Citigroup Inc., a diversified financial service holding company, provides various financial product and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions worldwide. It operates through five segments: Services, Markets, Banking, U.S. Personal Banking, and Wealth. The Services segment includes Treasury and Trade Solutions, which provides cash management, trade, and working capital solutions to multinational corporations, financial institutions, and public sector organizations; and Securities Services, such as cross-border support for clients, local market expertise, post-trade technologies, data solutions, and various securities services solutions. The Markets segment offers sales and trading services for equities, foreign exchange, rates, spread products, and commodities to corporate, institutional, and public sector clients; and market-making services, including asset classes, risk management solutions, financing, prime brokerage, research, securities clearing, and settlement. The banking segment includes investment banking; advisory services related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings, and corporate defense activities; and corporate lending, which includes corporate and commercial banking. The U.S. Personal Banking segment provides co-branded cards and retail banking services. The Wealth segment provides financial services to high-net-worth clients through banking, lending, mortgages, investment, custody, and trust product offerings; and to professional industries, including law firms, consulting groups, accounting, and asset management. The company was founded in 1812 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

Citigroup демонстрирует смешанную картину с точки зрения фундаментальных показателей. P/E коэффициент находится выше медианы отрасли, что может указывать на переоцененность акций. Однако, компания показывает сильные результаты по EPS и прогнозу EPS, значительно превышая отраслевые медианы, что свидетельствует о высоком уровне прибыльности. Дивиденды несколько снизились, что может вызвать опасения среди инвесторов. Долговая нагрузка также вызывает беспокойство, так как коэффициент долга к капиталу значительно выше медианы, что увеличивает финансовые риски. Тем не менее, рост выручки и чистой прибыли, а также высокая стоимость активов и собственного капитала, свидетельствуют о сильных фундаментальных основах. В то же время, показатели рентабельности, такие как ROE и ROA, остаются ниже медианы, что может ограничивать потенциал роста. В целом, учитывая все вышеуказанные факторы, целесообразно пересмотреть целевую цену с учетом текущих фундаментальных недочетов и сильных сторон компании.

Citigroup, Inc.

Citigroup, Inc. C and Wells Fargo & Company WFC stand as two of the most influential players in the U.S. banking sector, each navigating a pivotal phase, shaped by strategic transformation and shifting economic conditions. While Citigroup is approaching the final stretch of its multi-year restructuring, aimed at streamlining operations and unlocking growth, Wells Fargo is capitalizing on renewed flexibility following the removal of long-standing regulatory constraints.
As both banks position themselves for the next leg of expansion, a closer look at their strategies, earnings outlooks and valuation trends offers valuable insight into which stock may present the more compelling investment opportunity today.
C & WFC: 2 Banking Giants, 2 Strategies
Citigroup and Wells Fargo are taking different approaches to strengthen their operations and unlock growth opportunities.
C has been betting on leaner, streamlined operations. The company is emphasizing growth in core businesses through restructuring operations internationally. In April 2021, Citigroup announced the plan to exit the consumer banking business in 14 markets across Asia and EMEA. During the first-quarter 2026earnings call management stated that the company entered the final phase of its divestitures, and 90% of the transformation programs were at or near the target.
In February 2026, Citigroup completed the sale of its Russia-based banking subsidiary, AO Citibank, to Renaissance Capital. The sale of AO Citibank strengthens the company’s capital position and streamlines its balance sheet. In the same month, C announced agreements with several investors for commitments to purchase an aggregate 24% equity stake in Grupo Financiero Banamex, S.A. de C.V (Banamex), following the divestiture of 25% stake in Banamex to a Mexican business leader in December 2025.
The company is now preparing for a planned initial public offering of its Mexican consumer, and small and middle-market banking units. As part of its strategy, Citigroup continues to make progress with the wind-down of its Korea consumer banking operations. These initiatives will free up capital and help the company pursue investments in wealth management and IB operations, which will stoke fee income growth.
