Core Insights - Lam Research reported strong fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results, with both earnings and revenues exceeding expectations, indicating robust performance in the semiconductor equipment sector [2][3]. Financial Performance - Non-GAAP earnings per share for Q4 fiscal 2025 were $1.33, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 10.8% and reflecting a year-over-year increase of 64.2% [2]. - Revenues for Q4 reached $5.17 billion, exceeding the consensus estimate by 3.6% and marking a 34% increase from $3.87 billion in the same quarter last year [3]. Revenue Breakdown - Systems revenues accounted for $3.44 billion, representing 66.5% of total revenues, which is a 13% increase from the previous quarter and a 58% increase year-over-year [4]. - Customer Support Business Group revenues were $1.73 billion, making up 33.5% of total revenues, with a 2.9% increase from the previous quarter and a 1.9% increase year-over-year [5]. Operating Metrics - Non-GAAP gross margin improved to 50.3%, up 130 basis points from the previous quarter, while non-GAAP operating expenses rose to $822.4 million, a 7.7% increase [6]. - The non-GAAP operating margin improved to 34.4%, reflecting a sequential increase of 160 basis points [6]. Cash Flow and Shareholder Returns - As of June 29, 2025, Lam Research held $6.39 billion in cash and cash equivalents, an increase from $5.45 billion in the prior quarter [7]. - Cash flow from operating activities surged to $2.55 billion, up from $1.31 billion in the previous quarter, with total operating cash flow for fiscal 2025 at $6.17 billion [7]. - The company paid dividends totaling $295.2 million and repurchased shares worth $1.29 billion during the quarter, with total share repurchases for fiscal 2025 amounting to $3.42 billion [8]. Guidance and Future Outlook - For Q1 fiscal 2026, Lam Research projects revenues of $5.2 billion (+/- $300 million) and expects a non-GAAP gross margin of 50% (+/-1%) [9]. - Non-GAAP earnings per share are projected to be $1.20 (+/- $0.10) with a diluted share count of 1.27 billion [10]. - Recent estimates have trended upward, with a consensus estimate shift of 21.43% [11]. Investment Scores - Lam Research has a Growth Score of B and a Momentum Score of C, with an aggregate VGM Score of B, indicating a balanced investment profile [12].

Core Viewpoint - NETGEAR, Inc. has shown a positive trend in its stock performance, with shares increasing by approximately 15.1% since the last earnings report, outperforming the S&P 500. The upcoming earnings release will be crucial in determining if this trend continues or if a pullback occurs [1]. Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, NETGEAR reported non-GAAP earnings per share of 6 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 16 cents, compared to a non-GAAP loss of 74 cents per share in the same quarter last year [2]. - The company generated net revenues of $170.5 million, exceeding the consensus estimate by 5.3% and surpassing its own guidance of $155-$170 million. This represents an 18.5% year-over-year increase and a 5.2% sequential increase [3]. Revenue Segmentation - NETGEAR's recurring services revenues reached $9 million, with a total of 559,000 recurring subscribers. The company acquired Exium to enhance its security offerings for small and medium enterprises [4]. - Revenues from the NFB segment increased by 38% to $82.6 million, driven by strong demand for ProAV managed switches, despite ongoing supply constraints [6]. - The Home Networking segment saw a revenue increase of 13.1% year-over-year and 10% sequentially, totaling $67.5 million, aided by a favorable product mix and improved operational efficiency [8]. Operational Insights - The gross margin improved significantly, rising to 37.8% from 22.4% year-over-year, with the NFB gross margin reaching 46.7% compared to 33.7% in the prior year [9]. - The company faced a non-GAAP operating loss of $1.2 million, a decline from an operating income of $31.1 million in the previous year [9]. Cash Flow and Liquidity - For the quarter ending June 29, 2025, NETGEAR used $1.8 million in cash from operations and reported $364 million in cash and cash equivalents, alongside $243.1 million in total current liabilities. The company repurchased shares worth $7.5 million during the quarter [11]. Guidance and Future Outlook - The company forecasts a GAAP operating margin between (11)% and (8)% and a non-GAAP operating margin between (5.5)% and (2.5)% for Q3 2025. GAAP tax expenses are expected to be between $0.8 million and $1.8 million [12]. - Analysts have not made any earnings estimate revisions in the past two months, indicating a stable outlook [13]. - NETGEAR holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting an expectation of an in-line return from the stock in the coming months [15].

