Will Budget Slash Cut Lockheed's Nuclear Space Propulsion Flight Short?
ZACKS· 2025-07-10 16:30
Core Insights - Global space agencies are investing in nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) rockets for future missions due to their efficiency and reduced travel times compared to traditional chemical rockets [1] - Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT) is gaining traction in the space sector, particularly with its mission-integrated capabilities [1] Group 1: Lockheed Martin's Involvement - In 2023, DARPA selected Lockheed to develop a nuclear-powered spacecraft under the DRACO project [2] - The DRACO project may face cancellation due to budget cuts from the U.S. government, impacting Lockheed's involvement in NASA's NTP programs [3] - Despite the setback with DRACO, Lockheed is also working on a nuclear electrical propulsion (NEP) system for the U.S. Air Force's JETSON program, which aims to advance human space exploration [4] Group 2: Market Position and Valuation - Lockheed's prominence in the space economy, including satellite deployment and spacecraft design, positions it well for future opportunities as NASA continues its exploration efforts [5] - Lockheed's shares have increased by 0.6% over the past year, while the industry has grown by 18.7% [9] - The company is currently trading at a forward 12-month sales multiple of 1.43X, which is approximately 35.9% lower than the industry average of 2.23X [11] Group 3: Other Relevant Companies - BWX Technologies has been involved in NTP design since 2017 and opened a new facility to advance nuclear technology for various applications [7] - Boeing is a key contractor in the Space Launch System program and is also engaged in nuclear-related space activities for the U.S. Space Force [8]
Why Is Dave & Buster's (PLAY) Up 4.9% Since Last Earnings Report?
ZACKS· 2025-07-10 16:30
It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Dave & Buster's (PLAY) . Shares have added about 4.9% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Dave & Buster's due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.How Have Estimates Been Moving Since The ...
Why Is Stitch Fix (SFIX) Down 5% Since Last Earnings Report?
ZACKS· 2025-07-10 16:30
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Stitch Fix (SFIX) . Shares have lost about 5% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Stitch Fix due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?It turns out, e ...
United Natural (UNFI) Up 4.1% Since Last Earnings Report: Can It Continue?
ZACKS· 2025-07-10 16:30
Core Viewpoint - United Natural Foods (UNFI) has seen a 4.1% increase in share price over the past month, outperforming the S&P 500, but there are concerns about potential pullbacks leading up to the next earnings release [1] Group 1: Earnings Report and Market Reaction - The consensus estimate for United Natural has shifted downward by 94.71% over the past month, indicating a negative trend in earnings expectations [2] - The stock has received a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting an expectation of in-line returns in the coming months [4] Group 2: VGM Scores - United Natural has a strong Growth Score of A, a Momentum Score of B, and a Value Score of A, placing it in the top quintile for investment strategies [3] - The aggregate VGM Score for the stock is A, which is significant for investors not focused on a single strategy [3]
Why Is GameStop (GME) Down 18.8% Since Last Earnings Report?
ZACKS· 2025-07-10 16:30
Core Viewpoint - GameStop shares have declined approximately 18.8% over the past month, underperforming the S&P 500, raising questions about the potential for a breakout or continued negative trend leading up to the next earnings release [1] Group 1: Earnings Report and Estimates - Estimates for GameStop have trended upward in the past month, with a consensus estimate shift of 137.5% [2] - The most recent earnings report is crucial for understanding the important drivers behind the stock's performance [1] Group 2: VGM Scores - GameStop currently holds a Growth Score of B and a Momentum Score of A, while its Value Score is rated D, placing it in the bottom 40% for this investment strategy [3] - The aggregate VGM Score for GameStop is B, which is significant for investors not focused on a single strategy [3] Group 3: Outlook - The upward trend in estimates and the magnitude of revisions appear promising for GameStop [4] - GameStop has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating expectations for an in-line return from the stock in the coming months [4]
VIIRL Marketing makes strategic acquisition of Phoenix Online Advertising's Yelp Division
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-07-10 16:30
Company Overview - VIIRL Marketing has acquired the Yelp Division from Phoenix Online Advertising, enhancing its lead generation capabilities and expanding its presence in the home services sector [1][4] - The acquisition aligns with VIIRL's strategy of complementing organic growth with strategic acquisitions that fit its business model [5] Industry Insights - The digital marketing sector, particularly in home services, is experiencing growth as business owners seek external expertise for lead generation while focusing on operations [4] - VIIRL serves over 600 client locations across the US, providing services such as lead generation platform management, website development, SEO, and pay-per-click [7] New Offerings - New clients of VIIRL will benefit from proprietary software solutions, including an AI-driven Yelp Lead Autoresponder and a Lead Cloud reporting suite [2][4] - The transition of the Yelp business to VIIRL allows Phoenix Online Advertising to concentrate on its core services, including SEO, graphic design, and PPC [6]
Datadog Named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner(R) Magic Quadrant(TM) for Observability Platforms
Newsfile· 2025-07-10 16:30
Core Insights - Datadog has been named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Observability Platforms, marking the fifth consecutive year in this position [1][4] - The Gartner Magic Quadrant evaluates technology providers based on their ability to execute and completeness of vision in the application performance monitoring and observability market [2] Company Performance - Customer feedback highlights Datadog's product innovation and responsiveness, with users praising the platform's insights, user interface, and features such as APM and USM [3] - Datadog's Chief Product Officer emphasized the importance of product innovation and R&D, particularly in the context of AI integration to enhance applications and workflows [4] Industry Context - The observability market is characterized by high growth and distinct provider differentiation, with Datadog recognized for its strong execution and market positioning [2]
