Core Insights - Zillow's stock fell 8% due to concerns over Alphabet testing real estate listings in Google search results, which could disrupt Zillow's market position [1][2] - Alphabet's potential entry into the real estate market raises competitive fears, given its innovative capabilities and resources [2][3] - Zillow's annual sales peaked at $8.14 billion in 2021 but have since declined, while Alphabet continues to reach new revenue highs [4] Financial Performance - Zillow's sales are projected to rise by 15% this year and an additional 14% in fiscal 2026, reaching $2.94 billion [5] - Zillow's earnings per share (EPS) are expected to increase by 21% in FY25 to $1.67 and by 31% in FY26 to $2.19 [9][10] - Alphabet's EPS is projected to grow by 31% this year and by 4% in FY26 to $10.95, reflecting a positive trend in earnings estimates [10][11] Market Position and Outlook - The cyclicality of the housing market makes Alphabet a more attractive investment compared to Zillow, especially in terms of risk aversion [5] - Despite positive EPS revisions for Zillow, the stock remains under pressure, and both companies currently hold a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [12]

Core Viewpoint - Dillard's (DDS) is highlighted as a strong retail stock to consider, especially following record Black Friday sales in the U.S., and it currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to impressive earnings and optimism related to Federal Reserve rate cuts [1]. Company Performance - Dillard's stock has increased over 50% year-to-date, driven by earnings that have consistently surpassed analyst expectations [1]. - The company trades at a high price of over $600 per share, but its profitability and digital presence suggest potential for further growth [2]. Business Model - Dillard's unique business model, which involves owning most of its stores rather than leasing, contributes to its exceptional profitability by reducing rent expenses and stabilizing costs [5]. - The company has pursued a long-term, debt-averse expansion strategy focused on real estate ownership since its founding in 1938 [5]. Financial Metrics - Dillard's boasts a 20% return on invested capital (ROIC), significantly above the preferred range of 10-15% for department store chains [6]. - The company has a free cash flow conversion rate of 108%, indicating strong ability to convert profits into cash for reinvestment or shareholder returns [6]. Earnings Projections - EPS revisions for fiscal 2026 have increased by 5% in the last 30 days, from $30.92 to $32.61, while FY27 EPS estimates have risen over 6% from $28.10 to $29.93 [7]. - Current EPS estimates for the upcoming quarters are 9.84 for Q1 2026 and 9.20 for Q2 2026, reflecting positive trends in earnings expectations [8]. Valuation - Dillard's stock trades at a forward earnings multiple of 20X, which is considered reasonable compared to its profitability, and it is at a slight P/E discount to Kohl's and not at a stretched premium to Macy's [8]. Market Outlook - Dillard's is positioned to benefit from a record-breaking holiday shopping season, as indicated by strong Black Friday sales, suggesting continued strong performance in the retail sector [11].

Core Insights - Target and Walmart reported strong Q3 earnings, exceeding expectations, which has sparked discussions about potential investment opportunities in these retail giants [1][3][4] Target Overview - Target's Q3 EPS was $1.78, beating expectations of $1.76 but down from $1.85 in the same quarter last year [3] - Q3 sales for Target decreased by over 1% year-over-year to $25.27 billion, slightly missing estimates of $25.35 billion, attributed to affordability pressures on consumer goods [3] - Target has cut its full-year profit outlook, now guiding FY26 EPS to $7.00-$8.00 from a previous range of $7.00-$9.00, reflecting a cautious stance on the holiday outlook [6] - FY26 EPS guidance represents a 17% drop from $8.86 in FY25, although FY27 EPS is projected to stabilize and rise by 9% to $7.94 [9] Walmart Overview - Walmart's Q3 sales rose 6% year-over-year to $179.49 billion, surpassing estimates of $177.14 billion [4] - Q3 EPS for Walmart was $0.62, exceeding estimates of $0.61 and up from $0.58 a year ago [4] - Walmart has raised its fiscal 2026 net sales growth guidance to 4.8%-5.1%, up from 3.75%-4.75%, and increased its full-year operating income guidance by nearly 400 basis points to a growth range of 8.5%-9.5% [5] - Annual earnings for Walmart are expected to rise 4% in FY26 and jump another 12% in FY27 to $2.92 per share [10] EPS Revisions and Market Outlook - Both Target and Walmart stocks currently hold a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating a need for more compelling EPS revision trends for potential upside [11] - Walmart's optimistic outlook and EPS beat may enhance its market prospects, while Target's cautious approach could limit its growth potential [11]

Group 1 - The article highlights the positive revisions in S&P 500 calendar year EPS estimates, indicating a bullish sentiment among investors [2] - Notably, there have been upward adjustments in the 2027 EPS estimate since August 1, 2025, suggesting growing confidence in future earnings [2]

Company Overview - Trinity Asset Management was founded by Brian Gilmartin in May 1995, focusing on providing attention and service to individual investors and institutions that were underserved by larger firms [1] - Brian Gilmartin has a background as a fixed-income/credit analyst and has experience working with a Chicago broker-dealer and Stein Roe & Farnham before establishing his own firm [1] Educational Background - Brian Gilmartin holds a BSBA in Finance from Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, obtained in 1982, and an MBA in Finance from Loyola University, Chicago, completed in January 1985 [1] - He earned the CFA designation in 1994, indicating a high level of expertise in investment management [1] Professional Experience - Brian Gilmartin has contributed to financial writing, having written for TheStreet.com from 2000 to 2012 and WallStreet AllStars from August 2011 to Spring 2012 [1] - He has also written for Minyanville.com and has been quoted in various publications, including the Wall Street Journal, showcasing his influence in the financial industry [1]