Company Performance - Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) closed at $114.81, reflecting a +0.84% change from the previous trading day's closing, outperforming the S&P 500 which gained 0.16% [1] - Over the past month, AMD shares have increased by 5.31%, while the Computer and Technology sector experienced a loss of 5.94% and the S&P 500 lost 3.59% [1] Upcoming Earnings - AMD's upcoming earnings per share (EPS) is projected at $0.93, indicating a 50% increase compared to the same quarter of the previous year [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue is projected at $7.11 billion, up 29.98% from the year-ago period [2] Annual Estimates - For the annual period, the Zacks Consensus Estimates anticipate earnings of $4.59 per share and revenue of $31.87 billion, reflecting increases of +38.67% and +23.61% respectively from the last year [3] - Recent changes to analyst estimates indicate positive revisions, suggesting optimism about AMD's business and profitability [3] Valuation Metrics - AMD's current Forward P/E ratio is 24.8, which is a premium compared to the industry average Forward P/E of 14.91 [6] - The PEG ratio for AMD is currently 0.96, while the average PEG ratio for the Computer - Integrated Systems industry is 1.57 [6] Industry Ranking - The Computer - Integrated Systems industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector, holding a Zacks Industry Rank of 78, placing it in the top 32% of over 250 industries [7] - Research indicates that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [7]

Company Performance - Alibaba (BABA) closed at $132.75, reflecting a -1.29% change from the previous day, underperforming the S&P 500 which gained 0.16% [1] - Over the past month, Alibaba's shares increased by 4.22%, outperforming the Retail-Wholesale sector which declined by 5.51% and the S&P 500 which fell by 3.59% [1] Earnings Forecast - The upcoming earnings report for Alibaba is expected to show an EPS of $1.37, a decline of 2.14% year-over-year, with anticipated revenue of $33.21 billion, representing an 8.07% increase from the same quarter last year [2] - For the full year, analysts project earnings of $8.80 per share and revenue of $138.29 billion, indicating increases of +2.09% and +5.97% respectively compared to the previous year [3] Analyst Revisions - Recent revisions to analyst forecasts for Alibaba are crucial as they reflect short-term business trends, with positive changes indicating optimism regarding the company's profitability [4] - The Zacks Rank system, which incorporates these estimate changes, currently ranks Alibaba at 2 (Buy), suggesting potential for stock movement [5][6] Valuation Metrics - Alibaba's Forward P/E ratio stands at 15.28, which is below the industry average of 22.42, indicating a valuation discount [7] - The company has a PEG ratio of 0.51, compared to the industry average PEG ratio of 1.3, suggesting favorable growth prospects relative to its valuation [7] Industry Context - The Internet - Commerce industry, part of the Retail-Wholesale sector, holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 68, placing it in the top 28% of over 250 industries, indicating strong performance potential [8]

Company Performance - Meta Platforms (META) closed at $626.31, reflecting a +1.21% change from the previous trading day's close, outperforming the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.16% [1] - Over the past month, shares of Meta Platforms have decreased by 7.38%, which is worse than the Computer and Technology sector's loss of 5.94% and the S&P 500's loss of 3.59% [1] Upcoming Earnings - Meta Platforms is projected to report earnings of $5.33 per share, indicating a year-over-year growth of 13.16% [2] - Revenue is expected to reach $41.43 billion, representing a 13.64% increase compared to the same quarter last year [2] Annual Forecast - For the entire year, earnings are forecasted at $25.61 per share and revenue at $188.8 billion, reflecting changes of +7.33% and +14.77% respectively compared to the previous year [3] Analyst Estimates - Recent changes to analyst estimates for Meta Platforms are important as they indicate the evolving nature of near-term business trends [3] - Positive estimate revisions are seen as a sign of optimism regarding the company's business outlook [3] Zacks Rank and Performance - The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from 1 (Strong Buy) to 5 (Strong Sell), shows that 1 ranked stocks have yielded an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [4][5] - Currently, Meta Platforms holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [5] Valuation Metrics - Meta Platforms is trading at a Forward P/E ratio of 24.16, which is lower than its industry's Forward P/E of 28.29 [6] - The company has a PEG ratio of 1.32, compared to the Internet - Software industry's average PEG ratio of 2.07 [6] Industry Context - The Internet - Software industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector and holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 128, placing it in the top 50% of over 250 industries [7] - Research indicates that top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [7]

