Merck to lay off around 150 employees at US site amid slump in Gardasil sales | ReutersSkip to main content[Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionalsLearn more aboutRefinitiv]The Merck logo is seen at a gate to the Merck & Co campus in Rahway, New Jersey, U.S., July 12, 2018. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo [Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab]- Companies[Merck & Co Inc]FollowFeb 27 (Reuters) - Merck [(MRK.N), opens new tab] will lay off about 150 employees across its fa ...

Real estate brokerage Compass (COMP) and mortgage titan Rocket (RKT) are betting they have the solution to the housing market's crisis. "You have to attack the [home affordability] problem from multiple angles," Rocket CEO Varun Krishna told Yahoo Finance's Opening Bid. "Sellers represent inventory, and we have to unlock more inventory." That's the aim of the three-year partnership with Compass, which seeks to neutralize the pain points of inventory scarcity and high transaction costs. The deal works ...

SHELTON, Conn., Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Edgewell Personal Care Company (NYSE: EPC) today announced that it will participate in a fireside chat at the 47th Annual Raymond James Institutional Investors Conference in Orlando, FL on Wednesday March 4, 2026, at 8:40 A.M. ET. Rod Little, President and Chief Executive Officer and Francesca Weissman, Chief Financial Officer will be presenting for Edgewell. All interested parties may access a live webcast of these events at www.edgewell.com, under "Investors," ...

GeniTech (Shenji), a unit of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Nio, has entered into binding agreements for a 2.25bn yuan $323m investment from a group of local investors. Shenji handles the company’s intelligent-driving chip programme Nio’s English-language release did not name the investors. Chinese media reports, however, have cited Hefei State-Owned Capital Enterprise Investment, Hefei Haiheng, IDG Capital, China Fortune-Tech Capital and Yuanhe Puhua among those involved. In a statement, the a ...

Core Viewpoint - Avnet reported strong second-quarter earnings for fiscal 2026, exceeding estimates and showing significant year-over-year growth in both earnings and revenues [2][3]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share for Q2 were $1.05, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 10.53% and increasing 20.7% year-over-year [2]. - Net sales rose 11.6% year-over-year to $6.32 billion, exceeding the consensus mark by 5.28% [3]. - The Electronic Components segment's revenues increased 10.8% year-over-year to $5.89 billion, outperforming estimates of $5.6 billion [4]. - Farnell sales surged 23.6% year-over-year to $427.1 million, exceeding the estimate of $400.8 million [4]. Regional Performance - Year-over-year sales growth included a 16.9% increase in Asia to $3.17 billion, a 4.9% increase in the Americas to $1.44 billion, and an 8.3% increase in EMEA to $1.71 billion [5]. Operating Income and Margins - Adjusted operating income was $171.7 million, up 7.7% year-over-year [5]. - The operating margin for the Electronic Components segment contracted 20 basis points to 3.2%, while Farnell's margin improved 370 basis points to 4.7% [6]. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - As of December 27, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $286.5 million, up from $175.5 million as of September 27, 2025 [7]. - Long-term debt decreased to $2.47 billion from $2.79 billion [7]. - Operating cash flow for Q2 was $208 million, with $28 million paid in dividends [8]. Guidance and Estimates - For Q3 fiscal 2026, Avnet expects revenues between $6.2 billion and $6.5 billion, with non-GAAP earnings projected between $1.20 and $1.30 per share [9]. - Consensus estimates have trended upward, with an 8.72% shift in estimates over the past month [10]. VGM Scores and Outlook - Avnet holds a Growth Score of A and a Value Score of A, indicating strong performance in these areas [11]. - The stock has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting an expectation of an in-line return in the coming months [12].

Core Viewpoint - Axis Capital reported strong fourth-quarter earnings growth driven by higher net premiums and investment gains, despite increased expenses [2][4]. Financial Performance - The company achieved fourth-quarter operating income of $3.25 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 9.4% and reflecting a year-over-year increase of 9.4% [2]. - Total operating revenues reached $1.7 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.2% and increasing nearly 9% year over year [3]. - Net premiums written rose 13% to $1.4 billion, with a 14% increase in the Insurance segment and 5% growth in the Reinsurance segment [3]. Investment Income and Expenses - Net investment income decreased by 4.5% year over year to $187 million, falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $198 million [4]. - Total expenses increased by 16.6% year over year to $1.4 billion, driven by higher net losses, acquisition costs, and administrative expenses [4]. Underwriting Performance - Pre-tax catastrophe losses amounted to $30 million, including $17 million from Hurricane Melissa [5]. - Underwriting income increased by 42% year over year to $184 million, with the combined ratio improving to 90.4 from 94.2 a year ago [5]. Segment Results - In the Insurance segment, gross premiums written improved by 11.7% year over year to $1.9 billion, with underwriting income rising 74.2% to $157.6 million [6]. - In the Reinsurance segment, gross premiums written increased by 13% year over year to $310.7 million, while underwriting income decreased by 31.9% to $26.6 million [7]. Full-Year Highlights - For the full year 2025, operating income was reported at $12.92 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.9% and reflecting a 15.6% year-over-year increase [8]. - Total operating revenues for the year reached $6.5 billion, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.2% and increasing by 6.7% year over year [8]. Financial Position - At the end of the fourth quarter, cash and cash equivalents stood at $820.3 million, down 61.7% from the previous year [10]. - Debt was reported at $1.3 billion, a slight increase of 0.1% from the previous year [10]. - Book value per diluted common share increased by 18.3% to $77.20 [10]. Capital Deployment - The company repurchased $888 million of common shares in 2025 and declared a quarterly cash dividend of 44 cents per share, totaling $139 million in annual dividends [11]. Market Outlook - Estimates for Axis Capital have been trending upward, with a consensus estimate shift of 7.92% [12]. - The company holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expectations for an in-line return in the coming months [14]. Industry Comparison - Axis Capital is part of the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty industry, with competitor W.R. Berkley reporting a revenue increase of 5.9% year over year [15].

