients in multi-level marketing and direct selling channels across various regions, leading to underutilization of manufacturing capacity [7] - Despite improved gross margins and a slight decline in selling, general, and administrative expenses, the company continues to incur operating losses due to fixed manufacturing costs being spread over lower-than-expected volumes [8] - Management noted growth in other sales channels, including large retailers and internet-based direct-to-consumer sales [8] Strategic Initiatives - The company emphasizes the strategic importance of expanding the CarnoSyn patent estate, particularly through TriBsyn, a new formulation aimed at improving bioavailability [9] - There are opportunities for TriBsyn and sustained-release CarnoSyn in wellness and healthy aging markets, especially related to the use of GLP-1 medications [9] Liquidity & Financial Position - As of December 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents totaled $3.8 million, down from $12.3 million at June 30, 2025, with working capital at $28.7 million [10] - The company had $5.8 million outstanding under its line of credit, with $10 million in available borrowing capacity, and total assets were $153.3 million with stockholders' equity at $67 million [10] Outlook - Management expects sales revenues to increase in the remaining two quarters of fiscal 2026 compared to both prior-year periods and the first half of the current fiscal year, but anticipates a net loss in the second half of fiscal 2026 [11]
Kenvue Tops Q4 Earnings Estimates, Advances Toward Kimberly-Clark Deal
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 17:25
Key Takeaways KVUE beat Q4 earnings and revenue estimates, with both metrics rising year over year.Kenvue's margins improved on supply chain productivity and cost discipline despite higher brand spend.KVUE saw double-digit sales growth in EMEA, Asia Pacific and Latin America, offsetting North America softness.Kenvue Inc. (KVUE) posted solid fourth-quarter results, wherein the top and bottom lines surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Also, both metrics increased year over year. Organic growth was driven b ...
Citigroup's Strategic Refocus Targets Higher Returns by 2026
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 17:25
Core Insights - Citigroup Inc. is advancing a multi-year strategy to streamline operations and focus on core businesses, having exited consumer banking in nine countries since April 2021 [1][10] - The company is divesting assets, including a sale of its Russia-based banking unit and a 25% stake in Banamex, to improve capital position and prepare for an IPO of its Mexican banking units [2][3] - Organizational realignment is underway to simplify governance and reduce management layers, supporting the bank's strategy of increased spans of control [4] Financial Performance and Projections - Citigroup plans to cut 20,000 jobs, approximately 8% of its global staff, by 2026, with expectations of a 4-5% revenue CAGR by 2026 and $2-2.5 billion in annualized run-rate savings [5][10] - The bank targets a return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) of 10-11% by 2026 [5][10] - Citigroup shares have gained 35.6% over the past year, outperforming the industry growth of 15.6% [8] Valuation and Earnings Estimates - Citigroup trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 10.88X, below the industry average of 13.99X [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Citigroup's earnings implies year-over-year increases of 28.2% for 2026 and 17.8% for 2027, with upward revisions in estimates over the past 30 days [14]
Aris Mining Surges 56.8% in 3 Months: How Should You Play the Stock?
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 17:25
Key Takeaways ARMN stock has jumped 56.8% in three months, outperforming industry, S&P 500 and peers.Aris Mining boosted Q3 gold output 36.6% YoY, driven by higher processing at the Segovia mine.ARMN's AISC rose 6.6% YoY to $1,641 per ounce, reflecting higher sustaining capital spending.Shares of Aris Mining Corporation (ARMN) have been showing some decent gains of late, rising 56.8% in the past three months. The gold producer has outperformed the industry’s and the S&P 500 composite’s growth of 33.4% and 3 ...
Krystal Biotech Q4 Earnings Beat Estimates, Revenues Miss Mark
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 17:25
Core Insights - Krystal Biotech (KRYS) reported Q4 2025 earnings per share (EPS) of $1.70, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.62, and up from $1.52 in the same quarter last year [1][7] - Revenues for the quarter were $107.1 million, a 17.5% increase year over year, but fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $109 million, with all revenues coming from Vyjuvek sales [1][6] - The FDA approved Vyjuvek, the first revocable gene therapy, for treating dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) in patients aged six months and older, and for at-home administration [2] Financial Performance - For Q4 2025, product revenues from Vyjuvek were $107.1 million, up from $91.1 million in the previous year, driven by strong patient uptake, with a gross margin of 94% [6][7] - For the full year 2025, total product revenues reached $389.1 million, a 34% increase year over year, with net earnings of $6.84 per share compared to $3.00 in 2024 [10] Market Access and Demand - The company secured over 660 reimbursement approvals for Vyjuvek in the U.S., facilitating nationwide access, while international demand remains strong with over 90 patients prescribed the therapy in Germany, France, and Japan [3][7] Research and Development - R&D expenses for Q4 were approximately $14.8 million, a 9.36% increase year over year, while SG&A expenses totaled about $41.4 million, up 32.5% due to increased headcount and marketing costs [8] - Krystal Biotech is advancing multiple candidates, including KB407 and KB707, with several data readouts and studies planned for 2026 [7][12] Pipeline Updates - KB407 is being evaluated for cystic fibrosis, with successful data from a multicenter study announced in January, and a registrational study planned for 2026 [13][14] - KB707 is in development for solid lung tumors, with the FDA granting RMAT designation for advanced non-small cell lung cancer [18] - The company is also developing KB304 for aesthetic applications, with a mid-stage study expected to start in 2027 [19]
Goldman's Wealth Management Business Emerges as Durable Growth Engine
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 17:20