Supported by these initiatives, Citigroup expects revenues to see a 4-5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2026.
Conversely, Wells Fargo has been exiting non-core, lower-return businesses to sharpen its focus on consumer banking, commercial lending and other high-return areas. Under CEO Charlie Scharf since 2019, the strategy targets up to $10 billion in annual cost cuts and capital reallocation to core franchises. In line with this effort, in January 2026, WFC sold its rail lease portfolio to a GATX-Brookfield joint venture.
Wells Fargo reached a milestone in June 2025 when the Federal Reserve lifted the asset cap imposed in 2018 following the bank’s fake account scandal. The removal eliminates a long-standing constraint on balance-sheet expansion, allowing the company to grow deposits, increase loan balances and expand securities holdings, thereby unlocking its full operating potential. With greater strategic flexibility and improved earnings visibility, WFC’s expects its medium-term return on tangible common equity to be 17-18%, indicating stronger profitability prospects over the next few years.
Citigroup vs. Wells Fargo: 2 Banks, 1 Fed Pivot
Following the initial easing in 2024 and three subsequent rate cuts in 2025, the Federal Reserve has kept interest rates steady so far in 2026. Also, the Fed has indicated one additional rate cut this year. Lower rates support net interest income (NII) growth, a critical earnings driver for banks like WFC and C, as funding pressure eases.
While lower benchmark rates can compress yields on loans and securities, improving the lending backdrop and higher refinancing will help offset this. Also, relatively lower rates will increase borrowing and boost market liquidity, driving higher deal volumes and trading opportunities. This will support investment banking (IB) and trading businesses for both companies.
In 2025, Citigroup’s NII rose 11% year over year in 2025. Meanwhile, Wells Fargo’s NII grew marginally year over year. In first-quarter 2026, C’s NII, excluding Markets, rose 7%. Conversely, WFC’s NII rose 5.2%.
Wells Fargo expects 2026 NII to be $50 billion, up from $47.8 billion in 2025. This outlook is supported by balance-sheet growth, a favorable loan and deposit mix, and continued fixed-asset repricing, partially offset by the impacts of expected rate cuts. Then again, Citigroup’s NII (excluding Markets) is projected to rise 5-6% on a year-over-year basis in 2026.
WFC & C’s Expense Management Efforts
As the banking industry adapts to rising expenses, shifting customer preferences and ongoing digital disruption, Citigroup and Wells Fargo are sharpening their focus. However, their approaches to expense management reflect two different paths.
Citigroup is executing on its plan to cut 20,000 jobs by 2026 and has already reduced headcount by more than 10,000 employees, while focusing on process streamlining and automation to reduce manual touchpoints. The bank is also increasingly deploying artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support these efforts.
During the first-quarter 2026 earnings update, management emphasized that AI tool adoption has increased to more than 80%. Driven by these efforts, management expects to achieve $2-$2.5 billion of annualized run rate savings by 2026.
Wells Fargo, alternatively, is taking a more balanced approach to its operations. As part of this optimization strategy, it has become more deliberate in its branch location strategy, as the number of branches declined 1.5% year over year to 4,093 at the end of the first quarter of 2026. Its headcount reduced 6.5% year over year to 201 thousand by the end of the first quarter of 2026, marking 23 consecutive quarters of reductions.Though the company expects expenses to increase year over year in 2026, its sustained focus on operational efficiency and cost discipline is expected to support profitability and enhance shareholder value in the long run.
C & WFC’s Stock Performance, Valuation & Other Comparisons
In the past year, Wells Fargo shares have gained 13.3%, whereas Citigroup’s stock has surged 87.5%. In comparison, the industry has risen 37.3%.
Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
In terms of valuation, Citigroup’s trailing 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 11.55X, while Wells Fargo’s is 11.31X. Both stocks are trading at a discount compared with the industry’s trailing 12-month P/E ratio of 13.01X, but the WFC stock is cheaper than C.
