Skillz Inc. (SKLZ) closed at $11.13 in the latest trading session, marking a -0.71% move from the prior day. This change lagged the S&P 500’s daily gain of 0.23%.

– Zacks

Prior to today’s trading, shares of the company had lost 1.23% over the past month. This has lagged the Consumer Discretionary sector’s gain of 1.8% and the S&P 500’s gain of 0.65% in that time.

SKLZ will be looking to display strength as it nears its next earnings release.

For the full year, our Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of -$0.61 per share and revenue of $390.23 million, which would represent changes of -48.78% and +69.58%, respectively, from the prior year.

Investors might also notice recent changes to analyst estimates for SKLZ. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. With this in mind, we can consider positive estimate revisions a sign of optimism about the company’s business outlook.

Our research shows that these estimate changes are directly correlated with near-term stock prices. Investors can capitalize on this by using the Zacks Rank. This model considers these estimate changes and provides a simple, actionable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate remained stagnant within the past month. SKLZ is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

The Gaming industry is part of the Consumer Discretionary sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 175, which puts it in the bottom 32% of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our individual industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Make sure to utilize Zacks. Com to follow all of these stock-moving metrics, and more, in the coming trading sessions.

Tech IPOs With Massive Profit Potential: Last years top IPOs surged as much as 299% within the first two months. With record amounts of cash flooding into IPOs and a record-setting stock market, this year could be even more lucrative. 

See Zacks’ Hottest Tech IPOs Now >>

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Skillz Inc. (SKLZ): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

In the latest trading session, Realty Income Corp. (O) closed at $68.53, marking a +0.9% move from the previous day. The stock outpaced the S&P 500’s daily gain of 0.23%.

– Zacks

Heading into today, shares of the real estate investment trust had lost 5.6% over the past month, lagging the Finance sector’s loss of 1.32% and the S&P 500’s gain of 0.65% in that time.

Investors will be hoping for strength from O as it approaches its next earnings release. The company is expected to report EPS of $0.91, up 12.35% from the prior-year quarter. Meanwhile, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue is projecting net sales of $471.45 million, up 16.53% from the year-ago period.

Looking at the full year, our Zacks Consensus Estimates suggest analysts are expecting earnings of $3.57 per share and revenue of $1.91 billion. These totals would mark changes of +5.31% and +15.79%, respectively, from last year.

It is also important to note the recent changes to analyst estimates for O. These recent revisions tend to reflect the evolving nature of short-term business trends. As a result, we can interpret positive estimate revisions as a good sign for the company’s business outlook.

Research indicates that these estimate revisions are directly correlated with near-term share price momentum. Investors can capitalize on this by using the Zacks Rank. This model considers these estimate changes and provides a simple, actionable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate remained stagnant within the past month. O currently has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

Valuation is also important, so investors should note that O has a Forward P/E ratio of 19.02 right now. This valuation marks a premium compared to its industry’s average Forward P/E of 15.03.

Investors should also note that O has a PEG ratio of 4.36 right now. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock’s expected earnings growth rate. REIT and Equity Trust – Retail stocks are, on average, holding a PEG ratio of 2.58 based on yesterday’s closing prices.

The REIT and Equity Trust – Retail industry is part of the Finance sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 76, which puts it in the top 30% of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank includes is listed in order from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Be sure to follow all of these stock-moving metrics, and many more, on Zacks.com.

Tech IPOs With Massive Profit Potential: Last years top IPOs surged as much as 299% within the first two months. With record amounts of cash flooding into IPOs and a record-setting stock market, this year could be even more lucrative. 

See Zacks’ Hottest Tech IPOs Now >>

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
 
Realty Income Corporation (O): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

In the latest trading session, PepsiCo (PEP) closed at $155.76, marking a +0.19% move from the previous day. The stock lagged the S&P 500’s daily gain of 0.23%.

– Zacks

Heading into today, shares of the food and beverage company had lost 0.68% over the past month, outpacing the Consumer Staples sector’s loss of 1.27% and lagging the S&P 500’s gain of 0.65% in that time.

