Core Viewpoint - Two Harbors Investment Corp. (TWO) is set to report its fourth-quarter 2025 results on February 2, 2026, after market close, following a history of earnings misses and a recent acquisition agreement with UWM Holdings Corporation valued at $1.3 billion [1][3][9]. Financial Performance - In the last reported quarter, TWO posted earnings available for distribution per share of 36 cents, which was a 10% miss compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate [1]. - The company has a weak earnings surprise history, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate in all four trailing quarters with an average negative surprise of 13.34% [2]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter earnings has remained unchanged at 30 cents per share, indicating a year-over-year increase of 50% [10]. Recent Developments - In December 2025, TWO entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by UWM Holdings Corporation in an all-stock transaction worth $1.3 billion, which will add TWO's $176 billion mortgage servicing rights (MSR) portfolio to UWMC's operations [3][4]. - The acquisition is expected to create nearly $150 million in annual synergies and improve efficiencies in financing, hedging, and secondary market operations [3][4]. Market Conditions - The steady fixed-income markets are likely to have supported asset valuations and improved hedging effectiveness for TWO in the upcoming quarter [5]. - A positively sloped yield curve and a steepening yield curve during the quarter are expected to have contributed to an increase in TWO's book value per share [6]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for servicing income in Q4 is pegged at $151.4 million, down 9.1% from the previous quarter, while total interest income is estimated at $90.8 million, indicating a 3% decline from the prior quarter [7][8]. Interest Rates and Funding Costs - Since September 2025, the Federal Reserve has cut interest rates three times, including two reductions in the fourth quarter, which is expected to have lowered funding costs for TWO [9]. - The estimate for net interest income (NII) is pegged at negative $13 million, an improvement from negative $23.5 million reported in the prior quarter [10]. Earnings Prediction - The Zacks model does not predict an earnings beat for TWO this time, as the company lacks a positive Earnings ESP and holds a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell) [11][12].

Core Viewpoint - Seagate (STX) is positioned as a strong investment opportunity due to significant revisions in earnings estimates, indicating an improving earnings outlook [1][10]. Estimate Revisions - The trend in estimate revisions reflects growing analyst optimism regarding Seagate's earnings prospects, which is expected to positively influence its stock price [2]. - For the current quarter, Seagate is projected to earn $3.01 per share, representing a 58.4% increase from the previous year [6]. - Over the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Seagate has risen by 27.97%, with no negative revisions reported [6]. - For the full year, the earnings estimate is $12.01 per share, marking a 48.3% increase from the prior year, with three estimates moving higher and no negative revisions [7]. Zacks Rank - Seagate 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][9]. - Stocks with a Zacks Rank 1 and 2 have shown significant outperformance compared to the S&P 500 [9]. Stock Performance - Seagate's stock has increased by 62.2% over the past four weeks, driven by strong estimate revisions, suggesting potential for further upside [10].

Core Viewpoint - Amphenol (APH) is experiencing solid improvement in earnings estimates, which is likely to positively impact its stock price in the near term [1][2]. Earnings Estimates - Analysts are increasingly optimistic about Amphenol's earnings prospects, leading to higher estimates that should reflect in the stock price [2]. - For the current quarter, Amphenol is expected to earn $0.96 per share, representing a +52.4% change from the previous year [5]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter has increased by 11.77% over the last 30 days, with two estimates moving higher and no negative revisions [5]. - For the full year, the earnings estimate is $4.33 per share, indicating a +29.6% change from the year-ago number [6]. - The consensus estimate for the current year has increased by 7.62%, with four estimates moving higher and no negative revisions [6][7]. Zacks Rank - Amphenol has achieved a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to favorable estimate revisions, which is a reliable indicator for investors [8]. - The Zacks Rank system has a strong track record, with Zacks 1 Ranked stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 2008 [3]. Stock Performance - Amphenol's stock has risen by 10.7% over the past four weeks, driven by strong estimate revisions [9]. - There may still be further upside potential for the stock, suggesting it could be a good addition to investment portfolios [9].

Key Takeaways FOXA is expected to benefit from strong NFL viewership and FOX News ratings supporting reach and ad demand.Year-over-year comparisons are expected to be impacted by the absence of prior political advertising revenues.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FOXA's Q4 2025 EPS is pegged at 46 cents, unchanged over the past 30 days.Fox Corporation (FOXA) is set to report second-quarter fiscal 2026 results on Feb. 4.For the to-be-reported quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at 46 ...

