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].

Core Viewpoint - Barrick Mining Corporation is expected to report fourth-quarter 2025 results on February 5, with earnings anticipated to rise by 89.1% year-over-year, driven by higher gold prices despite production and cost challenges [1][6]. Group 1: Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Barrick's fourth-quarter earnings is set at 87 cents per share, reflecting an increase from previous estimates over the last 60 days [1]. - Barrick has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in three of the last four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of approximately 8.7% [2]. Group 2: Production and Costs - Higher gold prices are expected to support Barrick's performance, with gold prices closing nearly 13% higher in the fourth quarter and surging about 65% in 2025 [7]. - However, Barrick is facing weaker year-over-year production, with a projected 18% decline in gold production for the fourth quarter, estimated at around 889,000 ounces [9]. - The company experienced a 12% year-over-year decline in third-quarter gold production, primarily due to the suspension of operations at the Loulo-Gounkoto mine [8]. - Higher production costs are anticipated to impact fourth-quarter results, with cash costs per ounce of gold and all-in-sustaining costs (AISC) increasing by approximately 3% and 2% year-over-year, respectively [10][11]. Group 3: Market Performance and Valuation - Barrick's stock has increased by 176.5% over the past year, outperforming the Zacks Mining – Gold industry's increase of 127.3% and the S&P 500's rise of 18.1% [12]. - The company is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 13.56, which is about a 6% discount compared to the industry average of 14.43 [15]. Group 4: Strategic Positioning - Barrick is well-positioned to benefit from key growth projects that are on schedule and within budget, which should significantly contribute to future production [18]. - The company maintains a robust liquidity position and generates healthy cash flows, allowing it to pursue development, exploration, and acquisition opportunities [19]. - Despite challenges from higher costs and operational issues leading to lower production, Barrick's strong pipeline of growth projects and favorable gold market conditions support a positive outlook [21].

Core Viewpoint - Magnolia Oil & Gas Corporation (MGY) is expected to report fourth-quarter 2025 earnings on February 5, with earnings estimated at 36 cents per share and revenues at $312.3 million [1][7]. Group 1: Recent Performance - In the last reported quarter, MGY achieved a net profit of 41 cents per share, aligning with the Zacks Consensus Estimate, driven by increased production volumes [2]. - Total revenues for the last quarter were $324.9 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $322 million [2]. - MGY has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate three times in the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 4.45% [3]. Group 2: Earnings Estimates and Trends - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter 2025 earnings has remained unchanged, reflecting a 26.53% year-over-year decrease [3]. - Revenue estimates for the fourth quarter indicate a decline of 4.38% compared to the same period last year [3]. Group 3: Operational Factors - MGY generates revenues by acquiring land or leases with oil and natural gas reserves, primarily in South Texas, focusing on areas like the Eagle Ford Shale and Austin Chalk [4]. - The company’s total operating expenses are projected to reach $217.6 million in the fourth quarter, a 7.5% increase from the previous quarter [5]. - General and administrative expenses are expected to rise to $24.2 million, a 14.1% increase year-over-year, while gathering, transportation, and processing expenses are projected to reach $18 million, a 47.6% increase from the prior year [6]. Group 4: Production and Pricing Outlook - MGY's fourth-quarter production volumes are anticipated to rise, supported by higher realized prices for natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs) [7][8].

Core Insights - Investors should conduct a thorough review of a company's financial background rather than relying solely on real-time trading numbers, especially in a volatile market [1] - The interest coverage ratio is a critical indicator of a company's ability to meet its debt obligations, particularly in a tighter financial environment [2][4] Financial Metrics - Companies like Casey's General Stores, Brinker International, Cardinal Health, and Flowserve have strong interest coverage ratios, indicating their capacity to service debt [3] - The interest coverage ratio is calculated as Earnings before Interest & Taxes (EBIT) divided by Interest Expense, providing insight into a company's financial stability [5] - A ratio below 1 indicates potential default risk, while a higher ratio suggests a company can withstand financial challenges [7] Investment Strategy - A favorable investment strategy includes selecting stocks with an interest coverage ratio above the industry average, a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2, and a VGM Score of A or B [8][11] - Stocks meeting these criteria are likely to outperform in various market conditions [11] Company Highlights - Casey's General Stores has a Zacks Rank of 1, with a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 24.1% and projected sales and EPS growth of 8.8% and 18.8%, respectively, leading to a 44.6% stock increase over the past year [10][12] - Cardinal Health holds a Zacks Rank of 2, with a trailing earnings surprise of 9.4% and projected sales and EPS growth of 16.4% and 21.5%, respectively, resulting in a 71.5% stock surge [12][13] - Brinker International, also with a Zacks Rank of 2, has a trailing earnings surprise of 8.2% and projected sales and EPS growth of 7.7% and 18.7%, but its stock has declined by 16.6% [13][14] - Flowserve, with a Zacks Rank of 2, shows a trailing earnings surprise of 10.5% and projected sales and EPS growth of 4.6% and 31.9%, leading to a 26.2% stock increase [14][15]