Investors will be hoping for strength from PEP as it approaches its next earnings release, which is expected to be October 5, 2021. The company is expected to report EPS of $1.72, up 3.61% from the prior-year quarter. Meanwhile, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue is projecting net sales of $19.37 billion, up 7.1% from the year-ago period.

Looking at the full year, our Zacks Consensus Estimates suggest analysts are expecting earnings of $6.24 per share and revenue of $77.27 billion. These totals would mark changes of +13.04% and +9.8%, respectively, from last year.

It is also important to note the recent changes to analyst estimates for PEP. These recent revisions tend to reflect the evolving nature of short-term business trends. As a result, we can interpret positive estimate revisions as a good sign for the company’s business outlook.

Research indicates that these estimate revisions are directly correlated with near-term share price momentum. Investors can capitalize on this by using the Zacks Rank. This model considers these estimate changes and provides a simple, actionable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 0.01% higher within the past month. PEP currently has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

Valuation is also important, so investors should note that PEP has a Forward P/E ratio of 24.93 right now. This valuation marks a premium compared to its industry’s average Forward P/E of 23.68.

Investors should also note that PEP has a PEG ratio of 2.96 right now. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock’s expected earnings growth rate. Beverages – Soft drinks stocks are, on average, holding a PEG ratio of 2.48 based on yesterday’s closing prices.

The Beverages – Soft drinks industry is part of the Consumer Staples sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 121, which puts it in the top 48% of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank includes is listed in order from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Be sure to follow all of these stock-moving metrics, and many more, on Zacks.com.

Tech IPOs With Massive Profit Potential: Last years top IPOs surged as much as 299% within the first two months. With record amounts of cash flooding into IPOs and a record-setting stock market, this year could be even more lucrative. 

See Zacks’ Hottest Tech IPOs Now >>

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
 
PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

A formidable name among the COVID-19 vaccine developers, Moderna MRNA, impressed investors with a rally of 7.8% on Sep 9. The shares of the biotechnology company pioneering messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines soared as it informed about developing a two-in-one vaccine booster shot that will provide shield against both COVID-19 and the seasonal flu. Moderna plans to name the new vaccine mRNA-1073, which will be a combination of the company’s present coronavirus vaccine along with a flu shot that is presently under development.

– Zacks

Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for adults has already received the emergency use authorization or emergency use listing from the World Health Organization (WHO) and health authorities in more than 50 countries. The company has also been granted approval for the application of its COVID-19 vaccine in adolescents aged 12 years and above in the European Union and other jurisdictions. Moderna duly completed the submission process for a Biologics License Application (BLA) for the vaccine in the United States on Aug 25. According to data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 147 million of the Moderna shots have been provided in the United States (per a CNBC article).

Notably, Moderna recently informed about new data on the durability of its COVID-19 vaccine in generating neutralizing antibodies against variants of concern like Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon and Iota. According to the company, the manuscript was published in Science. The data shows that majority of the people who received both the shots of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine maintained both binding and functional antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants for six months after the second dose.

Moderna ETFs to Gain

Considering the important role played by the coronavirus vaccines in Moderna’s recent earnings results, the latest developments can be a positive for the stock. Notably, Moderna delivered 302 million doses of mRNA-1273, including 199 million doses in the second quarter, across the globe during the first half of 2021. The company expects to manufacture 800 million to 1 billion doses in 2021. It also projects to produce between 2 billion and 3 billion doses in 2022.

Interestingly, Moderna reported revenues of $4.4 billion in the second quarter, up from $67 million in the year-ago quarter. The major increase in revenues was driven by sales of its coronavirus vaccine, which is now approved for temporary/emergency use in several countries. Moreover, grants from an agreement with Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (“BARDA”) related to development of the COVID-19 vaccine drove revenues.

Therefore, we discuss a few ETFs that provide exposure to Moderna:

ETFMG Treatments Testing and Advancements ETF GERM

This fund is designed to give direct exposure to biotech companies, directly engaged in the testing and treatment of infectious diseases. It holds 77 stocks in its basket, with Moderna occupying the top spot at 12.15% share. The fund has amassed $70.1 million in its asset base and charges 68 basis points (bps) in annual fees (read: Play COVID-Themed ETFs as US Labor Day Sees Rise in New Cases).

