For the quarter ended December 2025, Colgate-Palmolive (CL) reported revenue of $5.23 billion, up 5.8% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $0.95, compared to $0.91 in the year-ago quarter.The reported revenue represents a surprise of +2.79% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.09 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being $0.91, the EPS surprise was +4.02%.While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall Street ...

Company Overview - Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for cardiometabolic and rare/orphan diseases [3] - The company markets two oral, once-daily, non-statin therapies aimed at patients struggling to maintain low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and at risk of cardiovascular disease [3] Upcoming Event - Esperion will present at J.P. Morgan's 44th Annual Healthcare Conference on January 14, 2025, starting at 2:15 p.m. PT/5:15 p.m. ET [1] - A live webcast of the presentation will be available on the investor and media section of the Esperion website, with a replay accessible approximately two hours after the event [2] Market Position and Strategy - Esperion has a broad U.S. commercial infrastructure and has received global approvals in over 40 countries, positioning itself as a partner-of-choice for global innovators seeking U.S. market access [4] - The company is advancing its leadership in ACLY biology to build a diversified pipeline of novel product candidates, including treatments for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and renal diseases [4]

Core Insights - Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) is recognized as one of the 15 Best Blue-Chip Stocks with Growing Dividends [1] Financial Performance and Outlook - Argus analyst downgraded Colgate-Palmolive from Buy to Hold due to rising raw material costs and tariff pressures impacting profitability, suggesting a less compelling risk-reward scenario [2] - During Q3 2025 earnings, the company reaffirmed its long-term 2030 Strategy, emphasizing the strength of its core brands and their positions in expanding global categories [3] - Colgate updated its organic sales growth outlook, projecting approximately 1.2% growth for the full year, which includes a 70 basis point headwind from exiting private-label operations [5] Innovation and Strategy - The company is focusing on a revamped innovation approach, allocating more resources to science-based product development across various price points [4] - Investments in AI, predictive analytics, and automation are highlighted as key tools to enhance efficiency and enable personalized offerings at scale [4] Market Position - Colgate-Palmolive operates as a global consumer products company, specializing in oral, personal, and home care products, with nearly half of its business linked to faster-growing emerging markets [6]

Core Viewpoint - Dividend stocks have underperformed compared to tech and AI stocks this year, but they still hold long-term value due to their ability to provide consistent income and reduce portfolio volatility [1][2]. Group 1: Importance of Dividend Stocks - Dividend-paying stocks can help meet ongoing income or liquidity needs and historically reduce volatility during market downturns [2]. - Companies with stable financials are better positioned to maintain dividends, with a focus on payout ratios to assess sustainability [3]. Group 2: Methodology for Stock Selection - The article screened for companies with a market cap above $10 billion and at least 10 years of dividend growth, identifying 15 stocks with positive analyst sentiment and high hedge fund interest [6]. Group 3: The J. M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM) - The J. M. Smucker Company has 41 hedge fund holders and has seen an increase in its price target from $118 to $120 by BofA following positive Q2 results [9][10]. - The company reported Q2 net sales of $2.3 billion, a 3% increase year-over-year, with a coffee segment profit margin of 18.2% [12][11]. Group 4: Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) - Colgate-Palmolive has 56 hedge fund holders but faced a downgrade to Hold from Buy due to rising raw material costs impacting profitability [14][15]. - The company reaffirmed its long-term strategy and highlighted its focus on innovation and efficiency improvements [16][17]. Group 5: American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP) - American Electric Power has 56 hedge fund holders, with a price target increase from $121 to $125 by JPMorgan, reflecting positive adjustments in the utilities sector [20]. - The company anticipates a 7%-9% long-term EPS growth outlook, driven by increasing demand from data centers, and has raised its capital investment plan to $72 billion [22][21].

Core Insights - Zenas BioPharma has entered a transformative license agreement with InnoCare Pharma for the global development and commercialization rights to orelabrutinib, a highly selective oral BTK inhibitor for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) [1][4][12] - Orelabrutinib is currently in Phase 3 trials for Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) and is expected to begin trials for Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) in Q1 2026 [2][21] - Zenas has also secured rights to two additional promising molecules: an oral IL-17AA/AF inhibitor and a TYK2 inhibitor, both expected to enter Phase 1 trials in 2026 [1][4][9] Company Developments - Zenas announced a private placement financing of approximately $120 million to support its operations and clinical development [1][13][16] - The license agreement includes upfront and milestone payments to InnoCare totaling up to $100 million in cash and up to 7 million shares of Zenas common stock, with total potential payments exceeding $2 billion [10][11] - Zenas aims to leverage this collaboration to enhance its position as a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on autoimmune diseases [4][5] Clinical Trials and Pipeline - The Phase 3 trial for PPMS has been initiated, while the SPMS trial is set to start in early 2026 [2][21] - Orelabrutinib has shown significant efficacy in previous Phase 2 trials for Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS), demonstrating sustained reductions in inflammatory activity [3][21] - Zenas is also advancing obexelimab, which is concluding Phase 3 development for IgG4-RD, and expects to report key trial results in late 2025 and early 2026 [6][8] Market Potential - Orelabrutinib is positioned as a potential blockbuster treatment for progressive forms of MS, addressing a significant unmet medical need [4][5] - The collaboration with InnoCare is expected to enhance Zenas's capabilities in drug development and commercialization, particularly in the global market for autoimmune therapeutics [5][6] Financial Overview - The private placement is expected to provide sufficient funds to support Zenas's operations into Q4 2026, with additional potential funding from milestone payments [16][14] - Zenas's strategic focus on developing a balanced portfolio of therapies aims to maximize clinical and commercial potential across multiple therapeutic areas [6][10]