Core Viewpoint - American Electric Power (AEP) has shown a mixed performance in the market, with shares declining by approximately 1.2% since the last earnings report, underperforming the S&P 500. The upcoming earnings release raises questions about whether this negative trend will continue or if AEP is poised for a breakout [1]. Financial Performance - AEP reported Q2 2025 operating earnings per share (EPS) of $1.43, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.28 by 11.7% and reflecting a 14.4% increase from $1.25 in the same quarter last year [2]. - The company's GAAP earnings were $2.29 per share, significantly higher than the 64 cents reported in the year-ago quarter [2]. - Total revenues for AEP reached $5.09 billion, marking an 11.1% increase from $4.58 billion in the previous year and surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.94 billion by 2.9% [3]. Segment Performance - Vertically Integrated Utility Operations saw operating earnings rise to $296.7 million from $244.8 million year-over-year [4]. - Transmission & Distribution Utilities reported operating earnings of $224.1 million, up from $215.3 million in the prior year [4]. - AEP Transmission Holdco generated operating earnings of $224.5 million, an increase from $208.9 million year-over-year [4]. - Generation and Marketing segment's operating earnings increased to $91.7 million from $61 million in the year-ago quarter [5]. - The "All Other" segment reported an operating loss of $71.3 million, wider than the previous year's loss of $68 million [5]. Guidance and Estimates - AEP has reaffirmed its 2025 operating earnings guidance, expecting to generate earnings in the range of $5.75-$5.95 per share, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate at $5.85 per share, aligning with the midpoint of the projected range [6]. - The company anticipates a long-term EPS growth rate of 6-8% [6]. - In the past month, there has been a flat trend in estimates review for AEP [7]. Investment Scores - AEP currently holds a subpar Growth Score of D, while its Momentum Score is rated B. The stock has a value score of C, placing it in the middle 20% for this investment strategy [8]. - The aggregate VGM Score for AEP is D, which is relevant for investors not focused on a single strategy [9]. Outlook - AEP has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating an expectation of an in-line return from the stock in the upcoming months [10].

Core Viewpoint - Bausch Health's recent earnings report showed mixed results, with adjusted earnings per share missing estimates while total revenues exceeded expectations, leading to a 21.4% increase in shares over the past month, outperforming the S&P 500 [1][2]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share for Q2 were 90 cents, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 97 cents, but up from 89 cents in the same quarter last year [2]. - Total revenues reached $2.53 billion, reflecting a 5% year-over-year increase and surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.5 billion [2]. - Organic revenue growth, excluding foreign exchange impacts and acquisitions, was 4% [3]. Segment Performance - **Salix**: Revenues totaled $627 million, up 12% year-over-year, driven by strong demand for Xifaxan and significant growth in Trulance and Relistor [4][5]. - **International**: Revenues were $278 million, a 1% increase year-over-year, but missed estimates; organic growth was also 1% [6]. - **Solta Medical**: Reported revenues of $128 million, a 25% increase year-over-year, driven by global volume expansion, although it missed the model estimate [7]. - **Diversified Products**: Revenues decreased by 13% to $219 million, with declines in neurology, dermatology, and generics [8][9]. - **Bausch + Lomb**: Revenues were $1.3 billion, up 5% year-over-year, exceeding estimates, with a 3% organic growth driven by the vision care segment [9]. Pipeline Development - Bausch Health is reviewing its pipeline candidate amiselimod for ulcerative colitis treatment [10]. - The company submitted an application for Cabtreo, a topical acne treatment, to the EMA, with approval received in Canada [11]. - Ongoing phase III studies for rifaximin are expected to yield top-line results by early 2026 [11]. - The Clear and Brilliant Touch program is advancing with approvals in multiple countries, awaiting European regulatory response [12]. - The FraxelFTX fractional laser system was launched in the U.S. in April 2025 [13]. Guidance Updates - Bausch Health revised its revenue guidance for 2025 to a range of $10-$10.25 billion, up from the previous $9.95-$10.2 billion [14]. - Bausch + Lomb revenues are now expected to be between $5.05-$5.15 billion, an increase from the prior guidance [14]. Market Sentiment - Recent estimates have shown a flat trend, indicating stable investor sentiment [15]. - Bausch Health holds an average Growth Score of C, a Momentum Score of A, and an aggregate VGM Score of A, placing it in the top quintile for investment strategy [16]. - The company has a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), suggesting expectations of below-average returns in the coming months [17].

