Group 1: Market Overview - Wall Street sold technology stocks as investors take profits amid increasing market volatility, with the Nasdaq up over 90% in the past three years [1] - The bullish market backdrop remains intact, with strong earnings growth projected for 2026 and expectations of interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve [2] Group 2: Investment Strategy - Investors can utilize a Zacks screen to identify top Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stocks from over 200 highly-ranked companies [3] - Zacks Rank 1 stocks have historically outperformed the market, averaging an annual return of approximately 24.4% since 1988 [6] Group 3: Stock Screening Parameters - The screening parameters include a Zacks Rank of 1, positive current quarter estimate revisions, and top broker rating changes over the last four weeks [7][8] Group 4: Featured Stock - ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. (SFBS) - ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. is highlighted as a top-ranked finance stock, focusing on business and personal banking services across multiple states [9][10] - The company is projected to grow revenue by 20% in 2026 and 9% in the following year, boosting adjusted earnings by 22% and 10%, respectively [12] - SFBS shares have increased by 370% over the past decade, outperforming the Finance sector's 165%, and are on the verge of breaking out of a trading range [13] - Despite its strong performance, SFBS trades at a 25% discount to its sector and 20% below its own 10-year median, with a dividend yield of 1.8% [14]

Core Insights - Carrier Global (CARR) is set to report its fourth-quarter 2025 results on February 5, 2026, with earnings estimated at 36 cents per share, reflecting a 10% decrease over the past 30 days but a year-over-year increase of 33.33% [1] - Revenue estimates for the quarter are pegged at $5.04 billion, indicating a 2.04% year-over-year decline [1] Financial Performance Expectations - For the full year 2025, Carrier Global anticipates sales of $22 billion, indicating flat organic growth, with adjusted earnings expected at $2.65 per share, representing a year-over-year growth of 4% [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 revenues is $21.95 billion, reflecting an 8.54% year-over-year decline, while the consensus for earnings is $2.61 per share, down 3 cents over the past 30 days, suggesting a year-over-year increase of 1.95% [2] Historical Performance - Carrier Global has consistently surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the last four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 10.22% [3] Factors Influencing Q4 Performance - The fourth-quarter performance is expected to benefit from strong momentum in the Commercial HVAC and aftermarket services segments, particularly in the Americas, where the Commercial HVAC segment is projected to grow over 25% for 2025 [5] - Aftermarket services have been experiencing double-digit growth for several years, a trend likely to continue in the upcoming quarter [6] - The integration of Viessmann Climate Solutions and the launch of new product lines are expected to enhance heat pump volumes and market reach [6] Challenges - Weakness in the residential and light commercial businesses, especially in the Americas and Europe, poses a concern, with CSA Resi sales expected to decline approximately 30% in Q4 due to ongoing destocking efforts and sluggish demand in the residential market [7][9] Earnings Prediction Model - According to the Zacks model, Carrier Global has an Earnings ESP of -1.13% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating lower odds of an earnings beat [8]

Core Viewpoint - Byline Bancorp (BY) is positioned as a strong investment opportunity due to significant revisions in earnings estimates, indicating an improving earnings outlook [1][2]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - The trend in earnings estimate revisions reflects growing analyst optimism regarding Byline Bancorp's earnings prospects, which is expected to positively influence its stock price [2]. - For the current quarter, the earnings estimate is projected at $0.75 per share, marking a 15.4% increase from the previous year [5]. - Over the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Byline Bancorp has risen by 5.63%, with two estimates moving higher and no negative revisions [5]. - For the full year, the expected earnings are $3.10 per share, representing a year-over-year increase of 3.3%, with a 5.87% rise in the consensus estimate over the same period [6][7]. Zacks Rank - Byline Bancorp 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][8]. - The Zacks Rank system has shown that stocks rated 1 have generated an average annual return of +25% since 2008, suggesting a favorable outlook for Byline Bancorp [3]. Investment Outlook - The stock has appreciated by 10.3% over the past four weeks due to strong estimate revisions, indicating potential for further upside [9].

Core Viewpoint - Alerus (ALRS) shows a significant improvement in earnings outlook, making it an attractive investment option as analysts continue to raise earnings estimates for the company [1][3]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - The trend in estimate revisions indicates growing analyst optimism regarding Alerus's earnings prospects, which is expected to positively impact its stock price [2]. - The current quarter's earnings estimate is projected at $0.58 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +3.6%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has risen by 7.03% in the last 30 days, with two estimates increasing and no negative revisions [6]. - For the full year, Alerus is expected to earn $2.59 per share, which is a decrease of -6.8% from the previous year. However, three estimates have been revised upward in the past month, with no negative revisions [7]. Zacks Rank and Performance - Alerus has achieved a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to favorable estimate revisions, which is a reliable indicator for investors to make informed decisions [8]. - Historically, stocks with a Zacks Rank 1 have outperformed the S&P 500, with an average annual return of +25% since 2008 [3][8]. Stock Performance - Alerus's stock has increased by 7.3% over the past four weeks, indicating strong investor interest, and there may still be potential for further upside [9].

West Bancorp (WTBA) could be a solid addition to your portfolio given a notable revision in the company's earnings estimates. While the stock has been gaining lately, the trend might continue since its earnings outlook is still improving.The rising trend in estimate revisions, which is a result of growing analyst optimism on the earnings prospects of this holding company for West Bank, should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earning ...