Core Viewpoint - The article compares Barclays (BCS) and Erste Group Bank AG (EBKDY) to determine which stock is more attractive to value investors [1] Group 1: Zacks Rank and Earnings Outlook - Barclays has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a stronger earnings outlook compared to Erste Group Bank AG, which has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] - The Zacks Rank emphasizes stocks with strong earnings estimate revision trends, which is a key factor for value investors [2] Group 2: Valuation Metrics - Barclays has a forward P/E ratio of 7.90, while Erste Group Bank AG has a forward P/E of 9.11, suggesting that Barclays may be undervalued [5] - The PEG ratio for Barclays is 0.41, indicating a favorable valuation relative to its expected earnings growth, whereas Erste Group Bank AG has a PEG ratio of 1.15 [5] - Barclays has a P/B ratio of 0.62, compared to Erste Group Bank AG's P/B of 0.94, further supporting the argument that Barclays is the superior value option [6] Group 3: Value Grades - Based on various valuation metrics, Barclays holds a Value grade of B, while Erste Group Bank AG has a Value grade of D, reinforcing the conclusion that Barclays is the more attractive investment [6]

Company Performance - BlackRock (BLK) closed at $963.50, reflecting a +1.24% change from the previous session, underperforming the S&P 500's gain of 1.77% for the day [1] - Over the past month, BlackRock's stock has decreased by 2.31%, compared to the Finance sector's loss of 1.46% and the S&P 500's loss of 5.73% [1] Earnings Forecast - The upcoming earnings report for BlackRock is anticipated to show an EPS of $10.84, representing a 10.5% growth year-over-year [2] - Revenue is expected to reach $5.49 billion, indicating a 16.04% increase compared to the same quarter last year [2] - For the full year, earnings are projected at $47.41 per share and revenue at $23.66 billion, reflecting changes of +8.71% and +15.95% respectively from the previous year [3] Analyst Revisions and Stock Ratings - Recent revisions to analyst forecasts for BlackRock are important as they reflect changes in short-term business dynamics, with positive revisions indicating optimism about the company's outlook [4] - The Zacks Rank system, which assesses estimate changes, currently ranks BlackRock at 3 (Hold), with a recent EPS estimate decrease of 0.06% [6] Valuation Metrics - BlackRock's Forward P/E ratio stands at 20.08, which is a premium compared to its industry's Forward P/E of 9.83 [7] - The company has a PEG ratio of 1.83, while the Financial - Investment Management industry has an average PEG ratio of 1.02 [7] Industry Context - The Financial - Investment Management industry, part of the Finance sector, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 146, placing it in the bottom 42% of over 250 industries [8]

Company Performance - Fortinet's stock closed at $99.79, with a daily increase of +1.16%, underperforming the S&P 500's gain of 1.77% [1] - Over the past month, Fortinet's shares have decreased by 10.33%, while the Computer and Technology sector and the S&P 500 have lost 9.47% and 5.73%, respectively [1] Earnings Forecast - Fortinet is expected to report an EPS of $0.53, reflecting a 23.26% increase from the same quarter last year [2] - The projected revenue for Fortinet is $1.54 billion, which is a 13.52% rise compared to the previous year [2] Full-Year Estimates - The full-year Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of $2.46 per share and revenue of $6.76 billion, indicating year-over-year growth of +3.8% and +13.49%, respectively [3] - Recent changes in analyst estimates for Fortinet are crucial as they often indicate short-term business trends [3] Zacks Rank and Valuation - Fortinet currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), with a consensus EPS projection that has increased by 1.29% in the last 30 days [5] - The company has a Forward P/E ratio of 40.17, which is lower than the industry average of 61.78, suggesting a valuation discount [5] Industry Context - Fortinet's PEG ratio stands at 3.09, which considers projected earnings growth alongside the P/E ratio [6] - The Security industry, part of the Computer and Technology sector, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 82, placing it in the top 33% of over 250 industries [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - Gilead Sciences is experiencing a mixed performance in the stock market, with upcoming earnings expected to show significant growth in EPS while revenue remains relatively stable compared to the previous year [1][3][4]. Company Performance - Gilead Sciences closed at $106.67, reflecting a decrease of -0.38% from the previous day, underperforming against the S&P 500, which gained 1.77% [1] - Over the past month, Gilead's shares have declined by 2.61%, which is a smaller loss compared to the Medical sector's decline of 1.17% and the S&P 500's loss of 5.73% [2] Earnings Expectations - The company is anticipated to report an EPS of $1.73, representing a substantial increase of 231.06% from the same quarter last year [3] - Revenue is projected to be $6.78 billion, reflecting a modest increase of 1.36% year-over-year [3] - For the full year, analysts expect earnings of $7.87 per share and revenue of $28.55 billion, indicating a year-over-year earnings growth of 70.35% but a slight revenue decline of -0.7% [4] Analyst Estimates and Ratings - Recent changes in analyst estimates for Gilead Sciences are crucial as they indicate short-term business trends and analysts' confidence in the company's performance [5] - The Zacks Rank system currently rates Gilead Sciences as 2 (Buy), with a 0.05% increase in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate over the past month [7] Valuation Metrics - Gilead Sciences has a Forward P/E ratio of 13.61, which is lower than the industry average of 18.52, suggesting that the stock is trading at a discount [8] - The company also has a PEG ratio of 0.7, compared to the industry average PEG ratio of 1.51, indicating favorable valuation relative to expected earnings growth [9] Industry Context - The Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, which includes Gilead Sciences, holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 74, placing it in the top 30% of over 250 industries [10]

