After 43+ years working for one investment research company or another, I finally retired. So now, I’m completely independent. And for the first time on Seeking Alpha, I won’t be working based on anybody else’s product agenda. I have only one goal now… to give you the best actionable investment insights I can.I have long specialized in rules/factor-based equity investing strategies. But I’m different from others who share such backgrounds. I don’t serve the numbers. Instead, the numbers serve me… to inspire ...

Palantir Technologies PLTR analysts highlight the company’s opportunity in AI, government and commercial sectors after first-quarter financial results. Bank of America analyst Mariana Perez Mora maintained a Buy rating on Palantir with a $125 price target.Goldman Sachs analyst Gabriela Borges maintained a Neutral rating and raised the price target from $80 to $90.Wedbush analyst Dan Ives maintained an Outperform rating and raised the price target from $120 to $140.Read Also: Palantir Lauds Musk’s DOGE Cuts, ...

Core Viewpoint - The Zacks Building Products – Wood industry is facing challenges due to increased construction costs, high mortgage rates, and potential trade tariffs, which are straining consumer affordability and demand conditions [1][4][5]. Industry Overview - The industry encompasses forest product companies and manufacturers of lumber and wood products used in home construction, repair, and remodeling, including flooring products and timberland REITs [3]. Current Trends - High interest rates and trade policies are significantly impacting the U.S. housing and remodeling market, leading to low buyer urgency and limited residential remodeling activity [4]. - The reimplementation of tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber is expected to increase material costs, with estimates suggesting an additional $10,900 to the cost of constructing a new home due to these tariffs [5]. - The industry has historically experienced volatility in lumber prices, affecting inventory costs and profit margins [6]. Positive Developments - There is a strong need for investments in home performance improvements and modernization of aging housing stock, alongside increased funding for infrastructure and ESG-related projects [2][7]. - Companies are focusing on acquisitions, product innovation, and cost-reduction strategies to enhance operational efficiency and support growth [9]. Industry Performance - The Zacks Building Products – Wood industry has outperformed the broader Zacks Construction sector but has lagged behind the S&P 500 Composite over the past year, gaining 4.2% compared to the sector's 5.5% decline and the S&P 500's 9.8% increase [14]. - The industry's current forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio stands at 22.76, higher than the S&P 500's 20.97 and the sector's 17.33 [17]. Company Highlights - Worthington Enterprises, Inc. has been benefiting from operational excellence, strategic innovation, and disciplined growth execution, with an upward estimate revision for 2025 earnings to $2.75 from $2.67 per share [22][23]. - PotlatchDeltic Corporation is experiencing growth driven by its broad-based strength across timberlands and wood products, with an upward estimate revision for 2025 earnings to 83 cents from 81 cents per share [27][28].

Core Insights - Corcept Therapeutics reported first-quarter 2025 earnings of 17 cents per share, matching the Zacks Consensus Estimate, but down from 25 cents per share in the same quarter last year [1] - Revenues for the first quarter increased by 7.1% year over year to $157.2 million, but fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $178 million, primarily driven by sales of the Cushing's syndrome drug, Korlym [2][5] - Year-to-date, Corcept's shares have increased by 46.8%, contrasting with a 0.4% decline in the industry [4] Financial Performance - Korlym sales were impacted by the inability of a specialty pharmacy vendor to meet the surge in demand, leading to lower-than-expected sales and a 7.5% drop in shares during after-hours trading following the earnings announcement [5] - Research and development expenses rose by 3.8% year over year to $60.7 million, while selling, general, and administrative expenses surged by approximately 61.1% to $90.7 million, resulting in total operating expenses increasing by 31.1% to $153.8 million [6] - As of March 31, 2025, cash and investments totaled $570.8 million, down from $603.2 million as of December 31, 2024 [6] 2025 Guidance - Corcept reiterated its total revenue guidance for 2025, expecting revenues in the range of $900-$950 million, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate at $905.7 million [7] Pipeline Developments - Corcept is advancing its lead candidate, relacorilant, for Cushing's syndrome, with a new drug application submitted to the FDA in December 2024 based on positive data from the GRACE study and other trials [8] - The FDA accepted the NDA in March 2025, with a target action date of December 30, 2025 [9] - Corcept is also exploring relacorilant in combination studies for various cancer indications, with the phase III ROSELLA study meeting its primary endpoint for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer [9] Additional Studies - Corcept initiated the phase II BELLA study to evaluate relacorilant in combination with nab-paclitaxel and Avastin for treating platinum-resistant ovarian cancer [10] - The company is also assessing relacorilant plus Xtandi in early-stage prostate cancer patients in collaboration with the University of Chicago [11] - Data from the phase II DAZALS study for dazucorilant in ALS did not meet its primary endpoint, but exploratory analysis showed improved overall survival for treated patients [12][13] Market Position - Corcept currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), with better-ranked biotech stocks including ADMA Biologics and Immunocore Holdings, both carrying a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [14]

Group 1 - Priority Technology Holdings, Inc. held its Q1 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM ET [1] - The call featured key participants including Tom Priore, Chairman and CEO, and Tim O'Leary, CFO [3] - Meghna Mehra, Managing Director at ICR, introduced the call and the participants [2][3] Group 2 - The company emphasized that the remarks during the call would include forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties [4] - There is no obligation for the company to update or revise these forward-looking statements based on new information or future events [4] - The call may reference non-GAAP measures such as EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, with reconciliations available in the press release and SEC filings [5]

Following my coverage on Floor & Decor Holdings (NYSE: FND ), for which I reiterated a hold rating as I was not convinced that the business is recovering, especially with the visible headwinds I noted, this post is toI take a fundamentals-based approach to value investing.I disagree with the common misconception held by many investors that low multiple stocks must be cheap. I look for companies that offer the best long-term durability at the most affordable prices. Consequently, I have a propensity to be dr ...