New Oriental Education (EDU) appears an attractive pick given a noticeable improvement in the company's earnings outlook. The stock has been a strong performer lately, and the momentum might continue with analysts still raising their earnings estimates for the company.The upward trend in estimate revisions for this educational services provider reflects growing optimism of analysts on its earnings prospects, which should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlat ...

Core Insights - Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp (SHIP) has consistently surpassed earnings estimates, averaging a 122.83% beat over the last two quarters [1][2] Earnings Performance - In the most recent quarter, Seanergy reported earnings of $0.67 per share, exceeding the expected $0.46 per share by 45.65% [2] - For the previous quarter, the company reported $0.18 per share against an estimate of $0.06 per share, resulting in a 200.00% surprise [2] Earnings Estimates and Predictions - Estimates for Seanergy Maritime Holdings have been trending higher, influenced by its history of earnings surprises [5] - The stock currently has a positive Earnings ESP of +5.77%, indicating bullish sentiment among analysts regarding its near-term earnings potential [8] - The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) suggests a strong likelihood of another earnings beat [8] Statistical Insights - Research indicates that stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 or better have a nearly 70% chance of producing a positive surprise [6] - The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, reflecting the latest analyst revisions [7]

Core Viewpoint - Sempra (SRE) is positioned well to continue its trend of beating earnings estimates in the upcoming quarterly report, supported by a solid history of performance in the Zacks Utility - Gas Distribution industry [1]. Earnings Performance - Sempra has consistently beaten earnings estimates, with an average surprise of 13.29% over the last two quarters [2]. - In the last reported quarter, Sempra achieved earnings of $1.11 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.93 per share, resulting in a surprise of 19.35% [3]. - For the previous quarter, the company was expected to report earnings of $0.83 per share but delivered $0.89 per share, yielding a surprise of 7.23% [3]. Earnings Estimates and Predictions - Recent favorable changes in earnings estimates for Sempra have been noted, with a positive Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) indicating a strong likelihood of an earnings beat [6]. - Stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) or better have historically produced a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, suggesting a high probability of beating consensus estimates [7]. - Sempra currently has an Earnings ESP of +4.73%, indicating that analysts are optimistic about the company's earnings prospects [9]. Importance of Earnings ESP - The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the Most Accurate Estimate reflecting the latest analyst revisions [8]. - A positive Earnings ESP combined with a Zacks Rank of 3 suggests that another earnings beat is likely, although a negative Earnings ESP does not necessarily indicate an earnings miss [9].

Core Viewpoint - Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (ZBH) is set to report its fourth-quarter 2025 results on February 10, with expectations of revenue growth and earnings per share (EPS) increase compared to the previous year [1][9]. Group 1: Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ZBH's revenues is $2.20 billion, reflecting an 8.9% increase from the same quarter last year [2]. - The consensus estimate for earnings is $2.38 per share, indicating a 3% rise from the year-ago figure [2]. - The bottom-line estimate has remained unchanged over the past 30 days [2]. Group 2: Business Segment Performance - The Hips business is expected to grow due to the company's comprehensive solutions, including the new Z1 triple-taper hip system and the automated HAMMR surgical impactor [3][4]. - The total Hips business is projected to report a 10.5% year-over-year growth [5]. - The Knees business is likely to benefit from the increasing adoption of the Persona OsseoTi cementless total knee system, with an expected 7.5% year-over-year growth [6]. - The S.E.T business is anticipated to continue its growth trend, with expectations of mid-single-digit growth for the seventh consecutive quarter [7]. - New product launches in the foot and ankle trauma portfolio, such as the Gorilla Pilon Fusion Plating system, may positively impact fourth-quarter performance [8]. Group 3: Recent Developments - Zimmer Biomet received PMDA approval in Japan for its iTaperloc Complete and iG7 Hip System, which may enhance top-line performance [5]. - The acquisition of Paragon 28, Inc. and the CE Mark certification for the RibFix Advantage Fixation System are expected to contribute positively to the company's performance [10]. - The company completed the acquisition of Monogram Technologies Inc., an AI-driven orthopedic robotics firm, which may also have a favorable impact on fourth-quarter results [12]. Group 4: Growth Projections - The Technology & Data, Bone Cement, and Surgical business is estimated to report a 6.5% year-over-year growth for the quarter [13]. - The total S.E.T. business is projected to achieve a 13% year-over-year growth [10].

Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Chemical - Specialty sector should consider Novozymes A/S (NVZMY) and Hawkins (HWKN) for potential value opportunities, with NVZMY currently appearing to offer better value based on various financial metrics [1]. Valuation Metrics - Novozymes A/S has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a stronger earnings outlook compared to Hawkins, which has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3]. - NVZMY has a forward P/E ratio of 24.53, while HWKN has a higher forward P/E of 31.23, suggesting that NVZMY may be undervalued relative to HWKN [5]. - The PEG ratio for NVZMY is 1.11, compared to HWKN's PEG ratio of 1.95, indicating that NVZMY has a more favorable earnings growth outlook relative to its valuation [5]. - NVZMY's P/B ratio is 2.26, significantly lower than HWKN's P/B ratio of 5.04, further supporting the argument that NVZMY is a better value option [6]. - Based on these metrics, NVZMY has earned a Value grade of B, while HWKN has a Value grade of C, reinforcing the perception of NVZMY as the superior value stock [6]. Earnings Outlook - Novozymes A/S is noted for its improving earnings outlook, which enhances its attractiveness in the current market [7].