Core Insights - The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.'s Asset & Wealth Management (AWM) division is becoming a central pillar of the firm's growth strategy, with 2025 results indicating a shift towards more durable, fee-based revenues and lower balance-sheet intensity [2][11] AWM Financial Performance - AWM generated $14.89 billion in net revenues in 2025, with record management and other fees amounting to $11.54 billion [2][10] - Private banking and lending net revenues reached a record $3.3 billion in 2025, reflecting a 16% increase from the previous year, driven by higher net interest margins and improved loan performance [6][10] - Total assets under supervision rose to a record $3.61 trillion in 2025, an increase of $469 billion year over year, supported by market appreciation and net inflows across all client channels [8][10] - AWM achieved a pre-tax margin of 25% and a return on equity of 12.5% in 2025, with targets for high-teens returns and approximately 5% annual growth in long-term fee-based net inflows [9] Growth Drivers - Lending to wealthy individuals and entrepreneurs has been a key growth driver, with management emphasizing lending penetration to deepen client relationships [6] - Goldman oversees over $625 billion in alternative assets, with gross third-party fundraising hitting a record $115 billion in 2025 [7] Strategic Developments - The December 2025 agreement to acquire Innovator Capital Management enhances Goldman's ETF capabilities and reinforces its focus on building diversified, durable revenue streams [11] Competitive Landscape - JPMorgan's AWM segment reported net revenues of $6.5 billion in Q4 2025, up 13% year over year, with assets under management reaching $4.8 trillion [12] - Morgan Stanley's wealth and asset management contribution to total net revenues increased to 54% in 2025 from 26% in 2010, with total client assets reaching $9.3 trillion [13] Market Performance - Goldman Sachs shares surged 37.1% over the past year, outperforming the industry's growth of 15.6% [14] - The forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio for Goldman is 15.95X, above the industry average of 13.99X [17] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Goldman's 2026 and 2027 earnings implies year-over-year increases of 10.3% and 10.6%, respectively, with upward revisions in estimates over the past month [20]
Halozyme's Q4 Earnings Miss, Higher Royalties Drive Y/Y Revenues
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 17:20
Core Insights - Halozyme Therapeutics (HALO) reported a fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted loss of 24 cents per share, significantly below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of earnings of $2.15, and down from adjusted earnings of $1.26 per share in the same quarter last year [1][6] - The decline in earnings was primarily attributed to a $2.42 per share unfavorable impact from acquired IPR&D expenses related to the Surf Bio acquisition [1] Revenue Performance - Total revenues for the fourth quarter increased by 52% year over year to $451.8 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $449 million [2] - The growth in revenue was driven by increased product sales and higher royalty payments, with royalty revenues totaling $258 million, up 51% from the previous year [4][6] Product Sales and Royalties - Product sales reached $122.7 million in the fourth quarter, reflecting a 54.5% increase year over year, although it fell short of the model estimate of $123.2 million [7] - Revenues under collaborative agreements were $71.1 million, marking a 47.5% year-over-year increase [7] Financial Metrics - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $21.9 million, a significant decrease from $195.8 million in the same quarter last year [8] - As of December 31, 2025, the company had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $145.4 million, down from $702 million as of September 30, 2025 [8] Full-Year Results and Guidance - For the full year 2025, Halozyme generated revenues of $1.39 billion, a 38% increase year over year, with adjusted earnings of $4.15 per share, down from $4.23 per share in the previous year [9] - The company expects total revenues for 2026 to be between $1.71 billion and $1.81 billion, indicating year-over-year growth of 22% to 30% [10] - Royalty revenues for 2026 are anticipated to be in the range of $1.13 billion to $1.17 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 30% to 35% [10] Future Expectations - Adjusted EBITDA for 2026 is projected to be between $1.125 billion and $1.205 billion, representing a year-over-year increase of 71% to 83% [11] - Adjusted earnings per share for 2026 are expected to be in the range of $7.75 to $8.25, indicating growth of 87% to 99% year over year [11] - Management anticipates a 5% to 10% decrease in royalty revenues for the first quarter of 2026 compared to the fourth quarter of 2025 due to annual contract rate adjustments [12]
Central Garden & Pet Company Ups Share Buyback Authorization
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 17:20
Core Insights - Central Garden & Pet Company (CENT) has increased its share repurchase authorization by an additional $100 million, indicating a commitment to enhancing shareholder value and a belief that its shares are currently undervalued [1][10]. Share Repurchase Program - The share repurchase program has no expiration date, allowing the company to limit, suspend, or terminate it at any time without prior notice, reflecting confidence in its financial position [2]. - In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, the company repurchased approximately 660,000 shares for $18.5 million, with $28 million remaining under the existing authorization for future buybacks [3][10]. Financial Performance and Strategy - Central Garden & Pet is executing a multi-year transformation plan aimed at strengthening its leadership in pet consumables and lawn and garden categories through innovation and supply-chain simplification [4]. - The company reported cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of $721 million at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2026, a year-over-year increase of $103 million [6][10]. - Management reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 earnings per share target of $2.70 or higher, with the Pet segment showing steady growth and the Garden segment expected to recover seasonally [5][10]. Valuation and Market Performance - CENT shares have gained 19.7% in the past month, outperforming the industry growth of 9.3% [7]. - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 13.60X, which is lower than the industry's average of 18.23X, indicating potential value [8].