Price-to-Earnings F12M
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Additionally, both companies regularly pay out dividends. WFC has a dividend yield of 2.2% while C has a dividend yield of 1.9%. Here, WFC holds an edge over C.
Dividend Yield
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
How Do Estimates Compare for Citigroup & Wells Fargo?
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for C’s 2026 sales and EPS implies year-over-year increases of 8.4% and 33.3%, respectively. EPS estimates for 2026 have been revised upward over the past month.
Estimate Revision Trend
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for WFC’s 2026 sales and EPS suggests year-over-year rallies of 4.7% and 8.8%, respectively. EPS estimates for 2026 have been revised downward over the past month.
Estimate Revision Trend
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
C or WFC: Which Stock to Bet On
While Wells Fargo benefits from the removal of its asset cap, a higher dividend yield and improving balance-sheet flexibility, Citigroup appears better-positioned for stronger upside from here. The company’s restructuring is entering its final phase, divestitures are strengthening capital, and management’s focus on wealth management, IB and operational efficiency should support fee income growth and margin expansion.
Citigroup also has a stronger earnings outlook compared with Wells Fargo. Upward estimate revisions for C reinforce its improving earnings momentum, while WFC has seen downward revisions.
Therefore, despite Wells Fargo’s progress and slightly cheaper valuation, Citigroup emerges as the smarter buy for now, backed by its transformation progress, stronger projected earnings growth, improving efficiency and greater upside potential.
At present, Citigroup has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and WFC carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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Citigroup vs. Wells Fargo: Which Bank Stock Is a Smarter Buy Now?

JPMorgan’s JPM first-quarter 2026 results, announced on April 14, were impressive. The company’s top and bottom-line numbers outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate, aided by a record Markets performance, robust IB business and higher net interest income (NII).
In the Commercial & Investment Bank (CIB) segment, Markets revenues rose 20% year over year to $11.6 billion, supported by gains in both Fixed Income Markets and Equity Markets. Investment banking (IB) revenues in the CIB segment rose 38% to $3.14 billion, driven by higher advisory and equity underwriting fees, partly offset by lower debt underwriting fees. Likewise, NII was up 9% to $25.37 billion on a reported basis, driven by higher deposit balances and higher revolving balances in Card Services, partly offset by the impact of lower rates.
Against such a robust performance, JPMorgan stock currently trades at a discount to the industry. The stock is trading at a price-to-tangible book (P/TB) of 3.03X, below the industry’s 3.15X.
JPM’s P/TB
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
If we compare JPMorgan’s current valuation with two of its closest peers – Bank of America BAC and Citigroup C – it appears expensive. At present, Bank of America has a P/TB of 1.89X, while Citigroup is trading at a P/TB of 1.35X.
Despite being a prominent name in the U.S. banking sector, JPM’s not-so-favorable valuation compared with its peers may compel investors to stay away from the stock despite its robust quarterly performance. Similar to JPMorgan, the quarterly performance of Bank of America and Citigroup was strong. Both recorded an increase in earnings and revenues on a year-over-year basis and outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate on the back of higher NII and a solid capital markets business.
Coming back to JPM, should investors buy the stock solely because of its inexpensive valuation? Not necessarily. While valuation is an important consideration, it cannot be the only factor driving an investment decision. Investors must also assess the underlying fundamentals, earnings potential and long-term prospects before deciding whether the stock deserves a place in their portfolio.
Beyond Robust Q1 2026: Other Factors at Play for JPMorgan
NII Trajectory: Last year, the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates by 75 basis points (bps), following a 50-bp cut in 2024. Although lower rates remain a headwind for JPMorgan’s asset-sensitive balance sheet, balance sheet growth and higher revolving card balances are still expected to support continued NII expansion. This dynamic was evident in first-quarter 2026 results too.
Building on this, JPMorgan now expects NII for 2026 to be approximately $103 billion, or up more than 7% year over year. Previously, the company targeted NII to be $104.5 billion. NII excluding Markets is expected to be almost $95 billion (unchanged from the prior guidance). This implies that Markets NII are likely to witness weakness later this year after a robust performance in the first quarter.
