Core Viewpoint - Shell plc (SHEL) is expected to report fourth-quarter results on February 5, with earnings estimated at $1.21 per share and revenues of $68.1 billion, reflecting a marginal year-over-year improvement in earnings and a slight increase in revenues [2][4]. Group 1: Previous Quarter Performance - In the third quarter, Shell reported earnings of $1.86 per ADS, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.72, while revenues of $70.4 billion fell short of expectations by nearly 6% due to declining oil prices [3]. - Shell has beaten earnings estimates in three of the last four quarters, achieving an average earnings surprise of 5.2% [4]. Group 2: Factors Influencing Q4 Results - The marketing division is anticipated to face challenges in Q4, with adjusted earnings under pressure due to seasonal factors, including colder temperatures leading to lower demand for refined fuels and natural gas [6]. - The chemicals sub-segment is expected to report significant losses in adjusted earnings, impacted by volatile raw material costs and changing market demands [7]. - Conversely, Shell's upstream production is projected to increase slightly to between 1.84 million and 1.94 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, aided by the Adura joint venture [8]. Group 3: Earnings Prediction Model - The Zacks model does not predict a definitive earnings beat for Shell, as the Earnings ESP stands at 0.00%, indicating no difference between the Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate [9][11]. - Shell currently holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), suggesting a cautious outlook for the upcoming earnings report [11].

Core Viewpoint - Barrick Mining Corporation is expected to report fourth-quarter 2025 results on February 5, with earnings anticipated to rise by 89.1% year-over-year, driven by higher gold prices despite production and cost challenges [1][6]. Group 1: Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Barrick's fourth-quarter earnings is set at 87 cents per share, reflecting an increase from previous estimates over the last 60 days [1]. - Barrick has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in three of the last four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of approximately 8.7% [2]. Group 2: Production and Costs - Higher gold prices are expected to support Barrick's performance, with gold prices closing nearly 13% higher in the fourth quarter and surging about 65% in 2025 [7]. - However, Barrick is facing weaker year-over-year production, with a projected 18% decline in gold production for the fourth quarter, estimated at around 889,000 ounces [9]. - The company experienced a 12% year-over-year decline in third-quarter gold production, primarily due to the suspension of operations at the Loulo-Gounkoto mine [8]. - Higher production costs are anticipated to impact fourth-quarter results, with cash costs per ounce of gold and all-in-sustaining costs (AISC) increasing by approximately 3% and 2% year-over-year, respectively [10][11]. Group 3: Market Performance and Valuation - Barrick's stock has increased by 176.5% over the past year, outperforming the Zacks Mining – Gold industry's increase of 127.3% and the S&P 500's rise of 18.1% [12]. - The company is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 13.56, which is about a 6% discount compared to the industry average of 14.43 [15]. Group 4: Strategic Positioning - Barrick is well-positioned to benefit from key growth projects that are on schedule and within budget, which should significantly contribute to future production [18]. - The company maintains a robust liquidity position and generates healthy cash flows, allowing it to pursue development, exploration, and acquisition opportunities [19]. - Despite challenges from higher costs and operational issues leading to lower production, Barrick's strong pipeline of growth projects and favorable gold market conditions support a positive outlook [21].

Core Viewpoint - Magnolia Oil & Gas Corporation (MGY) is expected to report fourth-quarter 2025 earnings on February 5, with earnings estimated at 36 cents per share and revenues at $312.3 million [1][7]. Group 1: Recent Performance - In the last reported quarter, MGY achieved a net profit of 41 cents per share, aligning with the Zacks Consensus Estimate, driven by increased production volumes [2]. - Total revenues for the last quarter were $324.9 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $322 million [2]. - MGY has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate three times in the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 4.45% [3]. Group 2: Earnings Estimates and Trends - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter 2025 earnings has remained unchanged, reflecting a 26.53% year-over-year decrease [3]. - Revenue estimates for the fourth quarter indicate a decline of 4.38% compared to the same period last year [3]. Group 3: Operational Factors - MGY generates revenues by acquiring land or leases with oil and natural gas reserves, primarily in South Texas, focusing on areas like the Eagle Ford Shale and Austin Chalk [4]. - The company’s total operating expenses are projected to reach $217.6 million in the fourth quarter, a 7.5% increase from the previous quarter [5]. - General and administrative expenses are expected to rise to $24.2 million, a 14.1% increase year-over-year, while gathering, transportation, and processing expenses are projected to reach $18 million, a 47.6% increase from the prior year [6]. Group 4: Production and Pricing Outlook - MGY's fourth-quarter production volumes are anticipated to rise, supported by higher realized prices for natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs) [7][8].

Core Insights - W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW) is set to report its fourth-quarter 2025 results on February 3, with sales expected to reach $4.40 billion, reflecting a 3.9% year-over-year growth [1][4] - The earnings consensus estimate for GWW is $9.43 per share, indicating a 2.9% decrease compared to the previous year, with a slight downward revision of 0.3% in the last 60 days [1][4] Sales and Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GWW's sales is $4.40 billion, which represents a 3.9% increase from the prior year [1][4] - Earnings are projected at $9.43 per share, down 2.9% year-over-year, with a recent 0.3% decrease in the consensus estimate [1][4] Earnings Surprise History - Grainger has a mixed earnings surprise history, beating estimates in two of the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 1.6% [2] Factors Influencing Q4 Performance - Strong growth in core product sales is anticipated, supported by investments in e-commerce, digital capabilities, and supply-chain improvements, with expected organic daily sales growth of 4.9% [6] - The High-Touch Solutions North America segment is projected to benefit from growth in commercial and heavy manufacturing sectors, with an expected organic daily sales growth of 2.6% [7] - The Endless Assortment segment is likely to see a significant increase in sales, projected at $928 million, indicating a 13.8% rise year-over-year, driven by customer acquisition and repeat business [9] Margin Pressures - GWW is facing margin pressures due to elevated material and freight costs, along with increased operating and SG&A costs related to technology investments [10] Stock Performance - GWW shares have increased by 2.8% over the past year, compared to a 4.5% growth in the industry [11]

