Investors interested in Financial - Investment Bank stocks are likely familiar with Nomura Holdings (NMR) and MarketAxess (MKTX) . But which of these two stocks presents investors with the better value opportunity right now? Let's take a closer look.The best way to find great value stocks is to pair a strong Zacks Rank with an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system. The Zacks Rank is a proven strategy that targets companies with positive earnings estimate revision trends, while ou ...

Core Viewpoint - Evercore (EVR) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive trend in earnings estimates which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - 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 [1][2]. - Changes in earnings estimates are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements, largely due to institutional investors who adjust their valuations based on these estimates [4]. Business Outlook - The upgrade in Zacks Rank for Evercore suggests an improvement in the company's underlying business, which could lead to an increase in stock price as investors respond positively to this trend [5][10]. - Evercore is projected to earn $18.52 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2026, with a 1.6% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past three months [8]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with a strong historical performance, particularly for Zacks Rank 1 stocks which have averaged a +25% annual return since 1988 [7]. - The upgrade of Evercore to a Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, indicating a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10].

JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley are among leading investment banks hesitating to provide a critical source of financing for US renewables projects https://t.co/1CXpQuxrvv ...

Industry Overview - The investment bank industry thrived in 2025 due to increased client activities, a rebound in underwriting and advisory businesses, a solid trading business, and significant application of artificial intelligence (AI) enhancing long-term efficiency [1] - The Zacks-defined Financial – Investment Bank industry ranks in the top 21% of the Zacks Industry Rank, with a return of 22.9% over the past year and a year-to-date return of 2.2%, indicating potential outperformance in the next three to six months [2] Company Analysis Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (GS) - Goldman Sachs is focusing on core strengths in investment banking and trading while restructuring and reducing its consumer banking footprint [4] - The company is expanding in the private equity credit market to diversify its revenue base, with a solid liquidity profile supporting capital distribution activities [5] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for Goldman Sachs are 8.6% and 10.3%, respectively, for the current year, with a 2.3% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last 30 days [6][8] Citigroup Inc. (C) - Citigroup has seen benefits from increased net interest income and lower provisions, with transformation initiatives positioning revenues for growth [9] - The expansion into private credit enhances diversification, supported by a strong capital base for shareholder returns, with an expected return on tangible common equity of 10-11% by 2026 [10] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for Citigroup are 5.4% and 28%, respectively, with a 1% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last 30 days [12] Morgan Stanley (MS) - Morgan Stanley's focus on wealth and asset management, along with strategic alliances and acquisitions, is expected to drive top-line growth [13] - The acquisition of EquityZen will allow Morgan Stanley to tap into the growing private markets landscape, supported by a strong investment banking pipeline [13] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for Morgan Stanley are 6% and 8.4%, respectively, with a 5.1% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last 30 days [15]

Core Insights - FRNT Financial Inc. has demonstrated significant growth in its institutional lending business, with assets exceeding US$175 million in H2 2025 [1] - The company specializes in USD-denominated loans collateralized by Bitcoin and other digital assets, facilitating transactions between institutional lenders and borrowers [2] - FRNT aims to bridge traditional finance and digital assets through a technology-driven and compliant operation, offering various capital markets and advisory services [3] Institutional Lending Business - The institutional lending pipeline has shown continued momentum, indicating a robust demand for FRNT's services [1] - The company has a fully automated tri-party structure with no rehypothecation and 24/7 margin monitoring, enhancing the security and efficiency of its lending operations [7] Company Overview - FRNT Financial Inc. is a digital asset investment bank founded in 2018, providing services such as trading, structured derivatives, merchant banking, and lending origination [3] - The company is headquartered in Toronto and is led by CEO Stéphane Ouellette, who has expressed optimism about the future growth of the lending business as market conditions improve [2][3]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article emphasizes that the company, as a sponsor, is committed to maintaining its role as a "gatekeeper" in the listing of technology companies, focusing on identifying "hard technology" and preventing the listing of "pseudo-technology" firms [1] - The company conducts comprehensive industry research and interviews with upstream and downstream stakeholders to cross-verify key business, financial, and technological information of the enterprises it sponsors [1] - The company implements strict internal control processes to ensure that the recommended enterprises meet the listing standards [1]

Group 1 - Goldman Sachs is recognized as one of the 12 Best Dow Jones Dividend Stocks to buy according to hedge funds [1] - Bank of America raised its price target for Goldman Sachs to $1,100 from $1,050, maintaining a Buy rating, citing strong fourth-quarter performance and positive momentum in dealmaking and IPO activity [2] - A preliminary agreement was signed between Qatar Investment Authority and Goldman Sachs to expand their strategic partnership, targeting up to $25 billion in investments [3] Group 2 - Under the memorandum of understanding, QIA will act as an anchor investor in several of Goldman's flagship and innovative strategies, with plans to increase headcount in Doha [4] - Qatar is diversifying its economy beyond hydrocarbons and expanding its financial sector to attract foreign capital, which includes increasing the presence of global asset managers and investment banks [5] - Goldman Sachs provides a wide range of financial services to various clients, including corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals [6]

Core Viewpoint - The market anticipates a year-over-year decline in Moelis' earnings due to lower revenues, with a focus on how actual results will compare to estimates [1][3]. Earnings Expectations - Moelis is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.76 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 35.6% [3]. - Revenues are projected to be $428.14 million, down 2.4% from the same quarter last year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 0.78% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4]. - The Most Accurate Estimate for Moelis is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of +1.76%, suggesting a bullish outlook from analysts [12]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - A positive Earnings ESP is a strong indicator of an earnings beat, especially when combined with a Zacks Rank of 1, 2, or 3 [10]. - Moelis has a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [12]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Moelis exceeded the expected earnings of $0.57 per share by delivering $0.68, resulting in a surprise of +19.30% [13]. - The company has beaten consensus EPS estimates in all of the last four quarters [14]. Conclusion - Moelis is viewed as a compelling candidate for an earnings beat, but investors should consider other factors influencing stock performance ahead of the earnings release [17].

Core Insights - Goldman Sachs' stock has experienced significant growth, increasing over 232% in the past five years and over 51% in the past year [1] Company Overview - Goldman Sachs is one of the oldest and most prominent investment banks, advising on mergers and acquisitions (M&As) and initial public offerings (IPOs), as well as helping companies raise debt [2] - The company has a strong presence in fixed-income and equities trading [2] Market Conditions - Market conditions significantly influence Goldman's performance; low interest rates and favorable conditions lead to increased M&As and IPOs, resulting in higher fees [3] - Prior to 2025, regulatory challenges and high interest rates hindered M&A and IPO activities [3] - In 2025, a more favorable M&A environment and lower interest rates contributed to a resurgence in IPOs and deal-making activity [4] Operational Improvements - Goldman Sachs has improved operational efficiency by abandoning a consumer lending initiative that was not yielding satisfactory returns and by reducing its on-balance-sheet alternative investment holdings [5] - The company is exploring entry into prediction markets, with a team currently assessing integration opportunities with existing businesses [6] Valuation and Investment Outlook - The stock is currently trading at a high valuation, which is justified by expectations of a strong year for M&As and IPOs [8] - While the stock's valuation is high, it is suggested that current investors hold the stock, with potential buying opportunities on dips [8]

Group 1 - Goldman Sachs was founded in 1869 and is recognized as the world's second-largest investment bank by revenue [1] - The company is ranked 55th on the Fortune 500 list of the largest U.S. companies [1]