Austin, Texas-based CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (CRWD) is a cybersecurity company that provides cloud-delivered, subscription-based security services through its Falcon platform. Valued at a market cap of $121.5 billion, the company’s offerings include endpoint protection, cloud workload security, identity protection, threat intelligence, vulnerability management, and automated response tools. Companies worth $10 billion or more are typically classified as “large-cap stocks,” and CRWD fits the label perfec ...

Company Overview - Gen Digital Inc. (GEN) is based in Tempe, Arizona, and specializes in cyber safety solutions for individuals, families, and small businesses, with a market cap of $17.9 billion [1] - The company provides security and performance management, identity protection, and online privacy solutions, positioning itself as a large-cap stock in the software-infrastructure industry [2] Financial Performance - GEN reported a significant revenue increase of 30.3% year-over-year, reaching $1.3 billion, and an adjusted EPS of $0.64, which is a 20.8% increase from the previous year [5] - The company raised its fiscal 2026 guidance, expecting revenue between $4.8 billion and $4.9 billion, and adjusted EPS between $2.49 and $2.56, which has positively influenced investor confidence [5] Stock Performance - GEN's stock has declined 10% from its 52-week high of $32.22, reached on August 13, and has underperformed the S&P 500 Index, which rose 11.4% over the same three-month period [3][4] - Over the past 52 weeks, GEN's stock has gained 7.9%, lagging behind the S&P 500's 16.6% increase, and on a year-to-date basis, GEN is up 5.9% compared to the S&P 500's 13.3% return [4] Market Position - Despite recent underperformance, analysts maintain a moderately optimistic outlook for GEN, with a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" from nine analysts and a mean price target of $36, indicating a potential 24.2% upside from current levels [6] - GEN has significantly lagged behind its competitor, Zscaler, Inc. (ZS), which has seen a 70.5% increase over the past 52 weeks and a 63.1% increase year-to-date [6]

Core Insights - NetApp, Inc. is a leading provider of cloud-led, data-centric solutions with a market cap of $24.8 billion, specializing in data storage systems, software, and cloud services [1][2] - The company is classified as a large-cap stock, emphasizing its size and influence in the software-infrastructure industry, particularly in hybrid cloud integration and AI-driven analytics [2] Financial Performance - NetApp's shares are currently trading 8.3% below their 52-week high of $135.45, reached on November 22, 2024, with a 23.6% increase over the past three months, outperforming the Invesco AI and Next Gen Software ETF's 16.1% return [3] - Over the past 52 weeks, NetApp has gained 5.8%, significantly underperforming the IGPT's 22.7% increase, while year-to-date, shares are up 7% compared to IGPT's 18.1% surge [4] - In Q1, NetApp reported revenue of $1.6 billion, a 1.2% increase year-over-year, and adjusted EPS of $1.55, slightly down year-over-year but above consensus estimates [5]

Fortinet, Inc. (FTNT), headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, provides cybersecurity solutions and the convergence of networking and security. Valued at $61.1 billion by market cap, the company offers network security appliances, software, and subscription services. Fortinet systems integrate the industry's broadest suite of security technologies, including firewalls, VPNs, antivirus, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), web filtering, anti-spam, and traffic shaping. Companies worth $10 billion or more ar ...