VanEck Biotech ETF BBH

The underlying MVIS US Listed Biotech 25 Index tracks the overall performance of companies involved in the development and production, marketing and sales of drugs based on genetic analysis and diagnostic equipment. It holds about 24 securities in its basket, with 11.17% exposure to Moderna. Its AUM is $630.9 million and it has an expense ratio of 0.35% (read: Best ETF Areas for Placing Your Bets in September).

iShares Biotechnology ETF IBB

This fund seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S.-listed equities in the biotechnology sector. It holds about 269 securities in its basket, with 11.14% exposure to Moderna. IBB has AUM of $11.44 billion, with an expense ratio of 0.45% (read: Pfizer Vaccine Approval Triggers a Surge in Biotech ETFs).

iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF IDNA

The fund seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of developed and emerging market companies that could benefit from the long-term growth and innovation in genomics, immunology, and bioengineering. It holds about 48 securities in its basket, with 7.79% exposure to Moderna. IDNA has AUM of $370 million, with an expense ratio of 0.47% (read: A Comprehensive Guide to Genomic ETFs).

More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone!

It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 77 billion devices by 2025, creating a $1.3 trillion market.

Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 4 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don’t buy now, you may kick yourself in 2022.

Click here for the 4 trades >>

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
 
Moderna, Inc. (MRNA): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB): ETF Research Reports
 
VanEck Biotech ETF (BBH): ETF Research Reports
 
iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF (IDNA): ETF Research Reports
 
ETFMG Treatments, Testing and Advancements ETF (GERM): ETF Research Reports
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
 
Zacks Investment Research

We all know that the overall earnings picture has been very strong, though the ongoing resurge in Covid infections has started weighing on near-term economic outlook, with estimates of Q3 GDP growth sharply coming down in recent days.
Unlike Q3 GDP growth estimates, earnings expectations for the period have not been revised lower, but the revisions trend has nevertheless lost its earlier momentum.
You can see this in the chart below that tracks the evolution of Q3 earnings growth expectations:

– Zacks

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

What we see here is that while the trend remains positive, it seems to have stalled out sine late July. In fact, the magnitude of positive revisions to Q3 estimates is notably below what we had seen in the comparable periods of the last three earnings seasons.
This loss of momentum is likely tied to the emerging economic slowdown, which in turn is likely a function of the Delta variant. Estimates of GDP growth have been steadily coming down, and currently stand around +3% — roughly half of the growth rate expected a few months back.
We also need to keep an eye on the margins outlook given rising cost trends in labor, inputs, freight/logistics and other line items.
The market appears to agree with the Fed’s assessment of this trend as “transitory” and a function of Covid-related disruptions that will eventually even out. This view is reflected in current consensus estimates, as you can see in the chart below:
 

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

This “transitory” view of the ongoing cost pressures is even more pronounced in the annual view of the margins picture, as the chart below shows:

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

We all know that the “transitory” or otherwise debate has implications for Fed policy, which is as important for the market as the outlook for earnings and margins.
Expectations for Q3 & Beyond
The last earnings season (2021 Q2) not only witnessed a very high earnings growth rate, but the aggregate tally of total earnings also reached a new all-time quarterly record, surpassing the record set in the preceding period. Other positives that came out of Q2 earnings season included the breadth of strength across all the key sectors and the notable momentum on the revenue front.
We know that the unusually high growth rates of the first two quarters will not continue in the last two quarters as they largely reflected easy comparisons to the year-earlier periods that were severely impacted by Covid-related disruptions. Comparisons will be relatively normal in 2021 Q3 and beyond as the U.S. economy had started opening up in the year-earlier period and hence the expected deceleration in the growth pace.
You can see this expected growth deceleration in the below chart that puts 2021 Q3 earnings and revenue growth expectations in the context of where growth has been in the preceding four periods, and the estimates for the following three quarters.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The comparable picture on an annual basis is no less impressive, as you can see in the chart below:

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

We mentioned earlier how the aggregate 2021 Q2 earnings tally represented a new all-time quarterly record. You can see that in the chart below, with this year’s four quarters highlighted:
 

