Upgrades - Barclays upgraded Charles River (CRL) to Overweight from Equal Weight with a price target of $195, up from $165, citing stabilized drug discovery demand and valuation [2] - Barclays upgraded C.H. Robinson (CHRW) to Equal Weight from Underweight with a price target of $130, up from $95, reflecting the company's AI-enabled efficiency gains in a soft market [2] - HSBC upgraded Ferrari (RACE) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $470, up from $413, anticipating double-digit earnings growth out to 2030 due to the upcoming capital markets day plan [3] - JPMorgan upgraded Corteva (CTVA) to Overweight from Neutral with an unchanged price target of $70, noting that the planned split into two companies in 2026 does not diminish its value [4] - KeyBanc upgraded Nike (NKE) to Overweight from Sector Weight with a price target of $90, following solid fiscal Q1 results driven by progress on its "Win Now" actions [4] Downgrades - Roth Capital downgraded Electronic Arts (EA) to Neutral from Buy with a price target of $210, up from $185, after the announcement of a $55 billion take-private deal [5] - Berenberg downgraded Mondelez (MDLZ) to Hold from Buy with a price target of $70, down from $81, expecting cocoa prices to decline in 2026 relative to 2025 [5] - William Blair downgraded RH (RH) to Market Perform from Outperform due to new tariffs on imported kitchen cabinets and furniture, starting at 25% and potentially rising to 50% [5] - Mizuho downgraded Bloom Energy (BE) to Neutral from Outperform with a price target of $79, up from $48, citing improved demand visibility but concerns over valuation after a recent rally [5] - Barclays downgraded Medpace (MEDP) to Underweight from Equal Weight with a price target of $425, down from $450, due to growth deceleration and margin pressure expected in the second half of 2026 [5]

Company Highlights - Cidara Therapeutics Inc. (CDTX) reached a 52-week high of $87.19 as it advances its development plan for CD388, a non-vaccine preventive treatment for seasonal influenza, with enrollment in a Phase 3 study expected to start by September 2025 targeting 6,000 participants [1] - Maze Therapeutics Inc. (MAZE) saw its stock rise to a 52-week high of $27.09 following positive Phase 1 clinical results for MZE782, an oral therapy for Phenylketonuria and chronic kidney disease, with plans to enter Phase 2 studies in 2026 [3][4] - Medpace Holdings Inc. (MEDP) is set to report Q3 2025 financial results on October 22, 2025, and has raised its full-year guidance twice, indicating strong operational momentum, with the stock hitting a 52-week high of $506.55 [5][6] - Monopar Therapeutics Inc. (MNPR) rebounded from potential Nasdaq delisting to a 52-week high of $73.75, planning to seek approval for ALXN1840 for Wilson disease in early 2026, supported by long-term clinical data [7][8] - Prenetics Global Limited (PRE) projects 2025 revenue between $85 million and $100 million, a significant increase from $30.6 million in 2024, with its new wellness brand IM8 Health on track for $100 million in annual recurring revenue [9][10] - Protagonist Therapeutics Inc. (PTGX) is nearing a major milestone with Icotrokinra for psoriasis, having submitted a regulatory application to the FDA and EMA in July 2025, with the stock reaching a 52-week high of $66.70 [11][12] - uniQure N.V. (QURE) announced positive results from its Phase I/II study of AMT-130 for Huntington's disease, planning to submit a Biologics License Application in Q1 2026, with the stock soaring over 200% to a 52-week high of $51.21 [13][14] - Rezolute Inc. (RZLT) surged to a 52-week high of $9.02 ahead of topline results from its pivotal Phase III trial for hypoglycemia treatment, expected in December [15][16] - United Therapeutics Corp. (UTHR) reached a 52-week high of $442.01 as anticipation builds for data from the TETON-2 study of nebulized Tyvaso in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, with positive results reported earlier [17][18]

Group 1: Fund Performance - Madison Mid Cap Fund (Class Y) returned 5.2% in Q2 2025, underperforming the Russell Midcap Index which increased by 8.5% [1] - The fund's top five holdings were highlighted, indicating its best investment picks for 2025 [1] Group 2: Medpace Holdings, Inc. Overview - Medpace Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MEDP) is a clinical research-based drug and medical device development services provider [2] - The stock of Medpace Holdings, Inc. had a one-month return of 8.26% and a 52-week gain of 37.25%, closing at $501.94 per share with a market capitalization of $14.101 billion on September 18, 2025 [2] Group 3: Investment Insights on Medpace Holdings, Inc. - Madison Mid Cap Fund added Medpace Holdings, Inc. as a new investment in Q2 2025, emphasizing its focus on providing clinical trial services to small biotech companies [3] - The company, led by founder Dr. August Troendle, has a differentiated expertise in oncology and metabolic disorders, with only a ~5% share of the addressable market, indicating significant growth potential [3] - Medpace Holdings, Inc. reported revenue of $603.3 million in Q2 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 14.2% [4]

