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Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Top Stock Reports for Amazon.com, Walmart & Cisco Systems
Monday, June 9, 2025 The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Inc. (AMZN), Walmart Inc. (WMT) and Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO). These research reports have been hand-picked from the roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team today. You can see all of today's research reports here >>> Ahead of Wall Street The daily 'Ahead of Wall Street' article is a must-read for all investors who would like to be ready for that day's trading action. The article comes out before the market opens and attempts to make sense of that morning's economic releases and how they will affect that day's market action. You can read this article for free on our home page and can actually sign up there to get an email notification as this article comes out each morning. You can read today's AWS here >>>Pre-Markets Flat Ahead of CPI, PPI & Possible Trade Deals Today's Featured Research Reports Shares of have gained +14.3% over the past year against the Zacks Internet - Commerce industry's gain of +19.8%. The company's first-quarter results were driven by Prime and AWS momentum. Strengthening the AWS services portfolio and its growing adoption rate contributed well to AWS performance. Ultrafast delivery services and an expanding content portfolio were beneficial. Strengthening relationships with third-party sellers amounted to another positive. Robust advertising contributed well. Amazon's expanding global presence, growing capabilities in grocery, pharmacy, healthcare and autonomous driving are key positives. Deepening focus on GenAI is a major plus. The Zacks analyst expects 2025 net sales to increase 6.9% from 2024. However, Amazon announced mixed guidance for the second quarter. High tariffs imposed by President Trump on goods imported from China have cast uncertainty on retailers such as Amazon. AMZN's free cash flow has decreased significantly. (You can read the full research report on here >>>) Walmart's shares have outperformed the Zacks Retail - Supermarkets industry over the past year (+46.7% vs. +46.1%). The company benefits from the inherent strength of its highly diversified business model. Walmart's strong omnichannel strategy has boosted traffic at physical stores and digital platforms. The company's focus on improving delivery services is successful, leading to steady grocery market share gains. Upsides like these, along with growth in newer ventures like advertising and membership, fueled first-quarter fiscal 2026 results where earnings and revenues increased year over year and e-commerce sales surged. Despite a strong start to the year, Walmart expects potential hurdles in the coming quarters. The company withheld its fiscal second-quarter earnings outlook, citing uncertainty related to tariffs and a highly fluid economic environment. These tariff costs, even at reduced levels, are expected to push prices higher in the near term. (You can read the full research report on Walmart here >>>) Shares of Cisco Systems have outperformed the Zacks Computer - Networking industry over the past year (+48% vs. +47.4%). The company's business model has evolved with subscription revenues accounting for more than half of its total revenues. Increase in recurring revenue base bodes well for investors. The Splunk acquisition enhances its recurring revenue base. The buyout significantly expands Cisco's portfolio of software-based solutions, contributing more than $4 billion in ARR and makes it one of the largest software companies in the world. The launch of AI-powered Hypershield, which combines security and networking, strengthened Cisco's security portfolio. However, it has been suffering from sluggish networking sales, primarily due to lackluster demand from telecommunication and cable services providers, as well as stiff competition. Cisco's prospects are further challenged in the AI-driven networking space due to stiffening competition. (You can read the full research report on Cisco Systems here >>>) Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Ecolab Inc. (ECL), American International Group, Inc. (AIG) and DTE Energy Company (DTE). Mark Vickery Senior Editor Note: Sheraz Mian heads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a well-regarded expert of aggregate earnings. He is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Preview reports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>> Today's Must Read Prime Momentum & Growing AWS Adoption Benefit Amazon (AMZN) Walmart (WMT) Benefits from Impressive E-Commerce Operations Cisco (CSCO) Benefits From Strong Security Products