ZACKS·2026-02-19 09:52Core Insights - The article highlights the performance and outlook of several companies, including Applied Materials, McDonald's, Texas Instruments, and Lulu's Fashion Lounge Holdings, based on recent research reports from Zacks Equity Research. Group 1: Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT) - Shares have outperformed the Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry over the past six months, increasing by 126.3% compared to the industry's 22.1% [4] - The company benefits from a rebound in the semiconductor industry, particularly in the foundry and logic sectors, along with consistent progress in its services and strength in various business segments [5] - Concerns include increasing U.S.-China tensions, export restrictions on semiconductor manufacturing equipment, slow memory market recovery, and rising operating costs [6] Group 2: McDonald's Corp. (MCD) - Shares have outperformed the Zacks Retail - Restaurants industry over the past six months, with a growth of 7.2% compared to 2.9% for the industry [7] - The company reported fourth-quarter 2025 results that exceeded Zacks Consensus Estimates, with year-over-year increases in both earnings and revenues [8] - McDonald's is focusing on aggressive unit expansion, targeting 50,000 restaurants worldwide by 2027, despite facing financial pressures and declining earnings estimates for fiscal 2026 [9] Group 3: Texas Instruments Inc. (TXN) - Shares have outperformed the Zacks Semiconductor - General industry over the past six months, increasing by 17.7% compared to 2.9% for the industry [10] - The company is experiencing solid demand in data centers, which enhances its prospects in the enterprise systems market, supported by a focus on expanding its product portfolio [11] - Growth may be hindered by a slow recovery in the industrial market, rising manufacturing costs, and ongoing U.S.-China tech tensions [12] Group 4: Lulu's Fashion Lounge Holdings, Inc. (LVLU) - Shares have significantly outperformed the Zacks Retail - Apparel and Shoes industry, with a remarkable increase of 250.1% compared to 18.6% for the industry [13] - The company is expanding its multi-channel growth strategy, including a full entry into all Nordstrom stores by February 2026, following a 143% year-over-year growth in wholesale revenue [14] - Despite the growth, liquidity is constrained, with only $6.8 million in credit headroom and $1.9 million in cash, alongside persistent net losses and declining active customers [15]