Core Viewpoint - California Resources Corporation (CRC) shows potential as a strong investment opportunity due to significant revisions in earnings estimates, indicating an improving earnings outlook [1][10]. Estimate Revisions - The upward trend in earnings estimate revisions reflects increasing analyst optimism regarding CRC's earnings prospects, which is expected to positively influence its stock price [2]. - The current quarter's earnings estimate is $0.68 per share, representing a 36.5% decrease from the previous year, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 233.2% over the last 30 days, with three estimates raised and no negative revisions [6]. - For the full year, the earnings estimate stands at $3.84 per share, showing a 6.6% decline from the year-ago figure [7]. - Over the past month, four estimates for the current year have been revised upward, leading to a 182.02% increase in the consensus estimate [8]. Zacks Rank - California Resources currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong agreement among analysts in raising earnings estimates, which historically correlates with stock price outperformance [3][9]. - Stocks with a Zacks Rank 1 and 2 have shown significant outperformance compared to the S&P 500 [9]. Stock Performance - California Resources shares have appreciated by 17.1% over the past four weeks, suggesting investor confidence in the company's earnings growth prospects due to favorable estimate revisions [10].

Core Viewpoint - Sandoz Group AG Sponsored ADR (SDZNY) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Performance - The Zacks rating system reflects changes in earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with stock price movements, making it a valuable tool for investors [2][4]. - For the fiscal year ending December 2026, Sandoz is expected to earn $4.18 per share, unchanged from the previous year, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 7% over the past three months [8]. Institutional Investor Influence - Institutional investors utilize earnings estimates to determine the fair value of stocks, and changes in these estimates can lead to significant buying or selling actions, impacting stock prices [4]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system categorizes stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with a strong historical performance, particularly for Zacks Rank 1 stocks, which have averaged a +25% annual return since 1988 [7]. - The upgrade of Sandoz to a Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10].

Core Viewpoint - New Oriental Education (EDU) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in earnings estimates, which are closely correlated with stock price movements, particularly due to institutional investors adjusting their valuations based on these estimates [4][6]. - An increase in earnings estimates typically leads to higher fair value for a stock, prompting institutional investors to buy or sell, which in turn affects stock prices [4]. Company Performance and Outlook - For the fiscal year ending May 2026, New Oriental is expected to earn $3.73 per share, with a 5.6% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past three months, reflecting a positive trend in earnings estimates [8]. - The upgrade to Zacks Rank 1 signifies an improvement in New Oriental's underlying business, which is likely to drive the stock price higher as investors respond to this trend [5][10]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988, indicating a strong track record for this rating [7]. - Only the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks receive a "Strong Buy" rating, suggesting that New Oriental's position reflects its superior earnings estimate revision feature, making it a strong candidate for market-beating returns [9][10].

Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Banks - Foreign sector should consider Shinhan Financial (SHG) and Banco Itau (ITUB) for potential value opportunities [1] Valuation Metrics - Shinhan Financial has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a more favorable earnings estimate revision compared to Banco Itau, which has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [3] - SHG has a forward P/E ratio of 7.60, while ITUB has a forward P/E of 9.02, suggesting SHG may be undervalued [5] - The PEG ratio for SHG is 0.49, compared to ITUB's PEG ratio of 0.86, indicating SHG's expected earnings growth is more favorable [5] - SHG's P/B ratio is 0.7, significantly lower than ITUB's P/B of 2.26, further supporting SHG's valuation as more attractive [6] - These metrics contribute to SHG's Value grade of B and ITUB's Value grade of C, highlighting SHG as the superior value option [6][7] Earnings Outlook - SHG is noted for its improving earnings outlook, which enhances its attractiveness in the Zacks Rank model [7]

Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production sector should consider CNX Resources Corporation (CNX) as a better value opportunity compared to Coterra Energy (CTRA) based on various financial metrics and outlooks [1]. Group 1: Company Rankings and Earnings Outlook - CNX Resources Corporation has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a favorable earnings outlook, while Coterra Energy has a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell), suggesting a weaker earnings outlook [3]. - The earnings outlook for CNX has improved more significantly than that of CTRA recently, making CNX a more attractive option for value investors [3]. Group 2: Valuation Metrics - CNX has a forward P/E ratio of 15.63, which is lower than CTRA's forward P/E of 19.17, indicating that CNX may be undervalued relative to CTRA [5]. - The PEG ratio for CNX is 0.31, compared to CTRA's PEG ratio of 0.81, suggesting that CNX offers better value when considering expected earnings growth [5]. - CNX's P/B ratio stands at 1.26, while CTRA's P/B ratio is 1.86, further supporting the notion that CNX is a more favorable investment based on valuation metrics [6]. - Overall, CNX has a Value grade of B, while CTRA has a Value grade of D, reinforcing CNX's position as the superior value option [6].