Adoption Featured Reports Innovation Drives Ecolab (ECL) Amid Ongoing Macro Challenges Per the Zacks Analyst, Ecolab's pricing actions and innovation pipeline is likely to drive growth. Yet, cost fluctuations and macro uncertainties may weigh on margins. AIG Benefits From Divestitures Amid High Combined Ratio Per the Zacks Analyst, business streamlining by selling low returning units and focusing on high growth units boosts operational capacities. However, a deteriorating combined ratio remains a concern. Infrastructural Investments Aid DTE Energy (DTE) Amid Poor Solvency Per the Zacks analyst, DTE Energy makes systematic investments to maintain and upgrade the reliability of its infrastructure. Yet its poor financial ratios indicate weak solvency position. NetApp (NTAP) Gains from Strong Demand for Product Portfolio Per the Zacks analyst, NetApp's performance gains from traction in all-flash portfolio and first-party and marketplace cloud storage services. IT spending and volatile macro backdrop are headwinds. Residential Kitchen Unit Aids Middleby (MIDD) Amid High Debt Per the Zacks analyst, solid traction of Middleby's Residential Kitchen Equipment unit, fueled by strong demand for outdoor products, will continue to lend momentum to it. High debt remains a woe. Loan Growth, Rates Aid OneMain Holdings (OMF), Costs High Per the Zacks analyst, loan growth, lower interest rates, diverse offerings, and a decent balance sheet will likely aid OneMain Holdings' financials. Yet, high costs and weak asset quality are woes. Operational Efficiency Aids Avis Budget (CAR), Costs High Per the Zacks analyst, rising operational efficiency has improved profitability and enabled Avis Budget to maintain margins despite inflation. However, escalating expenses are worrisome. New Upgrades Branch Openings, Loans, High Rates Aid Cullen/Frost (CFR) Per the Zacks analyst, Cullen/Frost's branch expansion efforts in the Texas region will drive deposit and loan growth. This, along with high interest rates, will aid the company's top line. Robust Buyouts & Infrastructure Spending Benefits Dycom (DY) Per the Zacks analyst, Dycom's prospects are gaining from accretive buyouts, maintenance and operations services, and fiber infrastructure projects, indicating an upbeat near-term view. Blackbaud (BLKB) Gains on Strong Portfolio & Share Buyback Per the Zacks analyst, Blackbaud is gaining from a robust product portfolio, a steady share repurchases strategy, and margin expansion, which is contributing to growth momentum. New Downgrades Weak Crack Spreads and Margins Ail Eni's (E) Growth Outlook Per the Zacks analyst, E struggles with weak crack spreads, declining biofuel margins, and sluggish demand in its refining and chemical segments, all of which threaten its profitability. Escalated SG&A Costs Hurt Columbia Sportswear's (COLM) Profits Per the Zacks analyst, Columbia Sportswear is seeing higher SG&A costs. In the first quarter of 2025, the company's SG&A expenses were up 1.5% to $354.5 million. Paramount's (PARA) Prospects Suffer from Lower TV Revenues Per the Zacks analyst, Paramount is suffering from TV Media revenue declines, rising costs and stiff competition in the streaming space from Netflix, Amazon and Apple TV+. Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor Stock It's only 1/9,000th the size of NVIDIA which skyrocketed more than +800% since we recommended it. NVIDIA is still strong, but our new top chip stock has much more room to boom. With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it's positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $803 billion by 2028. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Zacks Earnings Trends Highlights: Amazon, McDonald's, Walmart and Target
Chicago, IL – May 29, 2024 – Zacks Director of Research Sheraz Mian says, "Total Q1 earnings for the 477 S&P 500 members that have reported results are up +11.4% from the same period last year on +4.4% higher revenues." Zacks Director of Research Sheraz Mian says, "Total Q1 earnings for the 477 S&P 500 members that have reported results are up +11.4% from the same period last year on +4.4% higher revenues." Note: The following is an excerpt from this week's Earnings Trends report. You can access the full report that contains detailed historical actual and estimates for the current and following periods, please click here>>> Here are the key points: Total S&P 500 earnings for the June quarter are expected to be up +5.5% from the same period last year on +3.8% higher revenues, with a broader and greater pressure on estimates relative to other recent periods. Q2 earnings estimates for 15 of the 16 Zacks sectors are down since the quarter got underway, with Aerospace as the only sector whose estimates have moved