Company Performance - Paypal's stock closed at $70.97, reflecting a +1.11% change from the previous day, while the S&P 500 gained 1.77% [1] - Over the past month, Paypal's stock has decreased by 6.35%, which is better than the Business Services sector's decline of 7.87% but worse than the S&P 500's loss of 5.73% [1] Upcoming Earnings - The upcoming EPS for Paypal is projected at $1.16, indicating a 17.14% decrease compared to the same quarter last year [2] - Revenue is expected to reach $7.82 billion, representing a 1.57% increase from the year-ago quarter [2] Fiscal Year Estimates - For the entire fiscal year, earnings are projected at $5.02 per share, with revenue expected to be $32.98 billion, reflecting increases of +7.96% and +3.72% respectively from the prior year [3] Analyst Projections - Recent shifts in analyst projections for Paypal are important to monitor, as they often reflect changes in short-term business dynamics [4] - Positive revisions in estimates suggest a favorable outlook on the company's business health and profitability [4] Zacks Rank and Valuation - Paypal currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), with the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate having increased by 0.04% in the past month [6] - The Forward P/E ratio for Paypal is 13.98, which is lower than the industry average of 15.25 [6] PEG Ratio - Paypal has a PEG ratio of 1.19, compared to the Financial Transaction Services industry's average PEG ratio of 1.41 [7] Industry Context - The Financial Transaction Services industry is part of the Business Services sector, which has a Zacks Industry Rank of 133, placing it in the bottom 48% of over 250 industries [8] - Research indicates that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [8]

Group 1 - AT&T's stock closed at $26.96, showing a slight decline of -0.22% compared to the previous day, while the S&P 500 gained 1.77% [1] - Over the past month, AT&T's stock has increased by 1.5%, contrasting with a 9.47% loss in the Computer and Technology sector and a 5.73% loss in the S&P 500 [1] Group 2 - AT&T is expected to report earnings on April 23, 2025, with an EPS forecast of $0.52, reflecting a decrease of 5.45% from the same quarter last year, while revenue is projected to be $30.51 billion, up 1.6% year-over-year [2] - For the full year, earnings are projected at $2.14 per share and revenue at $124.15 billion, indicating changes of -5.31% and +1.48% respectively from the previous year [3] Group 3 - Recent changes in analyst estimates for AT&T suggest a correlation with near-term stock prices, with positive adjustments indicating analyst optimism about the company's business and profitability [3][4] - The Zacks Rank system, which assesses estimate changes, currently ranks AT&T at 3 (Hold), with a consensus EPS projection that has decreased by 1.72% in the past 30 days [5] Group 4 - AT&T is trading at a Forward P/E ratio of 12.63, which is below the industry average of 21.53, indicating a discount compared to its peers [6] - The PEG ratio for AT&T is 3.1, which is in line with the industry average, suggesting that the company's projected earnings growth is accounted for similarly to its peers [6] Group 5 - The Wireless National industry, part of the Computer and Technology sector, holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 24, placing it in the top 10% of over 250 industries, indicating strong performance potential [7]

Core Insights - Montrose Environmental (MEG) is currently rated as a 2 (Buy) by Zacks Rank, while Casella (CWST) holds a 3 (Hold) rating, indicating a more favorable outlook for MEG [3] - MEG has shown positive revisions in earnings estimates, suggesting an improving earnings outlook compared to CWST [3] Valuation Metrics - MEG has a forward P/E ratio of 13.06, significantly lower than CWST's forward P/E of 95.09, indicating that MEG may be undervalued [5] - The PEG ratio for MEG is 0.36, while CWST's PEG ratio is 3.69, further suggesting that MEG is more attractive in terms of growth relative to its price [5] - MEG's P/B ratio stands at 1.12, compared to CWST's P/B of 4.51, reinforcing the notion that MEG is a better value investment [6] - Overall, MEG has a Value grade of A, while CWST has a Value grade of C, highlighting MEG's superior valuation metrics [6]