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Should You Buy, Sell or Hold Pfizer Stock Ahead of Q4 Earnings?
ZACKS· 2026-01-30 14:01
Core Viewpoint - Pfizer is expected to report its Q4 and full-year 2025 earnings on February 3, with consensus estimates of $16.93 billion in sales and $0.57 earnings per share (EPS) [1][7]. Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Pfizer's Q4 sales is $16.93 billion and EPS is $0.57, with a decline in 2026 earnings estimates from $3.15 to $2.99 per share over the past 60 days [1][2]. - The earnings surprise history shows Pfizer has exceeded earnings expectations in the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 35.33% [2][3]. Segment Performance Expectations - Q4 growth is anticipated from oncology drugs and Vyndaqel, but offset by weaker COVID products and Prevnar [7]. - Sales of Vyndaqel, Eliquis, Padcev, and Lorbrena are expected to drive top-line growth, while Prevnar and Xeljanz sales have declined [8]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Eliquis alliance revenues is $2.14 billion, and for Prevnar family vaccines is $1.65 billion [10][11]. - Revenues from Comirnaty are expected to decline due to narrower COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, with estimates of $2.0 billion for Comirnaty and $289 million for Paxlovid [12][13]. Oncology and Specialty Care Insights - Oncology sales are expected to be driven by Xtandi, Lorbrena, and Braftovi-Mektovi, while Ibrance sales may decline [14]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Padcev is $527 million and for Ibrance is $1.03 billion [15]. - In Specialty Care, Vyndaqel sales are expected to remain strong at $1.66 billion, while Xeljanz and Enbrel sales may decline [16]. Financial Guidance and Acquisitions - Pfizer expects total revenues for 2026 to be between $59.5 billion and $62.5 billion, with adjusted EPS in the range of $2.80-$3.00 [17]. - A one-time R&D charge related to the acquisition of Metsera will impact Q4 EPS [18]. Stock Performance and Valuation - Pfizer's stock has declined 1.6% over the past year, compared to a 16.4% return for the industry [20]. - The stock trades at a forward P/E ratio of 8.84, lower than the industry average of 18.18 and its five-year mean of 10.25 [23]. Long-Term Outlook - Pfizer's dependence on COVID-related revenues has decreased, with non-COVID operational revenues improving [26]. - The company is focusing on rebuilding its pipeline through acquisitions, with significant investments in business development [28]. - However, challenges remain, including declining COVID product sales and upcoming patent expirations that could negatively impact revenues by approximately $1.5 billion in 2026 [29][30]. - Long-term investors may consider holding the stock as Pfizer aims for growth from its oncology and obesity pipeline starting in 2029 [33].
Buy, Sell or Hold MRK Stock: Key Factors to Watch Before Q4 Earnings
ZACKS· 2026-01-30 13:51
Core Viewpoint - Merck is expected to report its Q4 and full-year 2025 earnings on February 3, with a consensus estimate of $16.19 billion in sales and $2.04 per share in earnings, but earnings estimates for 2026 have declined significantly due to costs from recent M&A activities [1][7][34] Financial Performance - Merck has consistently exceeded earnings expectations in the past four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 5.08% and a notable 9.32% surprise in the last quarter [3][34] - The company currently has an Earnings ESP of +0.33% and a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [4] Factors Influencing Upcoming Results - Q4 growth is anticipated from Keytruda, Animal Health, and new drugs, although this may be offset by weaker performance from Gardasil and M&A-related costs [7][34] - Keytruda sales are projected to reach $8.31 billion, driven by strong uptake in early-stage indications and metastatic indications [9][34] - The HPV vaccine Gardasil is expected to see lower sales, particularly in China and Japan, with estimates at $1.04 billion [13][34] - The Animal Health segment is estimated to generate $1.48 billion, with mixed performance in livestock and companion animal products [17][34] Strategic Initiatives - Merck has been active in acquisitions, including Cidara Therapeutics for $9.2 billion and Verona Pharma for around $10 billion, aimed at bolstering its pipeline ahead of Keytruda's patent expiration in 2028 [28][30] - The company is positioned to launch approximately 20 new vaccines and drugs in the coming years, with several having blockbuster potential [27][34] Market Position and Valuation - Merck's stock has increased by 9.4% over the past year, underperforming the industry average of 16.1% [20][34] - The company's shares trade at a forward P/E ratio of 15.62, lower than the industry average of 18.18, but above its five-year mean of 12.48 [23][34] Investment Considerations - While Keytruda remains a significant revenue driver, there are concerns about Merck's reliance on this drug and its ability to diversify its product lineup [31][34] - Short-term investors may be cautious due to challenges such as Gardasil's performance, potential competition for Keytruda, and rising pressures from generics [34]
Autoliv, Inc. (ALV) Surpasses Q4 Earnings and Revenue Estimates
ZACKS· 2026-01-30 13:20