Core Insights - Zacks Premium provides various tools for investors to enhance their stock market strategies and confidence [1] - The Zacks Style Scores are designed to help investors select stocks with the highest potential to outperform the market in the short term [2] Zacks Style Scores Overview - Stocks are rated based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics, with scores ranging from A to F, where A indicates the highest potential for outperformance [3] - The Style Scores are categorized into four types: Value Score, Growth Score, Momentum Score, and VGM Score, each focusing on different investment strategies [3][4][5][6] Value Score - The Value Score identifies attractive stocks based on valuation ratios such as P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, and Price/Cash Flow, appealing to value investors [3] Growth Score - The Growth Score assesses stocks based on projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow, targeting growth investors [4] Momentum Score - The Momentum Score evaluates stocks based on price trends and earnings estimate changes, assisting momentum investors in timing their purchases [5] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines the three Style Scores to highlight stocks with the best overall value, growth, and momentum characteristics [6] Zacks Rank Integration - The Zacks Rank utilizes earnings estimate revisions to simplify portfolio building, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks historically yielding an average annual return of +23.75% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [7][8] Stock Selection Strategy - To maximize returns, investors should focus on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B, while also considering earnings estimate trends [10][11] Company Spotlight: Zoom Video Communications - Zoom Video Communications is currently rated 2 (Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B, benefiting from increased demand for remote communication tools [12] - The company is projected to have year-over-year earnings growth of 1.1% for the current fiscal year, with an upward revision in earnings estimates [13]

Core Insights - Investors should prioritize companies that demonstrate strong profitability after accounting for all expenses, favoring profitable firms over those with losses [1] - NVIDIA Corporation, Broadcom Inc., and ServiceNow, Inc. are identified as top investment picks for the second half of the year due to their high net income ratios [2] Net Income Ratio - The net income ratio is a critical measure of a company's profitability, indicating the percentage of net income relative to total sales revenues, with a higher ratio suggesting effective revenue generation and expense management [3] Screening Parameters - Additional criteria for identifying potential investment winners include: - Zacks Rank of 3 or lower, allowing only 'Strong Buys', 'Buys', and 'Holds' [4] - Trailing 12-month sales and net income growth exceeding industry averages [4] - Trailing 12-month net income ratio higher than industry benchmarks [5] - A strong buy percentage rating greater than 70% [5] - These parameters narrowed the stock universe from over 7,685 to just 11 candidates [5] Company Highlights - **NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA)**: - Provides solutions for graphics, computing, and networking globally - Achieved a 12-month net profit margin of 51.7% and holds a Zacks Rank of 3 [5][7] - **Broadcom Inc. (AVGO)**: - Develops semiconductor devices and infrastructure software solutions worldwide - Reports a 12-month net profit margin of 22.6% and also holds a Zacks Rank of 3 [6][7] - **ServiceNow, Inc. (NOW)**: - Offers cloud-based solutions for digital workflows across various regions - Has a 12-month net profit margin of 13.8% and maintains a Zacks Rank of 3 [8][7]

Group 1 - Medpace Holdings, Inc. (MEDP) has seen a 10.1% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - CB Financial Services, Inc. (CBFV) has experienced an 18.2% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - Calix, Inc. (CALX) has recorded a 25.6% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - LendingTree, Inc. (TREE) has seen an 8.5% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Hasbro, Inc. (HAS) has experienced a 12.2% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3]

Core Insights - The Q1 2025 earnings cycle is underway, with guidance being a crucial factor due to economic uncertainties from recent tariff announcements [1] - Several companies, including Boston Scientific, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft, have reported positive earnings results, leading to bullish share reactions [2][10] Boston Scientific (BSX) - Boston Scientific exceeded both revenue and earnings expectations, achieving a 12% EPS beat and sales 2.3% above forecasts [3] - The company upgraded its current-year guidance, projecting 16% EPS growth and 17% higher sales, supported by strong segment performance [4][8] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) and a Style Score of 'B' for Value [3][4] Meta Platforms (META) - Meta Platforms reported strong growth, with sales increasing 16% year-over-year, driven by robust advertising revenue totaling $41.3 billion [9][16] - The company's average price per ad rose 10% year-over-year, and daily active users increased by 6% [16] Microsoft (MSFT) - Microsoft reported EPS of $3.46 and sales of $70.0 billion, both exceeding consensus expectations, with sales growing 13% year-over-year and EPS climbing 18% [12] - The strong results were driven by Microsoft Cloud and AI, with cloud revenue increasing 20% year-over-year to $42.4 billion, and Intelligent Cloud revenue reaching $26.8 billion, up 21% [13] - The demand for Microsoft's services is expected to remain strong for the foreseeable future [13]