Core Viewpoint - STERIS plc (STE) is set to release its fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results on May 14, with expectations of revenue growth and increased earnings per share (EPS) compared to the previous year [1][2]. Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is $1.48 billion, reflecting a 4.2% increase from the prior year [2]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EPS is $2.58, indicating a year-over-year increase of 7.1% [2]. - In the last reported quarter, STERIS posted adjusted EPS of $2.32, matching the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with an average surprise of 0.61% over the last four quarters [1][3]. Segment Analysis - **Healthcare**: Growth in consumables and services is expected to continue, driven by increased procedure volumes in the U.S. and market share gains [4]. The revenue for Healthcare capital equipment is projected to improve by 4.1% year-over-year [6]. - **Applied Sterilization Technologies (AST)**: Organic revenue growth is anticipated, with a projected increase of 9% year-over-year for this segment [7][8]. Despite previous declines in capital equipment shipments, demand in bioprocessing is expected to contribute positively [7]. - **Life Sciences**: This segment may see a revenue decline of 1.5% year-over-year, as strong growth in consumables and services is offset by a decrease in capital equipment revenue [9]. Estimate Revision Trend - Earnings estimates for STERIS have remained stable at $2.58 per share over the past 60 days, indicating confidence in the upcoming results [3]. Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank - STERIS has an Earnings ESP of 0.00%, suggesting a lower likelihood of beating earnings expectations [11]. The company currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [11].

Core Viewpoint - Affirm Holdings, Inc. is expected to report its third-quarter fiscal 2025 results on May 8, 2025, with a projected loss of 8 cents per share on revenues of $783.1 million, indicating significant year-over-year improvements in both earnings and revenues [1][2]. Financial Performance - The fiscal third-quarter earnings estimate has improved by 2 cents over the past month, reflecting an 81.4% year-over-year improvement [1]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for quarterly revenues suggests a year-over-year growth of 35.9% [1]. - For the current fiscal year, the revenue estimate is pegged at $3.2 billion, implying a rise of 37.1% year over year, while the EPS consensus is a loss of 6 cents, indicating a 96.4% improvement year over year [2]. Earnings Expectations - Affirm is predicted to beat earnings estimates due to a positive Earnings ESP of +63.27% and a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [3]. - The company has consistently beaten consensus estimates for earnings in the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 84.1% [2]. Revenue Drivers - Merchant network revenues are expected to reach $199.5 million, indicating a 25.2% rise from the prior-year quarter [5]. - The Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) is anticipated to grow by 29.2% year-over-year, with management estimating it to be in the range of $8-$8.3 billion [6]. - Active consumers are projected to grow by 17.4% year-over-year, and transactions per active consumer are expected to rise by 16.5% [7]. Card Network and Interest Income - Card network revenues are expected to improve by 30% year-over-year, while interest income is pegged at $414.4 million, indicating a 31.3% year-over-year rise [8]. - Servicing income is estimated to reach nearly $31.3 million, reflecting a 23.6% increase from the year-ago quarter [9]. Transaction Costs - The company anticipates higher transaction costs in the range of $415-$430 million for the quarter [9]. Stock Performance - Affirm's stock has increased by 38.6% over the past month, outperforming the industry growth of 19.4% and significantly surpassing the S&P 500's increase of 12.3% [10]. Valuation - Despite the recent stock price appreciation, Affirm's valuation remains relatively cheap at 4.34X forward 12-month sales, below the industry average of 5.12X [13]. Competitive Landscape - The delay of Klarna's IPO has reduced competitive pressure in the BNPL space, benefiting Affirm as one of the few publicly traded players [18]. - Concerns regarding Walmart's relationship with Affirm are considered overblown, as Walmart contributed only 5% to Affirm's GMV [18]. Long-term Outlook - Affirm is expanding internationally and diversifying its offerings, which positions it to compete with major players like Visa and PayPal [19]. - The company is focusing on profitability by tightening underwriting standards and improving margins, which is expected to bolster investor confidence [19].

Tyson Foods Inc. TSN shares continue to slide lower on Tuesday. This comes after yesterday's decline of more than 7%. Earnings came in at 92 cents, which was slightly ahead of estimates. But the $13.07 billion of revenue was lower than the $13.14 billion analysts were looking for.Despite today's move, there is a good chance that it could reverse and head higher. This is why we have made it our Stock of the Day.Sometimes, technical market dynamics can be more important than the fundamental news that has been ...

Core Viewpoint - Lockheed Martin's performance and strategic positioning have been highlighted, indicating a robust backlog and potential for future growth [1]. Group 1 - The last coverage of Lockheed Martin occurred in March 2024, focusing on its strong backlog [1]. - The company aims to provide actionable investment ideas through independent research [1].