Unlike JPM, Bank of America expects its 2026 NII to increase 6-8% year over year, higher than its prior outlook of 5-7%, supported by deposit stability, modest loan growth and a more favorable rate backdrop. Meanwhile, Citigroup continues to guide 5-6% NII growth this year, after delivering 11% year-over-year growth in 2025. The bank’s outlook is underpinned by a steadier rate environment and constructive balance sheet trends.
Fee Income to Witness More Upside: Easier monetary policy will lift client activity, deal flow and asset values, supporting a broad rebound in JPMorgan’s non-interest income. Lower borrowing costs are expected to encourage corporate financing, including debt issuance, M&As and equity offerings, extending the recovery in capital markets after a subdued 2022-2023. JPMorgan’s leading investment banking (IB) franchise (ranked #1 globally with a 9.8% wallet share in the first quarter of 2026) positions it to capture a larger share of advisory and underwriting fees as conditions become more supportive, though macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty remains a key risk.
Rate transitions have heightened volatility in fixed income, currencies and commodities, thus boosting client hedging and trading activity. With a top-tier trading platform, JPMorgan is positioned to benefit from stronger FICC and equities volumes as investors reposition for a lower-rate environment, even as trading activity normalizes over time.
In wealth and asset management, declining yields often shift investor preferences toward equities and alternatives, helping drive market appreciation, inflows and higher fees. Improved sentiment should support growth in assets under management and fee revenues across JPMorgan’s private banking and wealth platforms.
Branch Openings & Opportunistic Acquisitions: With 5,095 branches as of March 31, 2026, more than any other U.S. bank and a presence in all 48 contiguous states, JPM continues to invest in brick-and-mortar to strengthen its competitive edge in relationship banking, despite the digital shift. JPMorgan plans to open 500 more by 2027. These efforts will deepen relationships and boost cross-selling across mortgages, loans, investments and credit cards.
JPMorgan isn’t alone in branch expansion. Bank of America is growing its financial center network, with plans to open 150 more centers by 2027, despite most interactions being digital.
JPMorgan has expanded through strategic acquisitions, including a larger stake in Brazil’s C6 Bank, partnerships with Cleareye.ai and Aumni, and the 2023 purchase of First Republic Bank. These moves boosted profits and supported its strategy to diversify revenues and grow digital and fee-based offerings.
Tech Spendings: JPMorgan continues to view technology as a long-term growth driver rather than a discretionary expense. For 2026, management expects technology spending of about $19.8 billion, up 10% year over year, driven by business growth, demand for new capabilities, and higher infrastructure, software and hardware costs. While the bank is past peak infrastructure modernization, investment is now shifting toward modernizing applications and data to better capture AI-driven opportunities.
AI remains central to this strategy. JPM has expanded AI use cases across customer service, personalized insights and software development, helping improve efficiency and business outcomes. Its internal GenAI tools are also moving employees from experimentation to secure integration across workflows and applications.
Beyond AI, the bank is investing in blockchain, tokenization and broader platform innovation to strengthen payments, custody and client solutions, supporting long-term business growth.
Fortress Balance Sheet and Solid Liquidity: As of March 31, 2026, the company had total debt of $516.8 billion (the majority of this is long-term in nature). The company's cash and due from banks and deposits with banks were $312.1 billion on the same date. The company maintains long-term issuer ratings A-/AA-/A1 from Standard and Poor’s, Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service, respectively.
Hence, JPMorgan continues to reward shareholders handsomely. It cleared the 2025 stress test impressively and announced an increase in its quarterly dividend by 7% to $1.50 per share, as well as authorized a new share repurchase program worth $50 billion. As of March 31, 2026, almost $25.7 billion in authorization remained available.