Core Viewpoint - Entergy Corporation has shown improvement in its Q2 2025 earnings, with a notable increase in revenues and operating income, despite a recent decline in share price compared to the S&P 500 [1][2][3]. Financial Performance - Q2 2025 earnings were reported at $1.05 per share, a 9.4% increase from $0.96 in the same quarter last year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.91 [2]. - Revenues for Q2 2025 reached $3.33 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.22 billion by 3.4%, and reflecting a 12.7% year-over-year increase [3]. - Operating income rose to $837.4 million, marking a 35.6% increase from $617.6 million in the previous year [5]. Segment Performance - The utility segment's earnings improved to $1.34 per share from $1.03 in Q2 2024, while the Parent & Other segment reduced its loss to $0.29 per share from a loss of $0.91 [4]. Operating Expenses and Customer Base - Operating expenses increased to $2.49 billion, a 6.7% rise from $2.34 billion in the prior-year quarter [5]. - As of June 30, 2025, Entergy served 3.04 million retail customers, reflecting a 0.5% increase [5]. Financial Position - Cash and cash equivalents stood at $1.18 billion as of June 30, 2025, up from $0.86 billion at the end of 2024 [6]. - Long-term debt increased to $28.11 billion from $26.61 billion at the end of 2024 [6]. - Cash generated from operating activities in the first half of 2025 was $1.26 billion, compared to $1.03 billion in the same period of 2024 [6]. Guidance and Estimates - Entergy reaffirmed its 2025 financial guidance, expecting adjusted earnings in the range of $3.75 to $3.95 per share [7]. - The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is $3.89 per share, above the midpoint of the guided range [8]. Market Sentiment - Following the earnings release, there has been a downward trend in earnings estimates for Entergy [9]. - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expectations for an in-line return in the coming months [11].

Alibaba Group Holding Limited BABA will release earnings results for the first quarter, before the opening bell on Friday, Aug. 29.Analysts expect the Hong Kong-based company to report quarterly earnings at $1.95 per share, down from $2.26 per share in the year-ago period. Alibaba projects to report quarterly revenue at $34.26 billion, compared to $33.47 billion a year earlier, according to data from Benzinga Pro.The company missed analyst estimates for revenue in the fourth quarter, but has beaten estimate ...

Core Insights - Brown-Forman Corporation (BF.B) reported mixed first-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with net sales exceeding estimates but earnings per share (EPS) falling short [1][3][6] - The company has taken decisive actions to strengthen its business amid challenging conditions, focusing on innovation and consumer strategies to maintain growth [1][2][19] Financial Performance - EPS for the fiscal first quarter was 36 cents, down 13% year over year, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 37 cents [3][6] - Net sales reached $924 million, a 3% decline year over year, but surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $911 million; on an organic basis, net sales increased by 1% [3][6] - Gross profit was $552 million, a 2% decline year over year, while gross margin improved by 40 basis points to 59.8% due to acquisitions and divestitures [4][6] - Operating income decreased by 7% year over year to $260 million, with an operating margin of 28.2%, down 140 basis points from the previous year [8] Market Performance - In the U.S., net sales fell 8% year over year, impacted by the absence of the prior-year Sonoma-Cutrer TSA and lower volumes of key brands [9] - Developed international markets saw an 8% decline in net sales, primarily due to reduced demand and geopolitical pressures [10] - Emerging markets experienced a 20% increase in net sales, driven by strong growth in the Jack Daniel's brand, particularly in Brazil and Türkiye [11] - The Travel Retail channel reported an 8% increase in net sales, supported by higher volumes of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey [12] Brand Performance - Whiskey product sales remained flat year over year, with strong initial shipments of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Blackberry offset by declines in other key products [13] - Tequila portfolio sales fell 1% year over year, with Herradura brand sales dropping significantly, while el Jimador saw a 14% increase [14] - The Ready-to-Drink (RTD) category grew by 6% year over year, with New Mix experiencing a notable 26% increase [15] - The rest of the portfolio saw a significant decline of 27% year over year, largely due to the absence of Sonoma-Cutrer and Finlandia TSAs [16] Financial Health - As of the end of the first quarter, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $471 million and long-term debt of $2.1 billion, with total shareholders' equity at $3.99 billion [17] Outlook - For fiscal 2026, the company anticipates continued challenges due to macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility, projecting a low-single digit decline in organic net sales and operating income [18][20]

Core Insights - Greif, Inc. (GEF) reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.03 for Q3 fiscal 2025, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 81 cents, marking a 12% year-over-year improvement excluding discontinued operations [1][10] - Total sales decreased by 2.6% year over year to $1.13 billion, falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.47 billion [2][10] - The company announced a quarterly cash dividend increase, reflecting its capital allocation strategy, with dividends to be paid on October 1, 2025 [11] Financial Performance - The cost of sales decreased by 4.6% year over year to $877 million, resulting in a gross profit of $257 million, which is a 5.1% increase from the prior year [2] - Gross margin improved to 22.7% from 21% in the previous year [2][10] - Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses rose to $157 million from $153 million year over year [3] Segment Performance - Customized Polymer Solutions segment revenues were $340 million, up from $315 million year over year, but below the projected $356 million [5] - Durable Metal Solutions segment revenues fell by 5.7% to $400 million, exceeding the estimated $393 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $48 million [6] - Sustainable Fiber Solutions segment revenues decreased by 5.4% to $308 million, missing the estimated $645 million, while adjusted EBITDA rose to $65.5 million from $57 million [7] - Integrated Solutions segment revenues totaled $87 million, down from $100.5 million year over year, with adjusted EBITDA of $8.1 million [8] Cash Position and Outlook - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q3 fiscal 2025 were $285 million, up from $198 million at the end of fiscal 2024 [9] - Operating cash flow increased significantly to $200 million from $77 million year over year [9] - Long-term debt decreased to $2.22 billion from $2.63 billion [9] - The company expects fiscal 2025 adjusted EBITDA to be between $725 million and $735 million [13] Stock Performance - Greif's shares have increased by 7% over the past year, contrasting with a 10.9% decline in the industry [14]

