Core Insights - Stock markets are currently facing significant volatility due to geopolitical tensions and an ongoing trade war, leading to expectations of economic slowdown and rising inflation [1] Group 1: Broker Recommendations - Following brokers' recommendations can simplify stock selection, with Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL), Lyft, Inc. (LYFT), and Kinross Gold Corporation (KGC) highlighted as potential investment opportunities [2] - Brokers have direct communication with top management, providing them with insights into company performance and sector dynamics, which aids in assessing stock potential [3] Group 2: Stock Selection Strategy - A screening strategy for identifying potential winning stocks includes: - Broker rating upgrades of 1% or more over the last four weeks [5] - Current stock price greater than $5 [5] - Average 20-day trading volume greater than 100,000 [5] - Stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) have historically shown success, especially when combined with a VGM Score of A or B [6] Group 3: Company-Specific Insights - Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL) focuses on oncology and has four approved drugs, with a projected 32% earnings growth in 2025 and a 5% recent broker rating upgrade [7][9] - Lyft, Inc. (LYFT) operates multimodal transportation networks, expecting a 15.8% earnings growth in 2025, with a 2.5% recent broker rating upgrade [8][9] - Kinross Gold Corporation (KGC) is a top gold mining company, with a projected 69.1% earnings growth in 2025 and an 8.3% recent broker rating upgrade [10][9]

Company Overview - Exelixis (EXEL) shares increased by 7.4% to close at $43.37, supported by high trading volume, contrasting with a 4.8% decline over the past four weeks [1] - The company announced that the late-stage STELLAR-303 study met one of its dual primary endpoints, showing a statistically significant improvement in overall survival for patients treated with zanzalintinib in combination with Tecentriq compared to regorafenib [2] - The consensus EPS estimate for Exelixis is $0.63 for the upcoming quarter, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 25%, with expected revenues of $571.08 million, down 10.4% from the previous year [3] Earnings and Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate for Exelixis has been revised 0.8% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a positive trend that may lead to price appreciation [4] - Exelixis holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting favorable market sentiment [4] Industry Context - Exelixis operates within the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, where Cartesian Therapeutics, Inc. (RNAC) also competes, having closed 0.7% higher at $9.83 [4] - Cartesian Therapeutics has a consensus EPS estimate of -$0.77, representing a significant year-over-year change of -242.6%, and currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [5]

Core Insights - Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL) shares increased by 7.4% following the announcement of positive results from the late-stage STELLAR-303 study [1][9] - The STELLAR-303 study demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in overall survival for patients treated with zanzalintinib in combination with Tecentriq compared to regorafenib [5][9] - Year-to-date, Exelixis shares have risen by 30.2%, contrasting with a 3.4% decline in the industry [2] Study Details - The STELLAR-303 study is a phase III global, multicenter, randomized, open-label trial involving 901 patients with previously non-MSI-high metastatic colorectal cancer [2][5] - The study's primary endpoints include overall survival in the intent-to-treat population and a subgroup without liver metastases [5][6] - Zanzalintinib is a third-generation oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting receptor tyrosine kinases involved in cancer growth [4] Future Prospects - The trial will continue to analyze the second primary endpoint concerning overall survival in patients without liver metastases [6][9] - The positive results from the STELLAR-303 study enhance the likelihood of regulatory success for zanzalintinib [7] - Exelixis is actively working to diversify its oncology portfolio beyond its lead drug, Cabometyx, with zanzalintinib being developed for various advanced solid tumors [12][14] Collaboration and Market Position - Exelixis is collaborating with Merck to evaluate zanzalintinib in combination with Keytruda for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma [13] - Cabometyx remains a leading tyrosine kinase inhibitor for renal cell carcinoma, with strong demand bolstered by its combination with Opdivo [10][11] - Recent label expansions for Cabometyx are expected to further enhance sales [11]