higher. The Tech sector's estimates are down since the start of the period, but they have notably stabilized in recent weeks. The Q1 reporting cycle is now effectively behind us, with results from less than two dozen S&P 500 members still awaited at this stage. The Q1 earnings cycle has ended for 9 of the 16 Zacks sectors. Total Q1 earnings for the 477 S&P 500 members that have reported results are up +11.4% from the same period last year on +4.4% higher revenues, with 74.2% beating EPS estimates and 62.9% beating revenue estimates. Total Q1 earnings for the 28 of the 33 Retail sector companies in the S&P 500 index that have reported already are up +11.2% from the same period last year on +5.0% higher revenues, with 60.7% beating EPS estimates and 57.1% beating revenue estimates. Regular users of Zacks Research know that we have a stand-alone economic sector for the Retail sector, unlike the 'official' Standard & Poor's classification that places retailers in the Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples sectors. The Zacks Retail sector includes online vendors like Amazon AMZN, restaurant operators like McDonald's MCD and conventional retailers like Walmart WMT and Target TGT. These Retail sector companies have been struggling to beat EPS and revenue estimates. The group's +11.2% earnings growth drops to a decline of -5.0% once Amazon's substantial contribution is excluded from the numbers. If we look at Retail sector earnings on an annual basis, the expectation is for +4.1% earnings growth this year, which follows +22.7% growth in 2024. But as we saw with the Q1 earnings results, all of that growth is coming from Amazon, with this year's +4.1% earnings growth dropping to -0.6% and last year's +22.7% dropping to +1.8% once Amazon's contribution is excluded from the sector's numbers. A significant part of the sector's earnings challenge is a result of margin pressures, with the logistics associated with e-commerce sales forcing retailers to spend heavily on fulfillment and deliveries. Retail sector margins outside of Amazon have been on a downtrend since 2021, with this year's margins expected to serve as a bottom and start recovering going forward. The start of Q2 coincided with heightened tariff uncertainty following the punitive April 2nd tariff announcements. While the onset of the announced levies was eventually delayed for three months, the issue has understandably weighed heavily on estimates for the current and coming quarters. The expectation at present is for Q2 earnings for the S&P 500 index to increase by +5.5% from the same period last year on +3.8% higher revenues. While it is not unusual for estimates to be adjusted lower, the magnitude and breadth of Q2 estimate cuts are greater than we have seen in the comparable periods of other recent quarters. Since the start of the quarter, estimates have come down for 15 of the 16 Zacks sectors, with the biggest declines for the Transportation, Autos, Energy, Construction, and Basic Materials sectors. The only sector experiencing favorable revisions in this period is Aerospace. Estimates for the two largest earnings contributors to the index – Tech & Finance – have also declined since the quarter began. Tech sector earnings are expected to be up +11.9% in Q2 on +9.9% higher revenues. While these earnings growth expectations are materially below where they stood at the start of April, the revisions trend appears to have notably stabilized lately, as we have been flagging in recent weeks. You can see this in the sector's revisions trend. Estimates for the Tech sector have stabilized and are no longer under the type of downward pressure that we were experiencing earlier. The Tech sector is much more than just any another sector, as it alone accounts for almost a third of all S&P 500 earnings. While estimates for this year have been under pressure lately, there haven't been a lot of changes to estimates for the next two years at this stage. Stocks have recouped their tariff-centric losses, although the issue has only been deferred for now. While some of the more dire economic projections have eased lately, there is still plenty of macro uncertainty that will likely continue to weigh on earnings estimates in the days ahead, particularly as we gain visibility on the tariffs question. Since 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.7% average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +48.4%, +50.2% and +56.7% per year. Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation. See Stocks Free >> Media Contact Zacks Investment Research 800-767-3771 ext. 9339 support@ provides investment resources and informs you of these resources, which you may choose to use in making your own investment decisions. Zacks is providing information on this resource to you subject to the Zacks "Terms and Conditions of Service" disclaimer. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Inc. (AMZN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Target Corporation (TGT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Walmart Inc. (WMT) : Free Stock Analysis Report McDonald's Corporation (MCD) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research