Core Viewpoint - Badger Meter's recent earnings report showed mixed results, with a slight miss on EPS estimates but positive year-over-year growth in both EPS and net sales, indicating ongoing demand for its smart water management solutions [2][3][4]. Financial Performance - In Q4 2025, Badger Meter reported EPS of $1.14, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.9%, but up from $1.04 in the same quarter last year [2]. - Quarterly net sales reached $220.7 million, a 7.6% increase from $205.2 million year-over-year, driven by higher utility water sales, although it fell short of the $230.8 million consensus estimate [2]. - For the full year 2025, sales totaled $916.7 million, reflecting an 11% year-over-year increase, while EPS rose approximately 13% to $4.79 from $4.23 in 2024 [3]. Operational Highlights - Management noted double-digit revenue growth, expanded profit margins, and record free cash flow conversion in 2025, supported by sustained demand for smart water management solutions [4]. - The successful completion of several Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) projects and new projects set to begin in 2026 highlight the value proposition of Badger Meter's cellular AMI solution [5]. Segment Performance - Utility water sales increased by 9% year-over-year, with a 2% rise even when excluding SmartCover, driven by customer adoption of digital smart water solutions [7]. - Flow instrumentation sales remained flat year-over-year, as growth in water-focused end markets was offset by declines in de-emphasized applications [8]. Profitability Metrics - Gross profit for Q4 was $93 million, up from $82.8 million in the prior year, with a gross margin of 42.1%, an increase of 180 basis points year-over-year [9]. - Operating earnings rose around 10% year-over-year to $43.1 million, with operating margin expanding to 19.5% from 19.1% [9]. Cash Flow and Liquidity - In Q4 2025, Badger Meter generated $54.8 million in net cash from operating activities, compared to $52.1 million a year ago [12]. - As of December 31, 2025, the company had $226 million in cash and cash equivalents, with total current liabilities of $150.7 million [12]. Strategic Initiatives - The acquisition of SmartCover in early 2025 enhanced Badger Meter's portfolio with sewer monitoring and stormwater management capabilities, strengthening its long-term growth position [6]. - Badger Meter was selected to modernize Puerto Rico's water infrastructure, deploying its cellular AMI solution to improve operational efficiency and reduce non-revenue water for approximately 1.6 million service connections [11]. Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving high single-digit sales growth and continued operating margin expansion over the next five years, supported by the growth of its cellular AMI installed base and international expansion opportunities [13]. - However, estimates for the stock have been trending downward, indicating a potential below-average return in the coming months [15][17].

Core Insights - Celestica's recent earnings report showed strong performance, with adjusted earnings and revenues surpassing estimates, indicating potential for future growth [2][3]. Financial Performance - Quarterly net earnings reached $267.5 million or $2.31 per share, a significant increase from $151.7 million or $1.29 per share in the same quarter last year, driven by top-line improvement [4]. - Revenues for the quarter were $3.65 billion, reflecting a 44% year-over-year increase, exceeding management's guidance and the Zacks Consensus Estimate by $189 million [5]. - The Connectivity & Cloud Solutions (CCS) segment saw revenues rise 64% year over year to $2.86 billion, accounting for 78.3% of total revenues [6]. Segment Analysis - The Communications end market contributed to the CCS segment's growth, with hardware platform solutions revenues increasing 72% year over year to $1.4 billion, and segment margin improving to 8.4% [7]. - The Advanced Technology Solutions segment experienced a slight decline in revenues, down 1% year over year to $0.8 billion, but its margin improved to 5.3% [8]. Cash Flow and Liquidity - Operating cash flow for the quarter was $250.6 million, up from $143.4 million in the previous year, with free cash flow increasing to $155.9 million [9]. - As of December 31, 2025, the company held $595.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, with long-term debt at $750.5 million [10]. Future Guidance - For Q1 2026, Celestica anticipates revenues between $3.85 billion and $4.15 billion, with non-GAAP earnings per share expected to be in the range of $1.95 to $2.15 [12]. - The company projects 2026 revenues to be approximately $17 billion, an increase from the previous estimate of $16 billion, with non-GAAP adjusted earnings expected to be $8.75 per share [13]. Market Sentiment - Recent estimates for Celestica have shown an upward trend, with a consensus estimate shift of 15.1% [14]. - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating expectations for above-average returns in the coming months [16]. Industry Comparison - Celestica operates within the Zacks Electronics - Manufacturing Services industry, where competitor Sanmina reported a 59% year-over-year revenue increase, highlighting strong industry performance [17].