Company Performance - Exelixis shares have increased by 30.2% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the Zacks Medical sector, which declined by 5.1%, and the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, which fell by 4.2% [1] - The stock recently reached a 52-week high of $49.62, with a monthly increase of 2.3% [1] Earnings and Revenue Expectations - For the current fiscal year, Exelixis is projected to report earnings of $2.61 per share on revenues of $2.34 billion, reflecting a 30.5% increase in EPS and a 7.94% increase in revenues [3] - For the next fiscal year, earnings are expected to rise to $3.03 per share on revenues of $2.65 billion, indicating year-over-year changes of 16.13% in EPS and 13.22% in revenues [3] Valuation Metrics - Exelixis has a Value Score of B, a Growth Score of A, and a Momentum Score of A, resulting in a combined VGM Score of A [6] - The stock trades at 16.6X current fiscal year EPS estimates, below the peer industry average of 19.4X, and at 22.5X trailing cash flow, compared to the peer group's average of 14.6X [7] - The PEG ratio stands at 0.79, indicating that while the stock is not in the top echelon from a value perspective, it still presents a reasonable valuation [7] Zacks Rank - Exelixis holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), supported by rising earnings estimates, which suggests potential for further price appreciation [8] Industry Context - The Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry is performing well, ranking in the top 35% of all industries, providing favorable conditions for both Exelixis and its peer, Fortrea Holdings Inc. [11]

Market Overview - U.S. stock markets faced a setback in 2025 following a significant bull run driven by artificial intelligence in 2023 and 2024, with the Nasdaq Composite rising 43.4% in 2023 and 28.6% in 2024, but only up 0.9% year to date in 2025 [1] Non-Tech Stock Performance - Despite the overall poor performance of the Nasdaq index, several large-cap non-tech stocks have seen substantial gains, with some achieving over 20% returns year to date, indicating potential investment opportunities [2][9] Recommended Stocks - Five non-tech stocks are recommended for investment: Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. (SFM), Royal Gold Inc. (RGLD), Thomson Reuters Corp. (TRI), Woodward Inc. (WWD), and Exelixis Inc. (EXEL), all carrying favorable Zacks Ranks [3][9] Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. (SFM) - SFM, with a Zacks Rank 1, focuses on product innovation, e-commerce, and private label offerings, leading to better-than-expected fourth-quarter 2024 results with year-over-year growth in both revenue and earnings [6] - For 2025, SFM expects net sales to rise between 10.5% and 12.5%, with comparable store sales anticipated to increase by 4.5% to 6.5% [7] - SFM has an expected revenue growth rate of 13.7% and earnings growth rate of 35.5% for the current year, with a 9% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last 60 days [8] Royal Gold Inc. (RGLD) - RGLD, also with a Zacks Rank 1, benefits from solid streaming agreements and maintains a strong balance sheet, focusing on dividends, debt reduction, and new business opportunities [10] - Current gold prices around $3,400 per ounce, driven by U.S. tariff policies and geopolitical conflicts, are expected to enhance RGLD's results in upcoming quarters [11] - RGLD has an expected revenue growth rate of 24.1% and earnings growth rate of 35.9% for the current year, with a 0.6% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last 30 days [12] Thomson Reuters Corp. (TRI) - TRI, with a Zacks Rank 2, operates as a content and technology company across various regions and segments, providing value-added information and technology [13][14] - The company has an expected revenue growth rate of 3.2% and earnings growth rate of 4.2% for the current year, with a 1.3% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last 60 days [14] Woodward Inc. (WWD) - WWD, also with a Zacks Rank 2, benefits from strong demand in its Aerospace and Core Industrial units, with a positive outlook driven by increased defense spending and solid demand for power generation [15][16] - WWD has an expected revenue growth rate of 3.7% and earnings growth rate of 2.1% for the current year, with a 0.3% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last 30 days [17] Exelixis Inc. (EXEL) - EXEL, with a Zacks Rank 2, reported better-than-expected first-quarter 2025 results, driven by strong demand for its lead drug, Cabometyx, and recent label expansions [18][19] - The company has an expected revenue growth rate of 7.4% and earnings growth rate of 30.5% for the current year, with a 1.6% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last 30 days [20]

Core Insights - Exelixis has made significant advancements in its pipeline due to two recent key developments [2] Group 1: Company Developments - Exelixis' partner Ipsen received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency, which is a crucial step for the company's product pipeline [2]

Core Insights - Exelixis (EXEL) is currently viewed as a more attractive investment compared to argenex SE (ARGX) for value investors due to its stronger earnings outlook and better valuation metrics [3][7]. Valuation Metrics - EXEL has a forward P/E ratio of 17.95, significantly lower than ARGX's forward P/E of 41.38, indicating that EXEL is potentially undervalued [5]. - The PEG ratio for EXEL is 0.85, while ARGX has a PEG ratio of 0.96, suggesting that EXEL offers better value relative to its expected earnings growth [5]. - EXEL's P/B ratio stands at 5.38, compared to ARGX's P/B of 6.39, further supporting the notion that EXEL is more attractively priced [6]. Investment Ratings - EXEL holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings estimate revision trend, while ARGX has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3]. - The Value grade for EXEL is B, whereas ARGX has a Value grade of C, reflecting EXEL's superior valuation metrics [6].