Washington Post
28-05-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
Phreesia: Fiscal Q1 Earnings Snapshot
WILMINGTON, Del. — WILMINGTON, Del. — Phreesia Inc. (PHR) on Wednesday reported a loss of $3.9 million in its fiscal first quarter. On a per-share basis, the Wilmington, Delaware-based company said it had a loss of 7 cents. The results beat Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of five analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for a loss of 13 cents per share.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Top Analyst Reports for Walmart, Palantir & Uber
Monday, May 19, 2025The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Walmart Inc. (WMT), Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) and Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER). These research reports have been hand-picked from the roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team can see all of today's research reports here >>>Ahead of Wall StreetThe daily 'Ahead of Wall Street' article is a must-read for all investors who would like to be ready for that day's trading action. The article comes out before the market opens and attempts to make sense of that morning's economic releases and how they will affect that day's market action. You can read this article for free on our home page and can actually sign up there to get an email notification as this article comes out each can read today's AWS here >>> Pre-Markets Lower as the Street Absorbs Downgrade, WarningsToday's Featured Research ReportsWalmart's shares have outperformed the Zacks Retail - Supermarkets industry over the past year (+55.0% vs. +52.9%). The company benefits from the inherent strength of its highly diversified business model. Walmart's strong omnichannel strategy has boosted traffic at physical stores and digital focus on improving delivery services is successful, leading to steady grocery market share gains. Upsides like these, along with growth in newer ventures like advertising and membership, fueled first-quarter fiscal 2026 results, wherein earnings and revenues increased year over year, and e-commerce sales a strong start to the year, Walmart expects potential hurdles in the coming quarters. The company withheld its fiscal second-quarter earnings outlook, citing uncertainty related to tariffs and a highly fluid economic environment. These tariff costs, even at reduced levels, are expected to push prices higher in the near term.(You can read the full research report on Walmart here >>>)Shares of Palantir have outperformed the Zacks Internet - Software industry over the year-to-date period (+82.2% vs. +7.3%). The company's AI strategy, driven by Foundry, Gotham and AIP platforms, targets government and commercial sectors, enabling real-time insights and operational defense projects, like Open DAGIR, and AIP boot camps for commercial clients boost customer acquisition. With $5.2 billion in cash, no debt and S&P 500 inclusion, Palantir enjoys strong liquidity, growing revenues and increased investor visibility. Meanwhile, PLTR's reluctance to dividend payout is a green flag for dividend-seeking competition from tech giants and rising costs amidst a rapidly evolving AI landscape and an elevated valuation challenge its appeal. Palantir shares have gained 499.1% in a year and we have a Neutral rating on it in anticipation of a correction.(You can read the full research report on Palantir here >>>)Uber's shares have outperformed the Zacks Internet - Services industry over the past year (+48% vs. -2.3%). The company which dominates the North American ride-sharing market, is likely to increase its focus on suburban markets to drive growth. The Zacks analyst remains confident about its ability to combat the challenges with the help of a strong operating model and successful diversification though Uber's primary business is ride-sharing, it has diversified into food delivery and freight over time. On the flip side, fears of gross bookings slowdown and elimination of intermediary services weigh on UBER shares.A debt load above industry levels and currency-related woes represent further headwinds. Considering all these factors, investors are advised to wait for a better entry point. For those who already own the stock, it will be prudent to stay invested. Our thesis is supported by our Neutral recommendation on the shares.