Similar to JPM, Bank of America and Citigroup cleared the 2025 stress test. Following this, Bank of America raised its quarterly dividend 8% to 28 cents per share and authorized a new $40 billion share repurchase program. Citigroup also announced a dividend hike of 7% to 60 cents per share. It is continuing with the previously announced buyback plan, which had $0.5 billion worth of authorization remaining as of March 31, 2026.
Asset Quality: Lower rates will likely support JPMorgan's asset quality, as lower rates will ease debt-service burdens and improve borrower solvency. The overall effect is expected to be moderate and vary by loan segment and macro conditions. Variable-rate consumer and leveraged corporate portfolios might see the most direct benefit, reflecting the lower risk of near-term credit losses as rates fall.
JPMorgan expects that lower rates will help stabilize or even modestly improve overall credit performance, especially in consumer and corporate loan books, as long as the U.S. economy remains resilient. Hence, JPMorgan expects the card service NCO rate to be roughly 3.4%.
However, the ongoing Middle East conflict is likely to hurt JPMorgan’s asset quality at least in the near-term as it builds reserves to counter the fallout of rising prices.
How to Approach the JPMorgan Stock Now?
Since the start of the year, U.S. markets have remained subdued as shifting AI expectations, sticky inflation and geopolitical tensions (including the Middle East conflict) weighed on sentiment. JPMorgan has not been immune to these pressures.
This year, shares of JPMorgan have lost 3.3% against a 4.8% rise for the S&P 500 Index. Likewise, Bank of America has declined 4.4%, while Citigroup shares have gained 10.6%, in the same time frame.
YTD Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Analysts are bullish on JPMorgan’s prospects, with earnings estimates for 2026 revised upward over the past month, while those for 2027 have been moved down marginally. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for JPM’s 2026 and 2027 earnings implies a 9.9% and 5.3% year-over-year increase, respectively.
Earnings Estimates
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
JPMorgan continues to project non-interest expenses of $105 billion this year, up more than 9% from 2025. Apart from 10% increase in tech spending, primary reasons for higher expenses include an increase in growth and volume-related spending (like compensation costs, costs for branching/expansion and costs related to credit card business growth), structural inflation-related costs and general operating overhead expenses.
JPM benefited from strong Markets revenues, higher IB fees and a 9% rise in NII, underscoring the strength of its diversified franchise. However, the stock’s valuation is not compelling when compared with key peers. While JPM trades below the industry on a price-to-tangible book basis, it remains more expensive than Bank of America and Citigroup, both of which also delivered strong quarterly results.
Further, JPMorgan lowered its 2026 NII outlook to nearly $103 billion from the prior $104.5 billion view, indicating some moderation ahead. Elevated expenses, including higher technology, compensation, branch expansion and credit card-related costs, may also weigh on profitability. Given near-term macro, geopolitical and valuation concerns, investors should wait for a better entry point before adding JPMorgan shares to their portfolio.
At present, JPMorgan carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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JPM Off to a Solid 2026 Start: Should Investors Buy the Stock?

The first-quarter 2026 earnings season has started with strong momentum. So far, major banks and financial institutions have reported their quarterly numbers. As of April 24, 138 companies from the S&P 500 Index reported earnings.
Total earnings for these 138 index members are up 23.1% from the same period last year on 9.6% higher revenues. Moreover, 76.8% beat EPS estimates and an equal proportion surpassed revenue estimates. Looking at Q1 2026 as a whole, total earnings of the S&P 500 companies are expected to increase by 14.5% from the same period last year, on 9.7% higher revenues.
Here, we recommend three investment bank giants that have posted strong first-quarter financial numbers with a solid outlook. These are: Morgan Stanley MS, Bank of America Corp. BAC and Citigroup Inc. C. Each of our stocks currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
The chart below shows the price performance of our three picks in the past three months.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley’s first-quarter 2026 results showed capital market strength. Increased focus on asset and wealth management operations, along with its strategic alliances and acquisitions, will support MS’ top line.