Key Takeaways BALL is slated to report Q4 results on Feb. 3, with net sales expected to rise 8% y/y to $3.11 billion.Ball Corp faces softer demand from muted spending, but efficiency gains and cost cuts support margins.BALL saw volume recovery through Q3, with growth expected across packaging segments despite mixed income.Ball Corporation (BALL) is scheduled to report fourth-quarter 2025 results on Feb. 3, before the opening bell.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BALL’s net sales is pegged at $3.11 billion, ...

Key Takeaways COLM Q4 revenues are projected to fall 5.5% y/y to $1.01-$1.04B.COLM faces tougher comparisons from Q3 pull-forward shipments, softer U.S. demand and weak DTC trends.Higher tariffs of $20-$25M and low to mid-single-digit cost growth likely pressured Q4 margins.Columbia Sportswear Company (COLM) is likely to register a decline in both top and bottom lines when it reports fourth-quarter 2025 earnings on Feb. 3, after market close. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter revenues is pegge ...

Key Takeaways EFX is set to report 4Q25 results on Feb. 4, with revenues estimated at $1.5B, suggesting 7.8% y/y growth.EFX segments are expected to grow, aided by government revenues, OB3 momentum and a mortgage rebound.EFX EPS is expected at $2.05, implying a 3.3% y/y dip; adjusted EBITDA is likely to rise across key segments.Equifax (EFX) is scheduled to report fourth-quarter 2025 results on Feb. 4, before market open.EFX has a decent earnings surprise history. It has outperformed the Zacks Consensus Est ...

Core Viewpoint - Two Harbors Investment Corp. (TWO) is set to report its fourth-quarter 2025 results on February 2, 2026, after market close, following a history of earnings misses and a recent acquisition agreement with UWM Holdings Corporation valued at $1.3 billion [1][3][9]. Financial Performance - In the last reported quarter, TWO posted earnings available for distribution per share of 36 cents, which was a 10% miss compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate [1]. - The company has a weak earnings surprise history, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate in all four trailing quarters with an average negative surprise of 13.34% [2]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter earnings has remained unchanged at 30 cents per share, indicating a year-over-year increase of 50% [10]. Recent Developments - In December 2025, TWO entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by UWM Holdings Corporation in an all-stock transaction worth $1.3 billion, which will add TWO's $176 billion mortgage servicing rights (MSR) portfolio to UWMC's operations [3][4]. - The acquisition is expected to create nearly $150 million in annual synergies and improve efficiencies in financing, hedging, and secondary market operations [3][4]. Market Conditions - The steady fixed-income markets are likely to have supported asset valuations and improved hedging effectiveness for TWO in the upcoming quarter [5]. - A positively sloped yield curve and a steepening yield curve during the quarter are expected to have contributed to an increase in TWO's book value per share [6]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for servicing income in Q4 is pegged at $151.4 million, down 9.1% from the previous quarter, while total interest income is estimated at $90.8 million, indicating a 3% decline from the prior quarter [7][8]. Interest Rates and Funding Costs - Since September 2025, the Federal Reserve has cut interest rates three times, including two reductions in the fourth quarter, which is expected to have lowered funding costs for TWO [9]. - The estimate for net interest income (NII) is pegged at negative $13 million, an improvement from negative $23.5 million reported in the prior quarter [10]. Earnings Prediction - The Zacks model does not predict an earnings beat for TWO this time, as the company lacks a positive Earnings ESP and holds a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell) [11][12].

Key Takeaways FOXA is expected to benefit from strong NFL viewership and FOX News ratings supporting reach and ad demand.Year-over-year comparisons are expected to be impacted by the absence of prior political advertising revenues.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FOXA's Q4 2025 EPS is pegged at 46 cents, unchanged over the past 30 days.Fox Corporation (FOXA) is set to report second-quarter fiscal 2026 results on Feb. 4.For the to-be-reported quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at 46 ...

Economic Overview - The U.S. services sector continued its expansion in December 2025, with the Services PMI at 54.4%, marking the highest reading of the year and the 10th month of expansion [1] - Real GDP increased at an annual rate of 4.4% during July-September, up from 3.8% in the previous quarter, indicating economic resilience amid inflationary pressures and trade policy uncertainty [2] Services Sector Performance - The services sector's performance reflects the U.S. economy's adaptability, driven by sustained consumer demand across various industries, including transportation, retail, finance, and healthcare [3] - However, certain segments like construction and professional services showed relative weakness, indicating disparities within the sector [3][4] Earnings Outlook - Several service providers are expected to report earnings soon, with Gartner, Coherent, Exponent, and TransUnion identified as stocks likely to beat earnings estimates this season [4] - Gartner's revenue estimate is $1.74 billion, reflecting a 1.7% year-over-year growth, while earnings are expected at $3.50 per share, a decline of 35.8% from the previous year [9] - Coherent's revenue estimate is $1.63 billion, indicating a 13.9% year-over-year growth, with earnings expected at $1.22 per share, a 28.4% increase [10][11] - Exponent's revenue estimate is $128.3 million, showing a 3.6% growth, with earnings expected at 47 cents per share, a 2.1% increase [12][13] - TransUnion's revenue estimate is $1.1 billion, indicating a 9.6% increase, with earnings expected at $1.03 per share, a 6.2% rise [14][15]