Market Overview - February has started with a subdued market sentiment, characterized by an AI-driven sell-off in U.S. stocks as investors reassess high expectations [1] - Concerns have emerged regarding the potential erosion of pricing power for software stocks due to AI tools, alongside fears of a slowdown in hyperscaler AI capital expenditures impacting chip and data-center suppliers [1] - The market is seeking clearer monetization strategies and disciplined spending from companies [1] Investment Recommendations - Retail investors may find it challenging to identify stocks for solid long-term returns, but following broker recommendations can simplify this process [2] - Stocks such as Jacobs Solutions Inc. (J), Envista Holdings Corporation (NVST), and Tapestry, Inc. (TPR) are highlighted as potential investment opportunities [2] Broker Insights - Brokers develop informed views by engaging with senior management, analyzing public disclosures, and participating in earnings calls, which helps contextualize a company's fundamentals within the broader economic landscape [3] - Upgrades from brokers are often based on new evidence, such as updated guidance or channel checks, which can indicate an inflection point before it is reflected in market consensus [4] Stock Screening Strategy - A screening strategy is proposed to identify potential winning stocks, focusing on those with broker rating upgrades of 1% or more over the past four weeks [6] - Stocks must have a current price greater than $5 and an average 20-day trading volume exceeding 100,000 to ensure liquidity [6] Specific Stock Performances - Jacobs Solutions is expected to see a 16.5% year-over-year increase in fiscal 2026 earnings and has experienced a 6.3% upward revision in broker ratings recently [9] - Envista Holdings, with a diversified portfolio in dental solutions, is projected to have a 17.7% increase in earnings for 2026 and has seen an 18.5% upward revision in broker ratings [10] - Tapestry is anticipated to achieve a 19% year-over-year earnings growth in fiscal 2026, with a 5% increase in broker ratings [11]

Core Insights - Jacobs Solutions, Inc. is set to report its first-quarter fiscal 2026 results on February 3, with expectations of continued growth in earnings and revenues [1][4] Financial Performance - In the last reported quarter, Jacobs' adjusted earnings and revenues exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.8% and 0.6%, respectively, with year-over-year increases of 27.7% in earnings and 6.6% in revenues [1][2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the upcoming quarter's earnings per share is $1.52, reflecting a 14.3% year-over-year increase from $1.33, while revenues are estimated at $3.18 billion, an 8.5% increase from $2.93 billion in the prior year [3] Growth Drivers - Jacobs' fiscal first-quarter performance is expected to show steady year-over-year growth, driven by strong demand in sectors such as water, life sciences, data centers, transportation, and energy-related infrastructure [4][9] - The Infrastructure & Advanced Facilities segment, which accounted for 89.5% of total revenues in fiscal 2025, is anticipated to benefit from ongoing strength in Water & Environmental, Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, and Critical Infrastructure [6][10] - The PA Consulting segment, making up 10.5% of total revenues, is expected to contribute steadily, supported by public-sector and private-sector advisory work [9] Market Conditions - The company anticipates net revenue growth of 5.5% to 7.5% and a low to mid-15% margin, indicating typical seasonal patterns for the fiscal first quarter [5] - Demand for Critical Infrastructure is expected to remain broad-based, driven by transportation programs and energy-related investments, which continue to support revenue visibility [8] Operational Efficiency - Jacobs' bottom line is likely to have improved year-over-year due to a favorable mix, increased use of global delivery centers, and evolving commercial models that enhance profitability [11]

Core Insights - Jacobs Solutions, Inc. is set to report its fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results on November 20, with adjusted earnings expected to show a year-over-year increase of 21.9% to $1.67 per share, while revenues are projected to rise 6% to $3.14 billion [1][3]. Financial Performance - In the last reported quarter, Jacobs' adjusted earnings exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.9%, but revenues fell short by 1.1%, with year-over-year declines of 17.3% in earnings and 28.4% in revenues [1][2]. - The average earnings surprise over the last four quarters has been 2.3% [2]. Segment Performance - The Infrastructure & Advanced Facilities segment, which accounts for 89.7% of total revenues, is expected to benefit from strong demand in Water & Environmental, Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, and Critical Infrastructure [5]. - Water services are highlighted as a resilient part of Jacobs' portfolio, with ongoing modernization and regulatory compliance driving demand [5]. - Life Sciences & Advanced Manufacturing is anticipated to gain from investments in biopharma capacity and data-center development, supported by partnerships with companies like NVIDIA [6]. - Critical Infrastructure demand is broad-based, with significant projects such as the DFW Airport digital transformation and Australia's Marinus Link electricity interconnector enhancing revenue visibility [7]. Consulting Contributions - PA Consulting is expected to positively impact the fiscal fourth quarter, driven by increased private-sector demand and improved public-sector spending in the U.K. [8]. Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues in the Infrastructure & Advanced Facilities segment is $2.82 billion, an increase from $2.7 billion in the previous quarter, while PA Consulting revenues are estimated at $326 million, down from $333 million [9]. Profitability Outlook - Jacobs' bottom line is projected to improve year-over-year due to a favorable mix, enhanced use of global delivery centers, and evolving commercial models that support margin expansion [10]. - The company anticipates a full-year adjusted EBITDA margin near 13.9%, with expectations for higher profitability in the final quarter as operational efficiencies and gross-margin initiatives take effect [11]. Earnings Prediction - The Zacks model indicates that Jacobs does not conclusively predict an earnings beat this time, with an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [13][14].

Group 1 - Zacks Premium offers tools for investors to enhance their stock market confidence and knowledge, including daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1] - The Zacks Style Scores are designed to help investors select stocks with the highest potential to outperform the market within 30 days, rated from A to F based on value, growth, and momentum [2][10] - The Value Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios like P/E and Price/Sales [3] - The Growth Score evaluates a company's future prospects through projected earnings and cash flow [4] - The Momentum Score identifies trends in stock prices and earnings estimates to optimize entry points for investments [5] - The VGM Score combines the three Style Scores to highlight stocks with the best overall value, growth, and momentum [6] Group 2 - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to assist investors in building successful portfolios, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks yielding an average annual return of +23.75% since 1988 [7][8] - Investors are encouraged to select stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B for optimal success [10] - Jacobs Solutions Inc. is highlighted as a stock to watch, currently holding a 3 (Hold) Zacks Rank and a VGM Score of B, with a Momentum Style Score of B and a 7% increase in shares over the past four weeks [12][13][14] - Jacobs Solutions has seen upward revisions in earnings estimates, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.04 to $6.05 per share for fiscal 2025 [13]