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

We all know that large segments of the economy, particularly in the broader leisure, travel and hospitality spaces are held down by the pandemic, with companies in these areas still earning significantly less than they did in the pre-Covid period. In fact, many of these companies aren’t expected to get back to pre-Covid profitability levels for almost one more year.
The impressive feature of the record earnings in each of the last two quarters is that they were achieved without help from these key parts of the economy.
Earnings Season Gets Underway
We will be counting Oracle’s ORCL report after the market’s close on Monday, September 13th, as first report of the Q3 earnings season.
Oracle will be reporting results for its fiscal quarter ending in August, which we count as part of our Q3 earnings tally. A number of other bellwether operators like FedEx FDX, Nike NKE, Costco COST and others will also be releasing their fiscal August quarter results in the coming days.
By the time JPMorgan JPM and other big banks start reporting their September-quarter results on October 13th, we will have seen such August-quarter results from almost two dozen S&P 500 members.
For a detailed look at the overall earnings picture, including expectations for the coming periods, please check out our weekly Earnings Trends report >>>> Looking Ahead to the Q3 Earnings Season

Bitcoin, Like the Internet Itself, Could Change Everything

Blockchain and cryptocurrency has sparked one of the most exciting discussion topics of a generation. Some call it the “Internet of Money” and predict it could change the way money works forever. If true, it could do to banks what Netflix did to Blockbuster and Amazon did to Sears. Experts agree we’re still in the early stages of this technology, and as it grows, it will create several investing opportunities.

Zacks’ has just revealed 3 companies that can help investors capitalize on the explosive profit potential of Bitcoin and the other cryptocurrencies with significantly less volatility than buying them directly. 

See 3 crypto-related stocks now >>

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
 
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
NIKE, Inc. (NKE): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Oracle Corporation (ORCL): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
FedEx Corporation (FDX): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
 
Zacks Investment Research

XPO Logistics (XPO) closed at $84.15 in the latest trading session, marking a -0.78% move from the prior day. This move lagged the S&P 500’s daily loss of 0.77%.

– Zacks

Coming into today, shares of the freight management company had lost 3.89% in the past month. In that same time, the Transportation sector gained 0.78%, while the S&P 500 gained 1.55%.

XPO will be looking to display strength as it nears its next earnings release. The company is expected to report EPS of $0.93, up 10.71% from the prior-year quarter. Our most recent consensus estimate is calling for quarterly revenue of $3.04 billion, down 27.88% from the year-ago period.

Looking at the full year, our Zacks Consensus Estimates suggest analysts are expecting earnings of $4.30 per share and revenue of $12.18 billion. These totals would mark changes of +113.93% and -25.06%, respectively, from last year.

Any recent changes to analyst estimates for XPO should also be noted by investors. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. With this in mind, we can consider positive estimate revisions a sign of optimism about the company’s business outlook.

Our research shows that these estimate changes are directly correlated with near-term stock prices. To benefit from this, we have developed the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model which takes these estimate changes into account and provides an actionable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell). It has a remarkable, outside-audited track record of success, with #1 stocks delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 33.67% lower within the past month. XPO is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #5 (Strong Sell).

Investors should also note XPO’s current valuation metrics, including its Forward P/E ratio of 19.74. This represents a premium compared to its industry’s average Forward P/E of 16.35.

It is also worth noting that XPO currently has a PEG ratio of 1.65. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock’s expected earnings growth rate. Transportation – Services stocks are, on average, holding a PEG ratio of 1.45 based on yesterday’s closing prices.

The Transportation – Services industry is part of the Transportation sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 92, putting it in the top 37% of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank includes is listed in order from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

You can find more information on all of these metrics, and much more, on Zacks.com.

Bitcoin, Like the Internet Itself, Could Change Everything

Blockchain and cryptocurrency has sparked one of the most exciting discussion topics of a generation. Some call it the “Internet of Money” and predict it could change the way money works forever. If true, it could do to banks what Netflix did to Blockbuster and Amazon did to Sears. Experts agree we’re still in the early stages of this technology, and as it grows, it will create several investing opportunities.

Zacks’ has just revealed 3 companies that can help investors capitalize on the explosive profit potential of Bitcoin and the other cryptocurrencies with significantly less volatility than buying them directly. 