Company Performance - Main Street Capital (MAIN) closed at $63.80, reflecting a -1.21% change from the previous day, underperforming the S&P 500's loss of 0.43% [1] - Over the past month, shares of Main Street Capital have appreciated by 6.94%, significantly outperforming the Finance sector's gain of 0.35% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.89% [1] Upcoming Earnings - The upcoming earnings release is scheduled for February 26, 2026, with projected earnings of $1.06 per share, indicating a year-over-year growth of 3.92% [2] - The consensus estimate anticipates revenue of $140.81 million, reflecting a 0.26% increase from the same quarter last year [2] Annual Forecast - For the entire year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates forecast earnings of $4.19 per share and revenue of $561.66 million, showing changes of +2.44% and 0% respectively compared to the previous year [3] Analyst Estimates - Recent changes to analyst estimates for Main Street Capital are important as they reflect the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns, with upward revisions indicating analysts' positive outlook on the company's operations [4] - The Zacks Rank system, which incorporates these estimate changes, provides a practical rating system for investors [5] Zacks Rank and Valuation - Main Street Capital currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), with the consensus EPS estimate remaining unchanged over the last 30 days [6] - The company is trading at a Forward P/E ratio of 15.89, which is a premium compared to the industry average Forward P/E of 8.8 [7] Industry Context - The Financial - SBIC & Commercial Industry, part of the Finance sector, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 97, placing it in the top 40% of over 250 industries [7] - The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the strength of industry groups, with top-rated industries outperforming the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [8]

Company Performance - Medpace's stock closed at $582.48, reflecting a decrease of -1.79% from the previous day, underperforming compared to the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.43% [1] - Over the last month, Medpace's shares have increased by 5.59%, outperforming the Medical sector's loss of 2.36% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.89% [1] Upcoming Earnings - Medpace is set to disclose its earnings on February 9, 2026, with analysts expecting earnings of $4.18 per share, indicating a year-over-year growth of 13.9% [2] - The consensus estimate for revenue is projected at $681.17 million, representing a growth of 26.94% compared to the same quarter last year [2] Full Year Projections - For the full year, Zacks Consensus Estimates project earnings of $14.8 per share and revenue of $2.5 billion, reflecting changes of +17.18% and 0% respectively from the prior year [3] - Recent changes to analyst estimates indicate a positive outlook for Medpace, as upward revisions are often seen as a sign of optimism regarding business trends [3] Valuation Metrics - Medpace has a Forward P/E ratio of 35.67, which is a premium compared to the industry average Forward P/E of 15.73 [6] - The company has a PEG ratio of 1.99, compared to the Medical Services industry's average PEG ratio of 1.77 [6] Industry Context - The Medical Services industry, which includes Medpace, ranks 178 in the Zacks Industry Rank, placing it in the bottom 28% of over 250 industries [7] - The Zacks Industry Rank evaluates the performance potential of industry groups, indicating that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [7]

Core Viewpoint - Hershey's stock has shown resilience with a recent increase, outperforming major indices, and upcoming earnings are anticipated to reveal a significant decline in EPS while revenue is expected to rise slightly [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Hershey closed at $194.75, marking a +2.21% increase from the previous day, outperforming the S&P 500's loss of 0.43% [1] - Over the last month, Hershey's shares have increased by 4.7%, surpassing the Consumer Staples sector's gain of 4.16% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.89% [1]. Group 2: Earnings Forecast - Hershey's upcoming earnings report is scheduled for February 5, 2026, with an expected EPS of $1.4, indicating a 47.96% decline compared to the same quarter last year [2]. - The consensus estimate for revenue is $2.99 billion, reflecting a 3.62% increase from the same quarter last year [2]. Group 3: Full Year Projections - For the full year, Zacks Consensus Estimates project earnings of $6.01 per share and revenue of $11.6 billion, representing changes of -35.86% and 0% respectively from the prior year [3]. - Recent changes to analyst estimates indicate a positive outlook, with a 1.44% rise in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate over the past month [5]. Group 4: Valuation Metrics - Hershey is currently trading with a Forward P/E ratio of 27.17, which is a premium compared to the industry average Forward P/E of 18.41 [6]. - The Food - Confectionery industry, part of the Consumer Staples sector, holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 1, placing it in the top 1% of over 250 industries [6].

