Company Overview - Avnet (AVT) is one of the world's largest distributors of electronic components and computer products, serving a diverse customer base that includes original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), electronic manufacturing services (EMS) providers, original design manufacturers (ODMs), and value-added resellers (VARs) [11] - The company maintains an extensive inventory of electronic products from over 300 component and system manufacturers, distributing these products to customers globally [11] Investment Ratings - Avnet holds a 2 (Buy) rating on the Zacks Rank, indicating a favorable investment outlook [12] - The company has a VGM Score of A, reflecting strong performance across value, growth, and momentum metrics [12] Value Metrics - Avnet's Value Style Score is also rated A, supported by attractive valuation metrics such as a forward P/E ratio of 13.99, which is appealing to value investors [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Avnet's earnings has increased by $0.09 to $4.46 per share for fiscal 2026, with one analyst revising their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days [12] Earnings Performance - Avnet has demonstrated an average earnings surprise of +10.9%, indicating a history of exceeding earnings expectations [12] - With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, Avnet is positioned as a strong candidate for investors [13]

Company Performance - Hitachi Ltd. has returned approximately 11.4% since the beginning of the calendar year, significantly outperforming the average return of 1.2% for Conglomerates companies [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Hitachi's full-year earnings has increased by 2.1% over the past three months, indicating improving analyst sentiment and a positive earnings outlook [3] Industry Context - Hitachi Ltd. is part of the Diversified Operations industry, which includes 15 individual stocks and currently ranks 68 in the Zacks Industry Rank [6] - Stocks in the Diversified Operations industry have gained an average of 1.2% this year, highlighting Hitachi's superior performance in year-to-date returns [6] Sector Ranking - The Conglomerates group, which includes Hitachi Ltd., is currently ranked 1 within the Zacks Sector Rank, which evaluates 16 different sector groups [2] - Hitachi Ltd. holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting it has favorable characteristics to outperform the market in the near term [3]

The Computer and Technology group has plenty of great stocks, but investors should always be looking for companies that are outperforming their peers. Has Avnet (AVT) been one of those stocks this year? A quick glance at the company's year-to-date performance in comparison to the rest of the Computer and Technology sector should help us answer this question.Avnet is one of 611 companies in the Computer and Technology group. The Computer and Technology group currently sits at #2 within the Zacks Sector Rank. ...

Core Insights - The Consumer Staples sector is gaining investor attention as a defensive stronghold amid macroeconomic uncertainty, benefiting from steady demand for essential products [1] - Despite higher interest rates and cautious consumer sentiment, staple consumption remains stable, allowing companies to sustain revenue visibility and cash flow generation [2] - The sector is expected to see a revenue increase of 2.4% while the bottom line is projected to decline by 2.4% this earnings season [3] Key Trends Shaping the Season - Consumer staple companies face challenges from elevated input costs, changing consumer preferences, and increased pricing sensitivity due to tariffs and trade-related levies [4] - Companies are mitigating these challenges by diversifying sourcing, localizing production, and renegotiating supplier contracts, which have stabilized cost structures and improved margin predictability [5] - Pricing discipline and a favorable product mix are crucial for offsetting cost pressures, with companies leveraging brand strength and innovation to protect demand and support profitability [6] Earnings Outlook - Defensive demand, manageable tariff-related pressures, and continued cost discipline position select consumer staple stocks to potentially surpass earnings estimates this season [7] - The Hershey Company (HSY) is well-positioned with strong brand equity, disciplined pricing, and ongoing productivity initiatives, with an Earnings ESP of +0.78% and a Zacks Rank 1 [10][11] - Estee Lauder Companies (EL) is focused on restoring sustainable growth through brand prioritization and innovation, with an Earnings ESP of +6.62 and a Zacks Rank 2 [12][13] - Celsius Holdings, Inc. (CELH) is driving demand through innovation and strategic partnerships, with an Earnings ESP of +15.27% and a Zacks Rank 3 [14][15] - Monster Beverage Corporation (MNST) benefits from global energy drink expansion and strong consumer connections, with an Earnings ESP of +17.16% and a Zacks Rank 3 [16][17]

Core Viewpoint - Linde plc is expected to report its fourth-quarter 2025 results on February 5, with earnings per share (EPS) projected at $4.15, reflecting a year-over-year improvement of 4.53% from the previous year's quarter [1][2][9]. Financial Performance - In the last reported quarter, Linde's earnings were $4.21 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.18, primarily due to higher pricing and increased volumes from the Americas segment [2]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter revenues is $8.5 billion, indicating a year-over-year increase of 3.04% [3]. Operational Factors - Linde is a leading producer of industrial gases, serving various end markets including healthcare, manufacturing, and chemicals & refining [4]. - The company is anticipated to maintain stable performance in the upcoming quarter, supported by long-term contracts with major on-site clients and operations in resilient markets such as healthcare and food and beverages [5]. Challenges - Economic sluggishness in Europe is expected to pose challenges, with softer industrial activity likely dampening growth in cyclical end markets like manufacturing, chemicals, and energy [6]. - Declining manufacturing activity in China is also anticipated to reduce demand for Linde's products, affecting overall performance [6][7]. Segment Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for operating profit in the Americas segment is projected at $1.21 billion, an increase from $1.15 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024 [7]. - Conversely, the operating profit estimate for the Engineering business unit is expected to be $100 million, down from $106 million recorded a year ago [7].