See 3 crypto-related stocks now >>

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
 
XPO Logistics, Inc. (XPO): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
 
Zacks Investment Research

Uber Technologies (UBER) closed at $39.89 in the latest trading session, marking a -1.14% move from the prior day. This change lagged the S&P 500’s 0.77% loss on the day.

– Zacks

Heading into today, shares of the ride-hailing company had lost 5.57% over the past month, lagging the Computer and Technology sector’s gain of 3.13% and the S&P 500’s gain of 1.55% in that time.

Wall Street will be looking for positivity from UBER as it approaches its next earnings report date. On that day, UBER is projected to report earnings of -$0.43 per share, which would represent year-over-year growth of 30.65%. Meanwhile, our latest consensus estimate is calling for revenue of $4.4 billion, up 40.76% from the prior-year quarter.

For the full year, our Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of -$0.20 per share and revenue of $16.32 billion, which would represent changes of +94.82% and +35.08%, respectively, from the prior year.

Investors should also note any recent changes to analyst estimates for UBER. These revisions help to show the ever-changing nature of near-term business trends. With this in mind, we can consider positive estimate revisions a sign of optimism about the company’s business outlook.

Based on our research, we believe these estimate revisions are directly related to near-team stock moves. To benefit from this, we have developed the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model which takes these estimate changes into account and provides an actionable rating system.

Ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), the Zacks Rank system has a proven, outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks returning an average of +25% annually since 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 27.83% higher within the past month. UBER is currently a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

The Internet – Services industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 114, which puts it in the top 45% of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our individual industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

You can find more information on all of these metrics, and much more, on Zacks.com.

Bitcoin, Like the Internet Itself, Could Change Everything

Blockchain and cryptocurrency has sparked one of the most exciting discussion topics of a generation. Some call it the “Internet of Money” and predict it could change the way money works forever. If true, it could do to banks what Netflix did to Blockbuster and Amazon did to Sears. Experts agree we’re still in the early stages of this technology, and as it grows, it will create several investing opportunities.

Zacks’ has just revealed 3 companies that can help investors capitalize on the explosive profit potential of Bitcoin and the other cryptocurrencies with significantly less volatility than buying them directly. 

See 3 crypto-related stocks now >>

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
 
Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

Schlumberger (SLB) closed the most recent trading day at $26.78, moving +0.6% from the previous trading session. This move outpaced the S&P 500’s daily loss of 0.77%.

– Zacks

Coming into today, shares of the world’s largest oilfield services company had lost 6.76% in the past month. In that same time, the Oils-Energy sector gained 0.11%, while the S&P 500 gained 1.55%.

SLB will be looking to display strength as it nears its next earnings release. The company is expected to report EPS of $0.35, up 118.75% from the prior-year quarter. Meanwhile, our latest consensus estimate is calling for revenue of $5.93 billion, up 12.83% from the prior-year quarter.

For the full year, our Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of $1.25 per share and revenue of $22.97 billion, which would represent changes of +83.82% and -2.68%, respectively, from the prior year.

Investors should also note any recent changes to analyst estimates for SLB. These recent revisions tend to reflect the evolving nature of short-term business trends. As such, positive estimate revisions reflect analyst optimism about the company’s business and profitability.

Research indicates that these estimate revisions are directly correlated with near-term share price momentum. To benefit from this, we have developed the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model which takes these estimate changes into account and provides an actionable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Within the past 30 days, our consensus EPS projection has moved 0.6% higher. SLB is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

Digging into valuation, SLB currently has a Forward P/E ratio of 21.25. This valuation marks a discount compared to its industry’s average Forward P/E of 30.13.

The Oil and Gas – Field Services industry is part of the Oils-Energy sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 214, putting it in the bottom 16% of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our individual industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

You can find more information on all of these metrics, and much more, on Zacks.com.

Bitcoin, Like the Internet Itself, Could Change Everything

Blockchain and cryptocurrency has sparked one of the most exciting discussion topics of a generation. Some call it the “Internet of Money” and predict it could change the way money works forever. If true, it could do to banks what Netflix did to Blockbuster and Amazon did to Sears. Experts agree we’re still in the early stages of this technology, and as it grows, it will create several investing opportunities.

Zacks’ has just revealed 3 companies that can help investors capitalize on the explosive profit potential of Bitcoin and the other cryptocurrencies with significantly less volatility than buying them directly. 