Core Viewpoint - Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. is expected to report a decline in both revenue and earnings for the third quarter of fiscal 2026, with revenues projected at $1.48 billion, reflecting a 2.4% decrease year-over-year, and earnings per share estimated at 61 cents, indicating a 44.6% drop from the previous year [1][2][11] Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is set at $1.48 billion, which represents a 2.4% decline from the same quarter last year [1][11] - The consensus estimate for earnings has decreased by 2 cents to 61 cents per share, marking a significant 44.6% reduction compared to the prior-year quarter [2][11] Factors Influencing Performance - Lamb Weston is likely experiencing continued pressure from unfavorable price/mix dynamics, with a projected 5.6% decline in price/mix for the third quarter [3] - Net sales in the North America and International segments are expected to decline by 1.2% and 4% year-over-year, respectively [4] - Margins are anticipated to remain under pressure due to higher manufacturing costs, particularly from the Argentina facility and underutilization in Europe, along with ongoing cost inflation across labor, transportation, and utilities [5] Positive Aspects - Despite the challenges, Lamb Weston is expected to benefit from volume momentum driven by customer wins and strong demand in North America [6] - Cost-saving initiatives are likely to provide some support, along with improving operational efficiencies and stable demand trends [6] Earnings Prediction - The model indicates a potential earnings beat for Lamb Weston, supported by a positive Earnings ESP of +6.90% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [7]

Company Overview - Chord Energy Corporation was established through the merger of Oasis Petroleum and Whiting Petroleum in July 2022, rapidly becoming a leading exploration and production (E&P) entity in the Williston Basin [11] - The company operates across the Bakken and Three Forks formations, focusing on the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas [11] Financial Performance - Chord Energy is currently rated 3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B [12] - The company has a Momentum Style Score of A, with shares increasing by 34.1% over the past four weeks [12] - Four analysts have revised their earnings estimates upwards for fiscal 2026, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate rising by $5.26 to $9.64 per share [12] - Chord Energy boasts an average earnings surprise of +5.4% [12] Investment Potential - With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, Chord Energy should be considered for investors' short lists [13]

Company Overview - ExxonMobil has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, adapting its business to meet evolving energy demands, financial discipline, and environmental considerations [12] - The company has streamlined operations and focused capital on high-return, low-cost projects, achieving nearly $13 billion in structural cost savings since 2019 and divesting $24 billion in non-core assets [12] Investment Ratings - ExxonMobil is currently rated as a 3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B [13] - The stock has a Momentum Style Score of A, with shares increasing by 12.1% over the past four weeks [13] Earnings Estimates - For fiscal 2026, six analysts have revised their earnings estimates upwards in the last 60 days, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.82 to $7.44 per share [13] - ExxonMobil boasts an average earnings surprise of +4.2% [13] Investment Recommendation - With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, ExxonMobil should be considered for investors' short lists [14]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers various tools to enhance stock market investment confidence and knowledge [1] - The Zacks Style Scores provide a unique rating system for stocks based on value, growth, and momentum [3][4][5][6][7] Zacks Style Scores - The Style Scores categorize stocks into four types: Value Score, Growth Score, Momentum Score, and VGM Score, each focusing on different investment strategies [4][5][6][7] - Value Score identifies undervalued stocks using financial ratios [4] - Growth Score assesses a company's financial health and future growth potential [5] - Momentum Score tracks price trends to identify favorable investment opportunities [6] - VGM Score combines all three styles to provide a comprehensive stock rating [7] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to help investors build successful portfolios [8] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically produced an average annual return of +23.93% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [9] - A large number of stocks are rated, with over 800 top-rated stocks available at any time, making selection challenging [9] Investment Strategy - To maximize returns, investors should focus on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B [10] - Stocks with lower ranks but high Style Scores may still present risks due to downward earnings forecasts [11] Company Spotlight: Emcor Group - Emcor Group is a leading provider of mechanical and electrical construction and building services, serving various sectors [12] - Currently rated 3 (Hold) with a VGM Score of B, Emcor has a Momentum Style Score of B and has seen a 1.1% increase in shares over the past four weeks [12][13] - The company has experienced an upward revision in earnings estimates, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.81 to $28.23 per share, and an average earnings surprise of +10.8% [13]

Company Overview - Ross Stores Inc. operates as an off-price retailer of apparel and home accessories primarily in the United States, with stores under the Ross Dress for Less and dd's DISCOUNTS names [12] - The company's stores are mainly located in community and neighborhood shopping centers in densely populated urban and suburban areas [12] Investment Ratings - Ross Stores has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a VGM Score of B, indicating a favorable investment outlook [12] - The company is highlighted as a stock to watch for momentum investors due to its strong performance metrics [13] Performance Metrics - Ross Stores has a Momentum Style Score of A, with shares increasing by 2.9% over the past four weeks [13] - For fiscal 2027, seven analysts have revised their earnings estimates upwards in the last 60 days, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.16 to $7.28 per share [13] - The company boasts an average earnings surprise of +6.2%, indicating a positive trend in earnings performance [13]