Core Insights - Skillsoft Corp. (SKIL) is currently rated as a Strong Buy with a Zacks Rank of 1, while MeridianLink (MLNK) holds a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a Hold status [3] - The analysis suggests that SKIL has a more favorable earnings estimate revision trend compared to MLNK, making it a more attractive option for value investors [3][7] Valuation Metrics - SKIL has a forward P/E ratio of 4.27, significantly lower than MLNK's forward P/E of 54.76, indicating that SKIL may be undervalued [5] - The PEG ratio for SKIL is 0.43, while MLNK's PEG ratio is 1.85, further suggesting that SKIL offers better value based on expected earnings growth [5] - SKIL's P/B ratio is 3, compared to MLNK's P/B of 3.95, reinforcing the notion that SKIL is a more attractive investment based on traditional valuation metrics [6] Overall Assessment - Based on the combination of strong earnings outlook and favorable valuation metrics, SKIL is positioned as the superior value option compared to MLNK [7]

Core Insights - Skillsoft Corp. (SKIL) shares increased by 7% to close at $14.87, supported by strong trading volume and a 5.1% gain over the past four weeks, driven by rising earnings estimates and renewed investor confidence in the company's turnaround strategy [1] Earnings Expectations - The company is projected to report quarterly earnings of $1.26 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 169.2%, while revenues are expected to be $131.56 million, a decrease of 4.1% from the previous year [2] - The consensus EPS estimate for Skillsoft has been revised 131.4% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a positive trend that typically correlates with stock price appreciation [3] Industry Comparison - Skillsoft is part of the Zacks Technology Services industry, where another company, Amplitude, Inc. (AMPL), saw its stock close 5% lower at $9.6, with a return of -11.8% over the past month [3] - Amplitude's consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged at $0.01, representing a year-over-year decline of 66.7%, and it currently holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [4]

Core Insights - Three stocks with strong growth characteristics and buy ranks are highlighted for investors: Ultrapar Participacoes, Skillsoft, and Western Digital [1][2][3] Group 1: Ultrapar Participacoes (UGP) - Ultrapar Participacoes is a major Brazilian industrial group, one of the largest distributors of liquefied petroleum gas in Brazil, and a leading producer of petrochemicals [1] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and has seen a 33.3% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - Ultrapar has a PEG ratio of 1.98, which is lower than the industry average of 2.56, and possesses a Growth Score of A [2] Group 2: Skillsoft (SKIL) - Skillsoft provides digital learning, training, and talent solutions and also carries a Zacks Rank of 1 [2] - The company has experienced a significant increase of 240.9% in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Skillsoft has a PEG ratio of 0.43, compared to the industry average of 0.99, and holds a Growth Score of B [2] Group 3: Western Digital (WDC) - Western Digital is a leading developer and manufacturer of data storage devices and solutions based on NAND flash and hard disk drive technologies [3] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 and has seen a 1.9% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3] - Western Digital has a PEG ratio of 0.98, significantly lower than the industry average of 2.31, and possesses a Growth Score of B [3]

Industry Overview - The Technology Services industry ranks within the top 24% of Zacks Ranked Industries and is expected to outperform the market over the next three to six months, having rallied 32.9% year to date [1] - The industry is mature with strong demand for services, and this momentum is likely to continue into the fourth quarter of 2025 [1][3] Market Trends - The global shift toward digitization is creating opportunities in markets such as 5G, blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI) [3] - Companies are rapidly adopting generative AI, machine learning (ML), blockchain, and data science to gain competitive advantages [3] - There is robust demand for multi-cloud-enabled software solutions as businesses transition from legacy platforms to modern cloud-based infrastructure [3] Company Highlights AppLovin Corp. (APP) - AppLovin is a leading technology platform for mobile app developers, enhancing marketing and monetization efforts [7][8] - The Axon 2.0 AI engine has significantly boosted ad performance, leading to a $10 billion annual run rate in ad spend [9] - AppLovin targets a 20-30% year-over-year growth rate, primarily driven by its gaming segment and AI-driven ad monetization [11] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current quarter are 15.2% and 63.6%, respectively [12] Skillsoft Corp. (SKIL) - Skillsoft provides digital learning and talent solutions, focusing on a learner-centric approach [13] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the next quarter are -2% and -53.1%, respectively, but earnings estimates have improved over 100% in the last 30 days [14] Acuity Inc. (AYI) - Acuity manufactures lighting fixtures and related components, with a focus on energy efficiency and smart building solutions [15][17] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current quarter are 19.5% and 12.3%, respectively [17] Byrna Technologies Inc. (BYRN) - Byrna develops non-lethal technology products for personal and professional security [18] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current quarter are 21.3% and -23.5%, respectively [19] MediaAlpha Inc. (MAX) - MediaAlpha specializes in programmatic technology platforms for vertical search and metasearch [20] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current quarter are -8.1% and over 100%, respectively [20]