Company Performance - Hyster-Yale (HY) closed at $33.45, marking a +1.7% move from the prior day, outperforming the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.43% [1] - The company's shares have increased by 10.7% over the last month, surpassing the Industrial Products sector's gain of 8.66% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.89% [1] Earnings Projections - The upcoming earnings report projects an earnings per share (EPS) of -$1.2, reflecting a 181.63% decrease from the same quarter last year [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue is projecting net sales of $916.43 million, down 14.15% from the year-ago period [2] Full-Year Estimates - Full-year Zacks Consensus Estimates call for earnings of -$0.93 per share and revenue of $3.76 billion, representing year-over-year changes of -110.36% and 0%, respectively [3] - Recent changes to analyst estimates for Hyster-Yale indicate confidence in the business performance and profit potential [3] Industry Ranking - The Manufacturing - Construction and Mining industry, part of the Industrial Products sector, carries a Zacks Industry Rank of 97, placing it within the top 40% of over 250 industries [6] - Research indicates that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [6]

Company Performance - Itron's stock closed at $99.08, down 1.11%, underperforming the S&P 500, which fell 0.43% [1] - Over the last month, Itron's shares increased by 7.89%, outperforming the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 1.51% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.89% [1] Upcoming Earnings - Itron is set to release its earnings report on February 17, 2026, with an expected EPS of $2.19, representing a 62.22% increase from the same quarter last year [2] - Revenue is projected at $561.79 million, reflecting an 8.33% decline from the equivalent quarter last year [2] Annual Forecast - For the entire year, Zacks Consensus Estimates forecast earnings of $6.86 per share and revenue of $2.36 billion, indicating a 22.06% increase in earnings and no change in revenue compared to the previous year [3] Analyst Estimates - Recent changes in analyst estimates for Itron suggest a positive outlook, as upward revisions are typically seen as favorable for business prospects [3][4] Zacks Rank - Itron currently holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), with a recent downward shift of 3.02% in the consensus EPS estimate [5] - The Zacks Rank system has a historical average annual return of +25% for 1 ranked stocks since 1988 [5] Valuation Metrics - Itron has a Forward P/E ratio of 16.94, which is lower than the industry average of 23.56 [6] - The company also has a PEG ratio of 0.56, significantly below the industry average PEG ratio of 2.98 [7] Industry Context - Itron operates within the Electronics - Testing Equipment industry, which ranks in the top 24% of over 250 industries according to the Zacks Industry Rank [8]

Company Performance - Silicon Motion (SIMO) stock closed at $118.83, reflecting a +2.29% change from the previous day's closing price, outperforming the S&P 500 which fell by 0.43% [1] - The stock has increased by 25.32% over the past month, significantly surpassing the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 1.51% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.89% [1] Upcoming Earnings - The upcoming earnings report for Silicon Motion is scheduled for February 3, 2026, with an expected EPS of $1.29, indicating a 41.76% increase year-over-year [2] - Revenue is projected at $261.2 million, representing a 36.64% increase compared to the same quarter last year [2] Annual Estimates - For the annual period, Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of $3.58 per share and revenue of $864.54 million, reflecting changes of +4.37% and 0% respectively from the previous year [3] - Recent analyst estimate revisions indicate optimism regarding the company's business and profitability [3] Valuation Metrics - Silicon Motion is currently trading at a Forward P/E ratio of 23.8, which is lower than the industry average of 24.55, suggesting it is trading at a discount [6] - The company has a PEG ratio of 1.12, compared to the average PEG ratio of 0.98 for Computer - Integrated Systems stocks [7] Industry Context - The Computer - Integrated Systems industry is part of the broader Computer and Technology sector, holding a Zacks Industry Rank of 47, placing it in the top 20% of over 250 industries [8] - The Zacks Industry Rank indicates that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [8]