(You can read the full research report on Uber here >>>)Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include SAP SE (SAP), Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) and Elevance Health, Inc. (ELV).Mark VickerySenior EditorNote: Sheraz Mian heads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a well-regarded expert of aggregate earnings. He is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Preview reports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>> Today's Must Read Walmart (WMT) Benefits from Impressive E-Commerce Operations Modular Sales Tactic Aids Palantir (PLTR), Competition High Uber Continues to Benefit From Delivery Business Amid High Debt Featured Reports Strong Backlog to Support Caterpillar (CAT) Amid High CostsPer the Zacks analyst, robust backlog levels and improved volumes in the Energy & Transportation segment will support Caterpillar's results amid high labor costs and tariff headwinds. Elevance's (ELV) Strategic Buyouts & Product Expansion AidPer the Zacks analyst, acquisitions, partnerships and product expansions are helping Elevance Health boost its portfolio, leading to steady revenue growth. Yet, rising costs are affecting profits. Investment on Infrastructure & Clean Assets Aid Dominion (D)Per the Zacks analyst, Dominion's investment of $50 billion in 2025-2029 period to enhance clean electricity generation and strengthen its infrastructure will boost its profitability. Western Midstream (WES) Banks on Stable Fee-Based RevenuesWestern Midstream generates stable cash flows as its contracts are backed by minimum volume commitments. However, declining natural gas throughput concerns the Zacks analyst. Solventum's (SOLV) Restructuring Initiatives to Aid GrowthPer the Zacks analyst, a three-phase restructuring initiative to optimize portfolio and reposition itself for a profitable growth post separation from 3M looks promising. Ionis' (IONS) Progress With Wholly-Owned Drugs EncouragingThe Zacks Analyst is encouraged by Ionis' progress with its wholly owned pipeline. Its collaboration with big pharma provides it with funds to invest in their development. Cogent (CCOI) Rides on Healthy Growth in Wavelength ConnectionsPer the Zacks analyst, steady wavelength customer additions, focus on cost effective operations and network upgradation initiatives will likely boost Cogent's margin. New Upgrades SAP's Cloud Momentum Drives Strong Revenue PerformancePer the Zacks analyst, SAP is seeing strong momentum from rising cloud demand, fueled by growing adoption of Rise with SAP and Grow with SAP, boosting Cloud ERP Suite sales and cloud revenue growth. Increasing Loans & Deposit Balances Support Popular's GrowthPer the Zacks analyst, given the strong loan pipeline and rising deposit balance, Popular is well-positioned for organic growth in the upcoming period. Digital Expansion Fuels BJ's Wholesale (BJ) Sales GrowthPer the Zacks analyst, BJ's Wholesale Club has been investing in digital capabilities to enhance member engagement. Digitally-enabled comparable sales rose 26% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. New Downgrades Higher Expenses, Tough Competition Hurts IMAX's (IMAX) ProspectsPer the Zacks Analyst, IMAX faces significant competition in the out-of-home entertainment industry. Higher expenses also remain a drag on profitability. Mortgage Rate Risks & High Costs Hurt Lennar's (LEN) GrowthPer the Zacks analyst, Lennar's prospects are hurting from affordability concerns due to high mortgage rates. Also, increased homebuilding costs and uncertainties around tariffs are adding to it. Macro Uncertainty Hurt Caesars Entertainment (CZR) ProspectsPer the Zacks analyst, Caesars Entertainment is likely to be hurt by macroeconomic uncertainty, localized disruptions, and adverse weather conditions. Also, elevated operating expenses is a headwind. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Walmart Inc. (WMT) : Free Stock Analysis Report SAP SE (SAP) : Free Stock Analysis Report Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER) : Free Stock Analysis Report Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) : Free Stock Analysis Report Elevance Health, Inc. (ELV) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research


Washington Post
09-05-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
Oragenics: Q1 Earnings Snapshot
SARASOTA, Fla. — SARASOTA, Fla. — Oragenics Inc. (OGEN) on Friday reported a loss of $2.2 million in its first quarter. On a per-share basis, the Sarasota, Florida-based company said it had a loss of 12 cents. _____ This story was generated by Automated Insights ( using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on OGEN at