Core Viewpoint - Republic Services reported mixed second-quarter 2025 results, with earnings surpassing estimates while revenues fell short, indicating potential challenges ahead [2][7]. Financial Performance - Earnings per share (EPS) for Q2 2025 was $1.77, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.1% and reflecting a 9.9% increase year-over-year [2]. - Total revenues amounted to $4.2 billion, which missed the consensus estimate but showed a 4.6% year-over-year growth [2]. Segmental Revenue Breakdown - Collection segment revenues were $2.8 billion, a 3.6% increase year-over-year, but below the estimated $2.9 billion [3]. - Environmental Solutions revenues were $462 million, down 2.3% year-over-year, missing the projected $492 million [3]. - Transfer segment revenues reached $221 million, up 6.3% year-over-year, exceeding the estimate of $213.5 million [4]. - Landfill segment revenues were $516 million, increasing 17.3% year-over-year, surpassing the expected $462.7 million [4]. - Other segment revenues totaled $214 million, a 4.9% increase year-over-year, also exceeding the estimate of $212.7 million [4]. Operating Results - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $1.4 billion, an 8.2% increase from the previous year, beating the estimate of $1.3 billion [5]. - The adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 32.1%, up 100 basis points year-over-year, surpassing the estimated 31.4% [5]. Balance Sheet & Cash Flow - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q2 2025 were $122 million, up from $83 million at the end of Q1 2025 [6]. - Long-term debt decreased to $12.5 billion from $12.9 billion in the previous quarter [6]. - Cash generated from operating activities was $1.1 billion, with adjusted free cash flow at $693 million and capital expenditure of $423 million [6]. 2025 Guidance - The company revised its revenue expectations for 2025 to a range of $16.68-$16.75 billion, down from the previous estimate of $16.85-$16.95 billion [7]. - Adjusted EPS guidance for 2025 is set at $6.82-$6.90 [7]. Market Sentiment - Recent estimates for the company have shown a downward trend, indicating a potential shift in market sentiment [8][11]. - Republic Services currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), suggesting expectations of below-average returns in the coming months [11]. Industry Comparison - Republic Services operates within the Zacks Waste Removal Services industry, where competitor Pentair plc has seen a 7.9% gain over the past month [12]. - Pentair reported revenues of $1.12 billion for the last quarter, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 2.2% [12].

Core Viewpoint - United Parcel Service (UPS) reported a mixed earnings performance, with a decline in earnings per share and a slight increase in revenues, raising questions about future performance leading up to the next earnings release [1][2]. Financial Performance - Quarterly earnings per share were $1.55, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by $0.01 and declining 13.4% year over year [2]. - Revenues totaled $21.2 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $20.8 billion but decreasing 2.7% year over year [2]. Segment Performance - U.S. Domestic Package revenues were $14.08 billion, down 0.8% year over year, with an adjusted operating profit of $982 million, reflecting a 1.4% decline [3]. - International Package revenues reached $4.48 billion, up 2.6% year over year, but the adjusted operating profit fell 17.2% to $682 million [4]. - Supply Chain Solutions revenues decreased 18.3% year over year to $2.65 billion, with an adjusted operating profit of $212 million, down 13.1% [5]. Future Guidance - UPS did not provide revenue or operating profit guidance for 2025 due to macroeconomic uncertainty, but affirmed capital expenditures of approximately $3.5 billion and dividend payments of around $5.5 billion [6]. - The company anticipates $3.5 billion in expense reductions from network reconfiguration and Efficiency Reimagined initiatives [7]. Estimate Trends - There has been a downward trend in estimates, with the consensus estimate shifting down by 15.64% [8]. - UPS currently holds a subpar Growth Score of D and a similar score for momentum, but a B score for value, placing it in the top 40% for value investors [9]. Overall Outlook - The stock has an aggregate VGM Score of C, indicating a below-average return expectation in the coming months, reflected in a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [10][11].