See 3 crypto-related stocks now >>

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
 
Schlumberger Limited (SLB): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

USA Truck (USAK) closed the most recent trading day at $13.77, moving -0.65% from the previous trading session. This change was narrower than the S&P 500’s 0.77% loss on the day.

– Zacks

Prior to today’s trading, shares of the truckload carrier had lost 2.33% over the past month. This has lagged the Transportation sector’s gain of 0.78% and the S&P 500’s gain of 1.55% in that time.

USAK will be looking to display strength as it nears its next earnings release. In that report, analysts expect USAK to post earnings of $0.51 per share. This would mark year-over-year growth of 75.86%.

Investors should also note any recent changes to analyst estimates for USAK. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. As a result, we can interpret positive estimate revisions as a good sign for the company’s business outlook.

Based on our research, we believe these estimate revisions are directly related to near-team stock moves. Investors can capitalize on this by using the Zacks Rank. This model considers these estimate changes and provides a simple, actionable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Within the past 30 days, our consensus EPS projection has moved 2.33% lower. USAK is currently a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Investors should also note USAK’s current valuation metrics, including its Forward P/E ratio of 6.6. Its industry sports an average Forward P/E of 15.96, so we one might conclude that USAK is trading at a discount comparatively.

The Transportation – Truck industry is part of the Transportation sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 35, which puts it in the top 14% of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank includes is listed in order from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

To follow USAK in the coming trading sessions, be sure to utilize Zacks.com.

Bitcoin, Like the Internet Itself, Could Change Everything

Blockchain and cryptocurrency has sparked one of the most exciting discussion topics of a generation. Some call it the “Internet of Money” and predict it could change the way money works forever. If true, it could do to banks what Netflix did to Blockbuster and Amazon did to Sears. Experts agree we’re still in the early stages of this technology, and as it grows, it will create several investing opportunities.

Zacks’ has just revealed 3 companies that can help investors capitalize on the explosive profit potential of Bitcoin and the other cryptocurrencies with significantly less volatility than buying them directly. 

See 3 crypto-related stocks now >>

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
 
USA Truck, Inc. (USAK): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

Ultra Clean Holdings (UCTT) closed at $46.17 in the latest trading session, marking a -0.26% move from the prior day. This change was narrower than the S&P 500’s 0.77% loss on the day.

– Zacks

Heading into today, shares of the chipmaking equipment services company had gained 6.51% over the past month, outpacing the Computer and Technology sector’s gain of 3.13% and the S&P 500’s gain of 1.55% in that time.

Wall Street will be looking for positivity from UCTT as it approaches its next earnings report date. On that day, UCTT is projected to report earnings of $1 per share, which would represent year-over-year growth of 36.99%. Meanwhile, our latest consensus estimate is calling for revenue of $543.97 million, up 49.74% from the prior-year quarter.

For the full year, our Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of $3.90 per share and revenue of $2.03 billion, which would represent changes of +39.29% and +44.92%, respectively, from the prior year.

Investors should also note any recent changes to analyst estimates for UCTT. These revisions help to show the ever-changing nature of near-term business trends. With this in mind, we can consider positive estimate revisions a sign of optimism about the company’s business outlook.

Based on our research, we believe these estimate revisions are directly related to near-team stock moves. To benefit from this, we have developed the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model which takes these estimate changes into account and provides an actionable rating system.

Ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), the Zacks Rank system has a proven, outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks returning an average of +25% annually since 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate remained stagnant within the past month. UCTT is currently a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Looking at its valuation, UCTT is holding a Forward P/E ratio of 11.87. Its industry sports an average Forward P/E of 15.65, so we one might conclude that UCTT is trading at a discount comparatively.

Also, we should mention that UCTT has a PEG ratio of 1.48. This popular metric is similar to the widely-known P/E ratio, with the difference being that the PEG ratio also takes into account the company’s expected earnings growth rate. UCTT’s industry had an average PEG ratio of 0.93 as of yesterday’s close.

The Electronics – Manufacturing Machinery industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 92, putting it in the top 37% of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our individual industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

To follow UCTT in the coming trading sessions, be sure to utilize Zacks.com.

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