Core Insights - Three stocks with strong growth characteristics and buy ranks are highlighted for investors: Ultrapar Participacoes, Skillsoft, and Seagate Technology [1][2][3] Group 1: Ultrapar Participacoes (UGP) - Ultrapar Participacoes is a major Brazilian industrial group, one of the largest distributors of liquefied petroleum gas in Brazil, and a leading producer of petrochemicals [1] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and has seen a 33.3% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - Ultrapar has a PEG ratio of 11.13, which is lower than the industry average of 18.70, and possesses a Growth Score of A [2] Group 2: Skillsoft (SKIL) - Skillsoft provides digital learning, training, and talent solutions and also carries a Zacks Rank of 1 [2] - The company has experienced a significant increase of 240.9% in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Skillsoft has a PEG ratio of 0.40, compared to the industry average of 0.78, and holds a Growth Score of B [2] Group 3: Seagate Technology (STX) - Seagate Technology specializes in data storage technology and infrastructure solutions, holding a Zacks Rank of 1 [3] - The company has seen a 4% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3] - Seagate has a PEG ratio of 0.87, which is lower than the industry average of 1.35, and possesses a Growth Score of B [3]

Skillsoft Corp. (SKIL) could be a solid addition to your portfolio given a notable revision in the company's earnings estimates. While the stock has been gaining lately, the trend might continue since its earnings outlook is still improving.Analysts' growing optimism on the earnings prospects of this company is driving estimates higher, which should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock pri ...

Core Viewpoint - Skillsoft Corp. (SKIL) is experiencing significant selling pressure but is positioned for a potential trend reversal due to being in oversold territory and positive earnings outlook from analysts [1]. Group 1: Technical Indicators - The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a momentum oscillator that indicates whether a stock is oversold, with readings below 30 typically signaling this condition [2]. - SKIL's current RSI reading is 28.79, suggesting that heavy selling may be exhausting, indicating a possible bounce back towards equilibrium [5]. Group 2: Fundamental Analysis - There is strong consensus among sell-side analysts to raise earnings estimates for SKIL, with a 42.5% increase in the consensus EPS estimate over the last 30 days [7]. - An upward trend in earnings estimate revisions is generally associated with price appreciation in the near term [7]. Group 3: Analyst Ratings - SKIL holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), placing it in the top 5% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises, indicating strong potential for a turnaround [8].

Group 1 - Skillsoft has been making steady progress since its Investor Day last July, focusing on reigniting revenue growth while increasing free cash flow (FCF) to support deleveraging its balance sheet [1] - The company has implemented strict cost discipline, which has contributed to delivering $45 million in FCF [1] Group 2 - The individual investor mentioned has a focus on undercovered companies, particularly in technology, software, electronics, and the energy transition sectors [1] - The investor has been actively investing personal capital for over 7 years and has accumulated professional investment experience [1]

Core Insights - Skillsoft Corp. reported an earnings per share of $0.92, significantly surpassing the expected loss of $2.10 per share and showing a turnaround from the previous year's loss of $2.4 per share [1][5] - Despite the earnings beat, the company's revenue of $128.8 million fell short of analysts' expectations of $136 million, representing a 3% decrease compared to the previous year [2][5] Financial Metrics - The price-to-sales ratio is 0.24, indicating that the market values the company's sales at approximately 24 cents for every dollar of sales [3] - The enterprise value to sales ratio is 1.17, reflecting the company's total valuation relative to its sales [3] - The enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio is 20.58, suggesting that Skillsoft is valued at over 20 times its operating cash flow [4] - The debt-to-equity ratio is high at 6.28, indicating a heavy reliance on debt financing [4] - The current ratio is 0.88, suggesting potential challenges in covering short-term liabilities with short-term assets [4]

Core Viewpoint - Activist investor Elliott Management has acquired a stake of between 4% and 5% in Kansai Electric Power, making it one of the top three shareholders of the company [1] Group 1 - Elliott Management's investment positions it as a significant shareholder in Kansai Electric Power, indicating potential influence over company decisions [1] - The acquisition of this stake reflects a growing trend of activist investors targeting utility companies for strategic changes [1]