分组1 - Autoliv, Inc. reported quarterly earnings of $3.19 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.86 per share, and showing an increase from $3.05 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of +11.75% [1] - The company achieved revenues of $2.82 billion for the quarter ended December 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.25%, and up from $2.62 billion year-over-year [2] - Autoliv has consistently outperformed consensus EPS and revenue estimates over the last four quarters [2] 分组2 - The stock has gained approximately 6.5% since the beginning of the year, compared to the S&P 500's gain of 1.8% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $2.21 on revenues of $2.67 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $10.69 on revenues of $11.08 billion [7] - The Zacks Industry Rank for Automotive - Original Equipment is currently in the bottom 35% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating potential challenges for stock performance [8]
Auto Sector Q4 Earnings: 4 Stocks With Surprise Potential
ZACKS· 2026-01-30 13:16
Core Insights - The fourth-quarter earnings season for the Auto-Tires-Trucks sector is underway, with Tesla and General Motors beating earnings expectations, while PACCAR matched expectations [1] - The auto sector's earnings for fourth-quarter 2025 are projected to decline by 12.9% year-over-year, with revenues expected to contract by 5.7% [1] Industry Performance - The U.S. auto industry experienced a slowdown in the fourth quarter, with vehicle sales dropping to an annualized pace of 15.6 million units from 16.4 million in the third quarter, marking the weakest period of the year [3] - Tariffs on imported vehicles and components, along with inflation, have pressured automakers, leading to increased costs and reduced profitability [4] - The average transaction price for new vehicles reached a record $50,326 in December, contributing to affordability issues for buyers [4] - The electric vehicle (EV) market saw a significant decline, with EV sales falling to 234,000 units in the fourth quarter, down 46% sequentially and 36% year-over-year [5] Company Highlights - **Ford**: Sales rose 2.7% to over 545,200 vehicles in the fourth quarter, with a market share increase of 0.9%. The company expects around $19.5 billion in special charges related to restructuring its U.S. EV strategy [8][9] - **QuantumScape**: Focused on solid-state battery technology, the company has an Earnings ESP of +17.02% and is set to release results on Feb. 11, with a consensus loss estimate of 16 cents per share [11][12] - **Lear Corp.**: The company is enhancing its position through strategic acquisitions and automation, with an Earnings ESP of +1.75% and a scheduled release on Feb. 4 [13][14] - **BorgWarner**: A leader in clean technology solutions, BorgWarner has an Earnings ESP of +2.61% and is expected to release results on Feb. 11, with a consensus estimate of $1.16 per share [15][16]
Flagstar Bank (FLG) Q4 Earnings and Revenues Beat Estimates
ZACKS· 2026-01-30 13:11
Core Viewpoint - Flagstar Bank reported quarterly earnings of $0.06 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.03 per share, and showing a significant improvement from a loss of $0.34 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of +143.90% [1] Financial Performance - The bank posted revenues of $557 million for the quarter ended December 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.29%, although this represents a decline from year-ago revenues of $625 million [2] - Over the last four quarters, Flagstar Bank has exceeded consensus EPS estimates two times and topped consensus revenue estimates two times [2] Stock Performance - Flagstar Bank shares have increased by approximately 7.6% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 1.8% [3] Future Outlook - The company's earnings outlook will be crucial for future stock performance, with current consensus EPS estimates at $0.05 for the coming quarter and $0.63 for the current fiscal year, with revenues expected to be $565.9 million and $2.54 billion respectively [7] - The estimate revisions trend for Flagstar Bank was mixed ahead of the earnings release, resulting in a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) for the stock, indicating expected performance in line with the market [6] Industry Context - The Banks - Southeast industry, to which Flagstar Bank belongs, is currently ranked in the top 16% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable environment for performance [8]
Key Factors of Outperforming Stocks
ZACKS· 2026-01-30 02:55
Core Insights - Investors seek stocks that provide substantial gains, and identifying such opportunities requires a structured approach [1] Group 1: Sales Growth - Sales growth is essential for profit generation, enabling companies to achieve efficiencies and create shareholder value [2] - Nvidia serves as a prime example, with its stock price increasing significantly due to strong sales growth in its Data Center segment [2] Group 2: Margins - Margin performance indicates operational efficiency, reflecting a company's ability to generate more profit from sales [3] - Companies like Netflix have successfully leveraged pricing power to enhance margins without losing subscribers [4] Group 3: Innovation - Innovation is critical for maintaining and expanding market share, with Nvidia's advancements in artificial intelligence exemplifying this trend [5] Group 4: Earnings Estimates - Positive revisions in earnings estimates are crucial for stock price appreciation, with the Zacks Rank system categorizing stocks based on these estimates [6] - Micron Technology's stock performance illustrates the impact of favorable earnings estimates, as it maintained a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) since August of the previous year [7] Group 5: Common Traits of Market-Beating Stocks - Successful stocks typically exhibit strong sales growth, margin expansion, innovation, and positive earnings estimate revisions [8] Conclusion - Key factors contributing to stock outperformance include robust sales growth, margin expansion, innovation, and favorable earnings estimate revisions [9]
LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (LPLA) Q4 Earnings and Revenues Top Estimates