Economic Overview - The U.S. services sector continued its expansion in December 2025, with the Services PMI at 54.4%, marking the highest reading of the year and the 10th month of expansion [1] - Real GDP increased at an annual rate of 4.4% during July-September, up from 3.8% in the previous quarter, indicating economic resilience amid inflationary pressures and trade policy uncertainty [2] Services Sector Performance - The services sector's performance reflects the U.S. economy's adaptability, driven by sustained consumer demand across various industries, including transportation, retail, finance, and healthcare [3] - However, certain segments like construction and professional services showed relative weakness, indicating disparities within the sector [3][4] Earnings Outlook - Several service providers are expected to report earnings soon, with Gartner, Coherent, Exponent, and TransUnion identified as stocks likely to beat earnings estimates this season [4] - Gartner's revenue estimate is $1.74 billion, reflecting a 1.7% year-over-year growth, while earnings are expected at $3.50 per share, a decline of 35.8% from the previous year [9] - Coherent's revenue estimate is $1.63 billion, indicating a 13.9% year-over-year growth, with earnings expected at $1.22 per share, a 28.4% increase [10][11] - Exponent's revenue estimate is $128.3 million, showing a 3.6% growth, with earnings expected at 47 cents per share, a 2.1% increase [12][13] - TransUnion's revenue estimate is $1.1 billion, indicating a 9.6% increase, with earnings expected at $1.03 per share, a 6.2% rise [14][15]

Core Viewpoint - Washington Trust Bancorp (WASH) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][4]. Earnings Estimates and Ratings - The Zacks rating system is based on the consensus measure of EPS estimates from sell-side analysts, reflecting the changing earnings picture of a company [2]. - The recent upgrade for Washington Trust suggests an improvement in its earnings outlook, which could lead to increased buying pressure and a rise in stock price [4][6]. Impact of Earnings Estimates on Stock Prices - Changes in a company's future earnings potential, as indicated by earnings estimate revisions, are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [5]. - Institutional investors often rely on earnings estimates to determine the fair value of stocks, leading to significant price movements when they adjust their positions based on these estimates [5]. Performance of Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [8]. - The system maintains a balanced distribution of ratings, ensuring that only the top 5% of stocks receive a "Strong Buy" rating, indicating superior earnings estimate revisions [10][11]. Specifics on Washington Trust's Earnings Estimates - For the fiscal year ending December 2026, Washington Trust is expected to earn $3.30 per share, with a 5.4% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past three months [9].

Key Takeaways Take-Two is set to report fiscal Q3 results on Feb. 3, guiding GAAP net revenues of $1.57B-$1.62B.TTWO faces pressure after Borderlands 4's Nintendo Switch 2 launch was delayed indefinitely in September.NBA 2K26 and GTA Online were expected to drive holiday engagement in a seasonally strong quarter for gaming.Take-Two Interactive Software (TTWO) is scheduled to release third-quarter fiscal 2026 results on Feb. 3.For the third quarter of fiscal 2026, Take-Two expects GAAP net revenues between $ ...

Group 1 - Investors in the Diversified Communication Services sector may consider Telefonica (TELFY) or Chunghwa (CHT) as potential stocks for investment [1] - The Zacks Rank system, which emphasizes companies with positive earnings estimate revisions, is a key strategy for identifying value stocks [2][3] - TELFY has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating an improving earnings outlook, while CHT has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] Group 2 - Value investors typically analyze traditional metrics such as P/E ratio, P/S ratio, earnings yield, and cash flow per share to identify undervalued stocks [4] - TELFY has a forward P/E ratio of 7.71, significantly lower than CHT's forward P/E of 25.38, indicating better value [5] - TELFY's PEG ratio is 0.27, while CHT's PEG ratio is 5.39, further suggesting TELFY is a more attractive investment option [5] - TELFY's P/B ratio is 0.91 compared to CHT's P/B of 2.54, reinforcing TELFY's superior valuation metrics [6] - Based on the valuation metrics, TELFY has earned a Value grade of A, while CHT has a Value grade of D [6][7]

Key Takeaways EA is set to report fiscal Q3 results on Feb. 3, with EPS and revenues expected to rise.Electronic Arts' Battlefield 6 drove Q3, selling 7M units in three days with 172M matches opening weekend.EA's pending $55B buyout ended forward guidance, adding uncertainty around reporting.Electronic Arts (EA) is set to report third-quarter fiscal 2026 results on Feb. 3.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings has remained steady at $4.77 per share in the past 30 days. The figure indicates a 68.55% incre ...

Key Takeaways CTVA is seeing strong performance in Crop Protection, driven by new products and volume growth.Corteva's Seed segment benefits from advanced genetics, higher out-licensing and execution across key markets.CTVA faces near-term risks from weak crop prices, pressured farm incomes and macro headwinds.Corteva, Inc. (CTVA) is slated to report fourth-quarter 2025 results on Feb. 3, after market close. The company is likely to report a bottom-line decline when it posts the quarterly results.The Zacks ...