IOVA 4-DAY DEADLINE ALERT: Iovance's (IOVA) Promising Cell Therapy Falters Triggering UBS Downgrades and Investor Lawsuit – Hagens Berman
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-07-10 16:28
Core Insights - Iovance Biotherapeutics Inc. is undergoing a leadership transition with the resignation of CFO Jean-Marc Bellemin, effective July 10, 2025, amid commercial challenges and a class-action lawsuit [1][2][3] Leadership Transition - CFO Jean-Marc Bellemin's resignation aligns with his executive employment agreement and comes at a critical time for the company, which has not yet named a successor [2] - Bellemin has been in the CFO role since November 2020 [1] Commercial Challenges - Iovance's flagship drug, Amtagvi, has faced significant commercial setbacks, with first-quarter sales falling short of Wall Street expectations, leading to a revision of full-year revenue projections [3][6] - Following the disappointing sales figures and revenue guidance, Iovance's stock price dropped over 44%, from $3.17 to $1.75 per share within a day [7] Legal Issues - The company is defending against a class-action securities fraud lawsuit, which alleges misleading statements regarding the operational readiness of its authorized treatment centers (ATCs) crucial for Amtagvi's administration [4][5] - The lawsuit claims that ATCs have not been able to initiate treatments in a timely manner, leading to high patient drop-off rates [5] Market Reaction - The market reacted negatively to the company's underwhelming performance and the subsequent legal challenges, indicating investor concerns about Iovance's commercial execution and transparency [6][7] - Hagens Berman, a law firm, is investigating the allegations and the accuracy of Iovance's public statements regarding Amtagvi [8][9]
Walmart Shares Jump 40% in a Year: Should You Still Buy Now?
ZACKS· 2025-07-10 16:26
Core Insights - Walmart Inc. (WMT) maintains its position as a retail leader, driven by a strong omnichannel strategy, broad scale, and continuous innovation, resulting in a stock growth of 40.1% over the past year, closely matching the industry's 40.2% growth [1][3][7] Performance Comparison - Walmart's stock performance is notably superior compared to peers such as Kroger Co. (KR) with 36% growth, Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST) with a 12% decline, and Target Corporation (TGT) with a 29.8% drop, indicating Walmart's adaptability in a challenging retail environment [3][7] Stock Price and Technical Indicators - As of the latest trading session, Walmart's stock closed at $96.81, which is 8.1% below its 52-week high of $105.30, with a solid upward trajectory supported by being above the 200-day simple moving average of $91.20, indicating sustained bullish momentum [4][5] Operational Strength - Walmart demonstrates operational strength through a diversified business model and effective execution across physical and digital retail channels, enhancing customer engagement [9] Omnichannel Ecosystem - The robust omnichannel ecosystem integrates stores with digital infrastructure, creating a seamless shopping experience, supported by data analytics and technology investments [10] Comparable Sales Growth - In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, Walmart's comparable sales (excluding fuel) increased by 4.5%, driven by a 1.6% rise in transactions and a 2.8% gain in average ticket size, with the grocery segment showing mid-single-digit comp growth [11] E-commerce Growth - Walmart's global e-commerce sales surged by 22% in the fiscal first quarter, with U.S. e-commerce sales rising by 21%, highlighting strong fulfillment and marketplace activity [12] External Pressures - Near-term headwinds include tariff-related pressures and foreign exchange volatility, with adverse currency movements impacting reported sales by $2.4 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 [13][14] Valuation Metrics - Walmart's forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 35.48, higher than the industry average of 32.62, indicating potential overvaluation compared to peers like Kroger, Ross Stores, and Target [17] Investment Guidance - Despite external pressures, Walmart's scale, agility, and investments in digital infrastructure and high-margin verticals support sustainable growth, though elevated valuation metrics suggest a cautious approach for near-term investors [19]
Is Tesla Facing Roadblocks in Robotaxis' San Francisco Expansion?
ZACKS· 2025-07-10 16:26
Core Insights - Tesla is planning to expand its robotaxi service to the San Francisco Bay Area within the next month or two, pending regulatory approval [1][10] - The company has begun a limited trial of the service in Austin, TX, deploying around a dozen vehicles under strict conditions [1] - The rollout of the robotaxi service is critical for Tesla's long-term strategy amid waning demand for its aging EV models and increasing competition [3] Expansion Plans - Tesla will widen its robotaxi service in Austin this coming weekend, although specific details about the expansion's scope or location were not disclosed [2] - The expansion in California will be more complex due to the need for multiple permits from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) [4][10] Regulatory Challenges - The CPUC granted Tesla initial approval in March, but further authorizations are still required for commercial operation [5] - Early public tests in Austin reportedly encountered several traffic-related issues, highlighting challenges as the service scales beyond Texas [10] Competitive Landscape - Alphabet's Waymo is currently the only company running driverless robotaxis charging fees from passengers, with a fleet exceeding 1,500 vehicles and facilitating over 250,000 rides weekly [6] - Amazon's Zoox has opened its first dedicated robotaxi manufacturing facility in California, aiming to produce up to 10,000 robotaxis per year [7] Financial Performance - Tesla has underperformed the Zacks Automotive-Domestic industry year to date, with TSLA shares losing 26.7% compared to the industry's decline of 23.1% [8] - Tesla appears overvalued with a forward sales multiple of 9.2, significantly higher than its industry's 2.52 [11] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 and 2026 EPS has decreased by 3 cents and 5 cents, respectively, in the past week [12]