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]

Core Insights - Skillsoft Corp. (SKIL) shows potential as a strong investment due to significant upward revisions in earnings estimates [1][3] - Analysts' optimism regarding Skillsoft's earnings prospects is leading to higher estimates, which is expected to positively impact the stock price [2][3] - The Zacks Rank system indicates a strong buy rating for Skillsoft, reflecting a consensus among analysts for improved earnings estimates [3][9] Current-Quarter Estimate Revisions - The current quarter's earnings estimate for Skillsoft is projected at $1.26 per share, marking a year-over-year increase of +169.2% [7] - Over the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has risen by 148.41%, with one estimate moving higher and no negative revisions [7] Current-Year Estimate Revisions - For the full year, Skillsoft's earnings are expected to be $3.48 per share, representing a decrease of -19.6% compared to the previous year [8] - The trend for current-year estimates is positive, with one estimate increasing and no negative revisions noted [8] Zacks Rank and Performance - Skillsoft currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong agreement among analysts on the upward revisions of earnings estimates [9] - Stocks with a Zacks Rank 1 and 2 have historically outperformed the S&P 500, suggesting a favorable investment outlook for Skillsoft [9] Bottom Line - Skillsoft's stock has increased by 11.5% over the past four weeks due to strong estimate revisions, indicating potential for further gains [10] - Investors may consider adding Skillsoft to their portfolios based on the positive earnings outlook [10]

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]