Core Viewpoint - Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. has announced a public offering of 30 million shares at a price of $2.50 per share, aiming to raise approximately $75 million before expenses [1]. Group 1: Offering Details - The offering includes a 30-day option for underwriters to purchase an additional 4.5 million shares [1]. - The offering is expected to close on or about October 9, 2025, pending customary closing conditions [1]. - The shares are being offered under an effective shelf registration statement filed with the SEC on April 18, 2025 [3]. Group 2: Management and Coordination - Piper Sandler & Co. and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering [2]. - Citizens JMP Securities, LLC, H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC, and Needham & Company, LLC are co-managers for the offering [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - Esperion is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing oral, once-daily, non-statin medicines for patients with elevated LDL-C [6]. - The company has FDA-approved medications supported by the CLEAR Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial involving nearly 14,000 patients [6]. - Esperion is advancing its pipeline with a focus on developing ATP citrate lyase inhibitors (ACLYi) [6][7].

Core Viewpoint - Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. has initiated an underwritten public offering of its common stock, with a potential additional 15% of shares available for underwriters [1][2] Company Overview - Esperion is a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing oral, once-daily, non-statin medicines for patients with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) [1][6] - The company has FDA approval for its oral medications aimed at patients at risk for cardiovascular disease, supported by the CLEAR Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial involving nearly 14,000 patients [6] - Esperion is advancing its next-generation program targeting ATP citrate lyase inhibitors (ACLYi), leveraging new insights for rational drug design [6][7] Offering Details - The shares are being offered under an effective shelf registration statement filed with the SEC on April 18, 2025, and declared effective on April 29, 2025 [3] - The offering will be conducted through a written prospectus and a preliminary prospectus supplement will be filed with the SEC [3][5] - Joint book-running managers for the offering are Piper Sandler & Co. and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. [2][4]

Company Overview - Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. is a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing new medicines for unmet patient needs, particularly in cardiovascular disease [3] - The company has developed the only FDA-approved oral, once-daily, non-statin medications for patients with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) [3] - Esperion's medications are supported by the CLEAR Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial, which involved nearly 14,000 patients [3] Upcoming Events - Esperion will participate in the Cantor Global Healthcare Conference in New York on September 3, 2025, at 9:45 a.m. ET [1] - The company will also attend the H.C. Wainwright 27th Annual Global Investment Conference in New York on September 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. ET [1] Webcast Information - Live webcasts of the events can be accessed on the investor and media section of the Esperion website [2] - Replay of the webcasts will be available approximately two hours after the events and archived for about 90 days [2] Strategic Focus - Esperion is advancing its pre-clinical pipeline and focusing on developing ATP citrate lyase inhibitors (ACLYi) [3][4] - The company aims to leverage new insights into the structure and function of ACLYi for rational drug design, targeting the development of highly potent and specific inhibitors [3]

Core Viewpoint - Analysts forecast a quarterly earnings per share (EPS) of $0.89 for Colgate-Palmolive, indicating a year-over-year decline of 2.2%, with revenues expected to be $5.06 billion, showing no change from the previous year [1]. Earnings Projections - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised upward by 0.2% in the last 30 days, reflecting analysts' reassessment of their initial estimates [2]. - Changes in earnings projections are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical studies show a strong correlation between earnings estimate trends and short-term stock price movements [3]. Revenue Estimates - The consensus estimate for 'Net Sales- Pet Nutrition' is $1.13 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 1.1% [5]. - 'Net Sales- Total Oral, Personal and Home Care' is projected to reach $3.91 billion, indicating a decline of 0.9% from the prior year [5]. - 'Net Sales- Oral, Personal and Home Care- North America' is expected to be $1.01 billion, showing a growth of 1% year-over-year [5]. - 'Net Sales- Oral, Personal and Home Care- Latin America' is estimated at $1.24 billion, reflecting a decrease of 2.5% from the previous year [6]. - 'Net Sales- Oral, Personal and Home Care- Europe' is projected at $716.03 million, indicating a decline of 0.6% [7]. - 'Net Sales- Oral, Personal and Home Care- Asia Pacific' is expected to be $666.60 million, showing a decrease of 2.3% [7]. Operating Profit Estimates - 'Operating profit- Total Oral, Personal and Home Care' is expected to be $999.32 million, down from $1.06 billion in the same quarter last year [8]. - 'Operating profit- Pet Nutrition' is projected at $260.59 million, an increase from $235 million reported in the same quarter last year [8]. - 'Operating profit- Oral, Personal and Home Care- North America' is estimated at $200.45 million, compared to $223 million in the previous year [9]. - 'Operating profit- Oral, Personal and Home Care- Latin America' is expected to be $364.91 million, down from $417 million reported last year [9]. - 'Operating profit- Oral, Personal and Home Care- Africa/Eurasia' is projected at $61.54 million, compared to $64 million in the same quarter last year [10]. Stock Performance - Colgate-Palmolive shares have decreased by 4.9% over the past month, contrasting with a 3.6% increase in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [11].

Company Overview - Colgate-Palmolive positions itself as a "caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets, and our planet" [1] - The company operates in two segments: oral care, personal care, and home care [1] Investment Philosophy - The focus is on identifying undervalued, promising stocks while balancing risk and reward [1] - Emphasis on limited risks with decent to high upside potential by understanding ownership [1] - Simplicity in investment ideas is highlighted as a key principle, with a contrarian approach being favored [1]