The EquityZen acquisition broadens private market capabilities and should deepen client relationships over time. The performance of the investment banking (IB) business will continue to be driven by a strong pipeline, resilient M&A demand, lower rates and MS’ global footprint. Its efficient capital distributions reflect a solid balance sheet.
Morgan Stanley expects a modest sequential gain in the Wealth Management segment’s net interest income (NII) for the second quarter. Given the incremental loan growth expectation and deposit mix, NII is projected to continue trending higher.
Morgan Stanley has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 8.3% and 15.6%, respectively, for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year’s earnings has improved 4.1% over the last 30 days.
Bank of America Corp.
Bank of America has been witnessing an increase in revenues over the past several years. BAC has been steadily embedding artificial intelligence (AI) across its operations, and this quiet transformation is emerging as a meaningful driver of operating margin expansion.
By integrating AI-driven digital capabilities with a targeted physical branch expansion strategy, the bank is building a “phygital” model that balances efficiency with customer engagement, an approach that is expected to allow BAC to streamline operations while simultaneously strengthening its revenue-generating capacity.
BAC provided strong guidance. Full year 2026 NII growth has been projected to 6% to 8% from 5-7% projected earlier. Operating leverage likely to stay at more than 200 basis points.
Bank of America has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 9.3% and 16.8%, respectively, for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year’s earnings has improved 2.8% over the last 30 days.
Citigroup Inc.
Citigroup’s first-quarter 2026 results benefited from higher year-over-year NII. Ongoing transformation initiatives, including consumer business exits, cost cuts and operational streamlining, will likely support revenue growth of C as stranded costs and transformation spend begin to moderate.
Management expects revenues to see a 4-5% compound annual growth rate through 2026. C’s expansion into private credit boosts diversification, with a strong capital base supporting shareholder returns.
For 2026, management expects NII (excluding Markets) to increase 5-6% on a year-over-year basis in 2026. Citigroup anticipates an efficiency ratio of 60% in 2026, with another year of positive operating leverage.
Management continues to target a return on tangible common equity (RoTCE) of 10-11% in 2026. U.S Cards net credit loss (NCL) as a percentage of average loans is expected to be 4-4.5%. In 2025, U.S. Cards NCL was 4.1%.
Citigroup has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 8.4% and 33.3%, respectively, for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year’s earnings has improved 0.8% over the last seven days.
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Buy These 3 Investment Bank Giants After Solid Q1 Earnings and Outlook

Key Points
Several firms hiked their price targets on Bloom Energy stock.
Last week, Bloom Energy announced an expanded partnership with Oracle.
Bloom Enery reports first quarter 2026 financial results next week.
Charging higher throughout the week, Bloom Energy (NYSE: BE) stock has closed higher than where it ended the previous trading sessions. While the company hasn't announced any news this week, investors are likely responding to reports that several firms have raised their price targets on the fuel cell stock.
According to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence, Bloom Energy stock is up 14.3% from the end of trading last Friday through the close of yesterday's market session.
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Firms foresee shares of this fuel cell specialist flying higher
Bloom Energy stock saw two price target increases on Tuesday. Keeping a neutral rating on the stock, Citigroup analyst Vikram Bagri boosted the price target to $229 from $162. Also that day, Manav Gupta, a UBS analyst, lifted the price target on Bloom Energy to $251 from $170, maintaining a buy rating.
On Wednesday, Baird raised its price target on Bloom Energy stock to $242 from $172, while keeping an outperform rating.
For context, Bloom Energy stock had closed at $207.86 last Friday.
Besides the higher price targets, the company's announcement last week of its expanding partnership with Oracle to develop artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure using Bloom's fuel cell systems is likely continuing to motivate investors to click the buy button on Bloom Energy stock.
Is it too late to click the buy button on Bloom Energy stock?