Core Viewpoint - Cimpress reported a mixed performance in its latest earnings report, with adjusted earnings beating estimates but a decline in share price over the past month, raising questions about future performance [1][2]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings for Q2 fiscal 2026 were $1.95 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.61, but down from $2.36 in the same quarter last year [2]. - Total revenues reached $1.04 billion, an 11% increase year-over-year, and exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $993.4 million [3]. - Organic constant-currency revenue growth was 4% year-over-year, driven by growth across all business segments [3]. Segment Performance - The National Pen segment generated revenues of $150.9 million, up from $131.5 million year-over-year, exceeding estimates of $141.0 million [4]. - Vista, the largest revenue-generating segment, reported revenues of $532.8 million compared to $497.7 million in the prior year, slightly below the estimate of $537.6 million [4]. - The Upload and Print segment's revenues increased to $334.8 million from $273.3 million year-over-year, with PrintBrothers and The Print Group both showing significant growth [5]. - Revenues from All Other Businesses were $67.2 million, up from $60.4 million year-over-year, also exceeding estimates [6]. Cost and Margin Analysis - Cost of revenues increased by 13.3% year-over-year to $554.5 million, while marketing and selling expenses rose by 10% to $246.2 million [7]. - Gross profit increased by 8.4% year-over-year to $487.7 million, with a margin of 46.8%, down 110 basis points from the previous year [8]. - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 5% year-over-year to $138.8 million [8]. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - As of December 31, 2025, Cimpress had $258.0 million in cash and cash equivalents, an increase from $234 million at the end of the previous quarter [9]. - Long-term debt stood at $1.58 billion, a slight decrease of 0.1% from the previous quarter [9]. - Net cash provided by operating activities for the first half of fiscal 2026 was $189.7 million, compared to $180.9 million in the same period last year [10]. Future Outlook - For fiscal 2026, Cimpress expects revenue growth of 7-8% on a reported basis and 3-4% on an organic constant-currency basis, with net income projected to be at least $79 million [11]. - Adjusted EBITDA is anticipated to be at least $460 million, with cash from operating activities expected to be around $313 million and free cash flow (adjusted) of $145 million [11]. Estimate Trends - There has been a downward trend in estimates, with the consensus estimate shifting down by 52.34% recently [12]. - Cimpress currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expectations for an in-line return in the coming months [14]. VGM Scores - Cimpress has a strong Growth Score of A but is lagging in Momentum with an F, while also receiving an A for value, placing it in the top quintile for value investors [13].

Core Viewpoint - C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. reported mixed fourth-quarter 2025 results, with earnings exceeding estimates but revenues falling short, indicating potential challenges ahead for the company [3][4]. Financial Performance - Quarterly earnings per share (EPS) were $1.23, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.12, and reflecting a year-over-year improvement of 1.65% [4]. - Total revenues amounted to $3.91 billion, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.95 billion, and decreased by 6.5% year over year due to the divestiture of the Europe Surface Transportation business and lower pricing and volume in ocean and truckload services [4]. - Adjusted gross profits fell 4% year over year to $657.0 million, impacted by lower profits per transaction in ocean services and the aforementioned divestiture [5]. Segment Performance - North American Surface Transportation revenues were $2.81 billion, up 0.3% year over year, driven by higher truckload service volumes, although offset by a shorter average haul [7]. - Global Forwarding revenues decreased by 17.3% year over year to $730.98 million, primarily due to lower pricing and volume in ocean services [8]. - Adjusted gross profits for the Transportation unit were $623.22 million, down 4.5% from the previous year, with declines in truckload, ocean, and air services [9]. Operating Expenses and Cash Flow - Operating expenses decreased by 5% year over year to $475.7 million, with personnel expenses falling by 4.9% to $337.0 million due to cost optimization and the divestiture [6]. - Cash generated from operations in Q4 2025 was $305.4 million, an increase from $267.9 million in the prior year, attributed to improved working capital [11]. Balance Sheet and Capital Expenditures - At the end of Q4, cash and cash equivalents were $160.87 million, up from $136.83 million in the previous quarter, while long-term debt decreased to $1.09 billion from $1.18 billion [10]. - Capital expenditures for Q4 were $15.7 million, with expectations for 2026 set between $75 million and $85 million [12]. Market Outlook - C.H. Robinson holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating an expectation of an in-line return from the stock in the coming months [15]. - The company has a strong Growth Score of A but lags in Momentum with a B, and a D score in value, placing it in the bottom 40% for value investors [14].