Company Performance - Avnet's shares have increased by 26.5% over the past month, reaching a new 52-week high of $63.1 [1] - Year-to-date, Avnet has gained 29.8%, outperforming the Zacks Computer and Technology sector's 27.8% and the Zacks Electronics - Parts Distribution industry's 38.4% [1] Earnings and Revenue Expectations - Avnet has consistently beaten earnings estimates, with an EPS of $1.05 reported against a consensus estimate of $0.95 in the last earnings report [2] - For the current fiscal year, Avnet is projected to achieve earnings of $4.46 per share on revenues of $24.15 billion, reflecting a 29.65% increase in EPS and an 8.77% increase in revenues [3] - The next fiscal year is expected to see earnings of $6.63 per share on revenues of $24.85 billion, indicating a year-over-year change of 48.71% in EPS and 2.9% in revenues [3] Valuation Metrics - Avnet's stock trades at 14X current fiscal year EPS estimates, below the peer industry average of 16.2X [7] - On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock trades at 12.3X compared to the peer group's average of 14.2X [7] - The stock has a PEG ratio of 0.48, positioning it favorably among value investors [7] Zacks Rank and Style Scores - Avnet holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) due to a strong earnings estimate revision trend [8] - The stock has a Value Score of A, along with Growth and Momentum Scores of A, resulting in a combined VGM Score of A [6] Industry Comparison - WESCO International, a peer in the industry, also has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and shows strong earnings performance, with expected earnings of $15.73 per share on revenues of $23.48 billion [10] - WESCO's shares have increased by 14.8% over the past month, trading at a forward P/E of 18.4X and a P/CF of 16.14X [11] - The Electronics - Parts Distribution industry is performing well, ranking in the top 8% of all industries, providing favorable conditions for both Avnet and WESCO [11]

Core Viewpoint - American Public Education (APEI) has shown strong stock performance, with a 15.6% increase over the past month and a new 52-week high of $44.88, outperforming the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector and the Zacks Schools industry [1] Financial Performance - The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates, reporting an EPS of $0.3 against a consensus estimate of -$0.09 in its last earnings report on November 10, 2025, and exceeding revenue estimates by 1.62% [2] - For the current fiscal year, APEI is projected to earn $2.23 per share on revenues of $642.33 million, with a year-over-year earnings growth of 106.51%. For the next fiscal year, earnings are expected to rise to $2.64 per share on revenues of $687.98 million, reflecting a 7.11% increase [3] Valuation Metrics - APEI currently trades at 18.8 times the current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is above the peer industry average of 14.2 times. On a trailing cash flow basis, it trades at 20.1 times compared to the peer group's average of 12.8 times. The stock has a PEG ratio of 1.25, indicating it is not in the top tier from a value perspective [7] Style Scores and Zacks Rank - The company has a Value Score of B, a Growth Score of A, and a Momentum Score of D, resulting in a combined VGM Score of A [6] - APEI holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) due to rising earnings estimates, making it a favorable option for investors [8][9]

Company Performance - Moog (MOG.A) has seen a significant increase in its stock price, rising 22.2% over the past month and reaching a new 52-week high of $307.86 [1] - Year-to-date, Moog's stock has gained 25.4%, outperforming the Zacks Aerospace sector's 39.3% and the Aerospace - Defense Equipment industry's 43.8% [1] Earnings and Revenue Expectations - Moog has consistently exceeded earnings expectations, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the last four quarters, with the latest EPS reported at $2.63 against a consensus of $2.24 [2] - For the current fiscal year, Moog is projected to earn $9.95 per share on revenues of $4.2 billion, reflecting a 14.5% increase in EPS and an 8.6% increase in revenues [3] - The next fiscal year forecasts earnings of $11.4 per share on revenues of $4.38 billion, indicating a year-over-year change of 14.54% in EPS and 4.33% in revenues [3] Valuation Metrics - Moog's current valuation metrics show a Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of 30.7X for the current fiscal year, below the peer industry average of 36.8X [6] - On a trailing cash flow basis, Moog trades at 25.3X compared to the peer group's average of 33.7X, suggesting it is not among the top value stocks [6] Zacks Rank and Style Scores - Moog holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), supported by rising earnings estimates, which aligns with the recommendation for investors to select stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) [7] - The company has a Value Score of C, a Growth Score of A, and a Momentum Score of D, resulting in a VGM Score of A [6] Industry Context - The Aerospace - Defense Equipment industry is performing well, ranking in the top 26% of all industries, providing favorable conditions for both Moog and its peers [10] - Astronics Corporation (ATRO), a competitor, has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and has shown strong earnings performance, indicating a competitive landscape [8][9]

Core Insights - Qualys, Inc. (QLYS) is set to report its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings on February 5, with anticipated revenues between $172 million and $174 million, reflecting an 8.7% increase from the previous year's $159.2 million [1][10] - The company expects non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) in the range of $1.73 to $1.80, with the consensus estimate remaining at $1.78, compared to $1.60 in the same quarter last year [2][10] Revenue and Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for QLYS revenues is $173 million, indicating a positive outlook for the quarter [1][10] - The company has a strong track record of exceeding earnings estimates, with an average surprise of 16.6% over the last four quarters [2] Factors Influencing Performance - Rising demand for security and networking products due to the hybrid working trend and accelerated digital transformations is expected to positively impact QLYS' performance [3] - The recurring subscription-based business model provides stability amid macroeconomic uncertainties, supporting durable top-line growth and strong cash flow [4] Market Positioning - QLYS has successfully attracted new customers and retained existing ones, closing a significant number of six-figure deals, which is likely to boost revenues in the upcoming quarter [5] - However, the company faces challenges as enterprises delay large IT spending due to a weakening global economy, which may negatively affect overall financial performance [6] Investment in Capabilities - Qualys is investing in expanding its capabilities in the competitive cybersecurity market, focusing on research and development and enhancing sales and marketing efforts, which may impact short-term profitability [7] Earnings Prediction Model - The Zacks model does not predict a definitive earnings beat for QLYS this season, as it holds a Zacks Rank 3 and an Earnings ESP of 0.00% [8]

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].