Core Insights - The article discusses the importance of a hybrid investing strategy, particularly the GARP (Growth at a Reasonable Price) approach, in navigating market uncertainties and achieving better investment outcomes [1][2]. GARP Strategy - GARP combines principles of both growth and value investing, focusing on stocks that are undervalued yet have sustainable growth potential [4]. - The PEG (Price/Earnings Growth) ratio is a key metric in GARP investing, helping to identify stocks with solid future potential by relating P/E ratios to future earnings growth rates [5][6]. Stock Analysis - Four stocks are highlighted as successful examples of the GARP strategy: Flex Ltd. (FLEX), CVS Health (CVS), Urban Outfitters (URBN), and Exelixis (EXEL) [3][11]. - FLEX has a historical growth rate of 35.1% and a Zacks Rank of 2, indicating strong potential [12]. - CVS Health has a long-term expected growth rate of 11.4% and also holds a Zacks Rank of 2 [14]. - Urban Outfitters has a 20% earnings growth rate over the last five years and a Zacks Rank of 1, making it a strong GARP candidate [15]. - Exelixis boasts a long-term expected earnings growth rate of 21.2% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [17]. Screening Criteria - The stocks selected for GARP investment must have a PEG ratio below the industry median, a solid earnings outlook, and a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 [8][9]. - Additional criteria include a market capitalization greater than $1 billion and an average 20-day trading volume exceeding 50,000 [9][10].

Company Overview - Exelixis shares have decreased by approximately 7.2% over the past month, underperforming the S&P 500 [1] - The most recent earnings report is crucial for understanding the key drivers affecting the stock [1] Earnings Estimates - Estimates for Exelixis have trended upward in the past month, with the consensus estimate shifting by 15.91% [2] VGM Scores - Exelixis has a strong Growth Score of A and a momentum score of A, with a value score of B, placing it in the top 40% for this investment strategy [3] - The aggregate VGM Score for Exelixis is A, indicating strong overall performance across multiple investment strategies [3] Outlook - The upward trend in estimates suggests a promising outlook for Exelixis, which holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [4] - An above-average return is expected from the stock in the upcoming months [4] Industry Performance - Exelixis is part of the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, where Puma Biotech has gained 22.1% over the past month [5] - Puma Biotech reported revenues of $46 million for the last quarter, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 5% [5] - Puma Biotech's expected earnings for the current quarter are $0.11 per share, indicating a significant change of 320% from the previous year [6] - Puma Biotech also holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) and has a VGM Score of A [6]

Group 1: Olo - Olo is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider that assists restaurants with digital ordering, delivery, and customer engagement, transitioning from unprofitable growth to a turnaround story with positive earnings [4][5] - Currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), with revenue expected to grow by 19.1% this year and 17.6% next year, while earnings are forecasted to rise by 41% this year and 18.3% next year [5] - The stock is showing technical momentum, with a potential breakout above the $8.95 resistance level, indicating strong investor interest [6] Group 2: Palomar Holdings - Palomar Holdings is a specialty insurer focused on property and casualty risks, particularly in underserved markets like earthquake and hurricane insurance [8] - Currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), with EPS expected to grow by 39.9% this year and 17% in 2025, and revenue forecasted to rise by 42.3% this year and 26.4% next year [10] - Despite a 180% gain over the last 18 months, the stock is experiencing a healthy pullback, presenting a potential buying opportunity for investors [11] Group 3: Exelixis - Exelixis is a biotechnology company focused on developing cancer treatments, with a strong oncology pipeline and a commitment to profitability [14] - Currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), with FY25 EPS estimates raised by 13% and FY26 estimates up by 7.1%, indicating growing confidence in the company's growth outlook [15] - The stock is showing signs of technical momentum, with a potential breakout above the $43.70 level, supported by a favorable fundamental backdrop [16] Group 4: Investment Considerations - Exelixis, Olo, and Palomar Holdings present a compelling mix of strong fundamentals, favorable earnings revisions, and attractive valuations, making them worthy of investor attention [18]