Group 1 - The company Medpace (NASDAQ: MEDP) is granted a buy rating, indicating strong potential for value generation for investors [1] - The analyst has a background in economics and statistics, with experience in analyzing agricultural commodities and managing trading and data analysis teams [1] - The trading team under the analyst's management invested in bonds, equities, and ETFs, showcasing a diverse investment strategy [1] Group 2 - The analyst will provide analysis and valuation for companies in sectors including commodities, banking, technology, and pharmaceuticals [1] - The approach to generating buy and sell recommendations is based on financial statements, regulations, and macroeconomic variables [1]

Core Insights - The article compares two Medical Services stocks, Cencora (COR) and Medpace (MEDP), to determine which is more attractive for value investors [1] Valuation Metrics - Both COR and MEDP currently have a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating positive earnings estimate revisions for both companies [3] - COR has a forward P/E ratio of 18.30, while MEDP has a forward P/E of 33.85 [5] - COR's PEG ratio is 1.38, compared to MEDP's PEG ratio of 2.98, suggesting COR is expected to grow earnings at a more favorable rate [5] - COR has a P/B ratio of 25.49, while MEDP's P/B ratio is significantly higher at 77.18 [6] - Based on these valuation metrics, COR holds a Value grade of A, whereas MEDP has a Value grade of D, indicating that COR is currently the superior value option [6]

Group 1: Momentum Investing Overview - Momentum investing involves following a stock's recent trend, with the strategy of buying high and selling higher, capitalizing on established price movements [1] - The Zacks Momentum Style Score helps define momentum characteristics, with Medpace (MEDP) currently holding a Momentum Style Score of B [2][3] Group 2: Medpace Performance Metrics - Medpace has shown a 5.41% increase in shares over the past week, outperforming the Zacks Medical Services industry, which rose by 1.6% [5] - Over the past quarter, Medpace shares have risen by 55.26%, and by 18.27% in the last year, compared to the S&P 500's increases of 9.33% and 17.71% respectively [6] - The average 20-day trading volume for Medpace is 772,137 shares, indicating a bullish sign with rising stock prices [7] Group 3: Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, five earnings estimates for Medpace have increased, raising the consensus estimate from $12.71 to $13.99 [9] - For the next fiscal year, five estimates have also moved upwards, with no downward revisions during the same period [9] Group 4: Investment Recommendation - Considering the performance metrics and earnings outlook, Medpace is rated as a 2 (Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of B, making it a potential short-term investment opportunity [11]

Group 1 - Medpace, a clinical research organization based in Cincinnati, delivered an impressive performance in Q2 2025, which positively impacted the perception of the healthcare sector [1] - The company is recognized for its focus on sustainable business models, high cash generation, cash flow growth, strong balance sheets, and widening moats [1]

Group 1 - Medpace Holdings, Inc. (MEDP) has reached an important support level and is considered a good stock pick from a technical perspective due to a recent "golden cross" event [1] - A golden cross is a bullish technical chart pattern formed when a short-term moving average, such as the 50-day, crosses above a longer-term moving average like the 200-day, indicating potential for a bullish breakout [2] - The golden cross pattern consists of three stages: a downtrend followed by a crossover of moving averages, and finally an upward price movement [3] Group 2 - MEDP shares have increased by 34.3% over the past four weeks, and the company holds a 1 (Strong Buy) rating on the Zacks Rank, suggesting a potential breakout [4] - The positive earnings outlook for MEDP is supported by five upward revisions in earnings estimates over the past 60 days, with no downward revisions, leading to an increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate [4] - Investors are encouraged to monitor MEDP for further gains due to its key technical level and favorable earnings estimate revisions [5]

Core Viewpoint - Medpace (MEDP) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Movement - The Zacks rating system is based on the consensus measure of EPS estimates from sell-side analysts, reflecting the company's changing earnings picture [1][2]. - Changes in earnings estimates are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements, influenced by institutional investors who adjust their valuations based on these estimates [4]. Business Improvement Indicators - Rising earnings estimates and the Zacks rating upgrade suggest an improvement in Medpace's underlying business, which could lead to increased stock prices as investors respond positively [5][10]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Medpace has increased by 8.3% over the past three months, with expected earnings of $13.99 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2025, indicating stability year-over-year [8]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. - Only the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks receive a "Strong Buy" rating, positioning Medpace among the best candidates for potential market-beating returns [9][10].

Group 1: Stock Highlights - Calix, Inc. (CALX) has a Zacks Rank 1 with a 25.6% increase in the current year earnings estimate over the last 60 days and a share price gain of 35.9% in the last three months compared to the S&P 500's 14.9% [1] - Medpace Holdings, Inc. (MEDP) also holds a Zacks Rank 1, with a 10.1% increase in the current year earnings estimate over the last 60 days and a share price gain of 46.1% in the last three months compared to the S&P 500's 14.9% [2] - West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (WST) maintains a Zacks Rank 1, with a 5.3% increase in the current year earnings estimate over the last 60 days and a share price gain of 23.4% in the last three months compared to the S&P 500's 14.9% [3] Group 2: Momentum Scores - Calix, Inc. has a Momentum Score of A, indicating strong momentum characteristics [1] - Medpace Holdings, Inc. also possesses a Momentum Score of A, reflecting its robust performance [2] - West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. carries a Momentum Score of A, showcasing its positive momentum [3]