ZACKS· 2026-01-30 00:45
分组1 - LPL Financial Holdings Inc. reported quarterly earnings of $5.23 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.82 per share, and showing an increase from $4.25 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of +8.62% [1] - The company achieved revenues of $4.91 billion for the quarter ended December 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.19%, and up from $3.51 billion year-over-year [2] - LPL Financial has consistently surpassed consensus EPS estimates over the last four quarters, achieving this four times [2] 分组2 - The stock has gained approximately 2.7% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 1.9% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $5.55 on revenues of $4.95 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $23.11 on revenues of $21.03 billion [7] - The Financial - Investment Bank industry, to which LPL Financial belongs, is currently ranked in the top 14% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook for the sector [8]
Primis Financial (FRST) Q4 Earnings Lag Estimates
ZACKS· 2026-01-30 00:20
分组1 - Primis Financial reported quarterly earnings of $0.1 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.34 per share, and showing a significant improvement from a loss of $0.65 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of -70.59% [1] - The company posted revenues of $45.07 million for the quarter ended December 2025, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 24.17%, and compared to year-ago revenues of $39.3 million, having topped consensus revenue estimates three times over the last four quarters [2] - The stock has underperformed the market, losing about 4.7% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 gained 1.9% [3] 分组2 - The earnings outlook for Primis Financial is crucial for investors, with current consensus EPS estimates at $0.39 on $38.8 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $1.65 on $163.4 million in revenues for the current fiscal year [7] - The Zacks Industry Rank for Financial - Miscellaneous Services is in the top 39% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating that the top 50% of Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by more than 2 to 1 [8]
LCNB (LCNB) Q4 Earnings Miss Estimates
ZACKS· 2026-01-30 00:15
分组1 - LCNB reported quarterly earnings of $0.4 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.44 per share, and down from $0.44 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of -9.09% [1] - The company posted revenues of $23.86 million for the quarter ended December 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.10%, compared to year-ago revenues of $22.7 million [2] - LCNB has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times over the last four quarters and has topped consensus revenue estimates two times as well [2] 分组2 - The stock's immediate price movement will depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and the sustainability of earnings expectations [3] - LCNB shares have increased by about 2.8% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 1.9% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the coming quarter is $0.42 on $22.6 million in revenues, and $1.70 on $92.7 million in revenues for the current fiscal year [7] 分组3 - The Zacks Industry Rank for Banks - Northeast is currently in the top 23% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook for the industry [8] - Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can impact LCNB's performance [5] - The estimate revisions trend for LCNB was mixed ahead of the earnings release, resulting in a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) for the stock, suggesting it will perform in line with the market [6]
Why NXP Semiconductors (NXPI) Dipped More Than Broader Market Today
ZACKS· 2026-01-30 00:15
Company Performance - NXP Semiconductors (NXPI) closed at $233.50, reflecting a -2.72% change from the previous day's closing price, underperforming the S&P 500 which had a daily loss of 0.13% [1] - Over the past month, shares of NXP Semiconductors have increased by 10.58%, significantly outperforming the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 1.88% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.78% [1] Upcoming Earnings - NXP Semiconductors is set to release its earnings report on February 2, 2026, with analysts expecting earnings of $3.3 per share, indicating a year-over-year growth of 3.77% [2] - The consensus estimate for revenue is projected at $3.3 billion, which represents a 6.18% increase from the same quarter last year [2] Fiscal Year Projections - For the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of $11.77 per share and revenue of $12.23 billion, reflecting changes of -10.08% and 0% respectively from the prior year [3] Analyst Estimates - Recent modifications to analyst estimates for NXP Semiconductors indicate changing near-term business trends, with positive revisions suggesting analyst optimism regarding the company's profitability [4] Zacks Rank and Valuation - NXP Semiconductors currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), with a Forward P/E ratio of 17.48, which is a discount compared to its industry's Forward P/E of 48.1 [6] - The consensus EPS projection has increased by 0.46% in the past 30 days, indicating positive sentiment among analysts [6] Industry Metrics - NXP Semiconductors has a PEG ratio of 2.65, compared to the average PEG ratio of 2.58 in the Semiconductor - Analog and Mixed industry [7] - The Semiconductor - Analog and Mixed industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector, which has a Zacks Industry Rank of 24, placing it in the top 10% of over 250 industries [7][8]