While analysts' expectations that Bloom Energy stock is poised to soar, investors would be better off paying close attention to what the company reports next week regarding Q1 2026 financial results. Management projects 2026 revenue of $3.1billion to $3.3 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $1.33 to $1.48. Expectations for Bloom Energy are high now, and if the company's Q1 2026 performance suggests it won't meet its 2026 guidance, the hydrogen stock is likely to plunge.
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Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Scott Levine has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bloom Energy and Oracle. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Why Bloom Energy Stock Is Charging Higher This Week

For Immediate Releases
Chicago, IL – April 23, 2026 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM), International Business Machines Corp. IBM, Citigroup Inc. C, Natural Resource Partners L.P. NRP and Oil-Dri Corp. of America ODC.
Here are highlights from Thursday’s Analyst Blog:
Top Analyst Reports for ExxonMobil, IBM & Citigroup
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 Exxon Mobil Corp., International Business Machines Corp. and Citigroup Inc., as well as two micro-cap stocks Natural Resource Partners L.P. and Oil-Dri Corp. of America. The Zacks microcap research is unique as our research content on these small and under-the-radar companies is the only research of its type in the country.
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Today's Featured Research Reports
Exxon Mobil’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Oil and Gas - Integrated - International industry over the past six months (+30.9% vs. +30.7%). The company’s high-value assets in the Permian Basin and Guyana drive robust production growth, doubling upstream earnings since 2019. Notably, in the Permian, XOM intends production to surpass 2.5 million oil-equivalent barrels per day beyond 2030.
On the other hand, in Guyana, the company’s efforts have turned a 2015 oil discovery into one of the fastest-growing projects in the world. With a lower exposure to debt capital, XOM supports steady cash flows, dividends, buybacks and investments in high-return projects. ExxonMobil has raised its dividend every year for the past 43 years, demonstrating its commitment to returning capital to shareholders.
Additionally, XOM is constructing the world’s largest low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia plant in Baytown, which is expected to position it as a frontrunner in clean energy initiatives.
(You can read the full research report on Exxon Mobil here >>>)
Shares of IBM have gained +7.3% over the past year against the Zacks Computer - Integrated Systems industry’s gain of +150.4%. The company is poised to benefit from strong demand for hybrid cloud and AI, driving growth in Software and Consulting. IBM’s growth is likely to be driven primarily by analytics, cloud computing, and security in the long haul.
The company’s core technology platform for AI capabilities watsonx is gaining significant market traction. In collaboration with Adobe It introduced AI-driven Experience Orchestration to help companies turn customer data into real-time actions, improving responsiveness. Such innovative product launches bode well for sustainable growth.
However, frequent acquisitions have escalated integration risks. Buyouts have negatively impacted the company’s balance sheet in the form of high levels of goodwill and net intangible assets. Stiff competition in the hardware enterprise servers and storage markets is weighing on profits.
(You can read the full research report on IBM here >>>)
Citigroup’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Financial - Investment Bank industry over the past six months (+37.7% vs. +8.7%). The company’s earnings topped estimates in the last four consecutive quarters. First-quarter 2026 results benefited from higher year-over-year net interest income (NII).
Ongoing transformation initiatives, including consumer business exits, cost cuts and operational streamlining, will likely support revenue growth as stranded costs and transformation spend begin to moderate. Management expects revenues to see a 4-5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2026. Its expansion into private credit boosts diversification, with a strong capital base supporting shareholder returns.
However, its rising expenses due to investments in business transformation efforts, technological advancement are worrisome. Volatility in fee income and deteriorating asset quality are concerning too.
(You can read the full research report on Citigroup here >>>)
Shares of Natural Resource Partners have outperformed the Zacks Coal industry over the past six months (+15.4% vs. +0.8%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $1.53 billion offers a differentiated, asset-light royalty model that provides exposure to energy and industrial demand while limiting operational risks.
Natural Resource Partners’ extensive land base supports diversified mineral income and long-term optionality from emerging uses such as carbon sequestration and renewables. The company’s stable cash flow is underpinned by contractual minimum payments and disciplined capital allocation, alongside a significantly improved balance sheet that enhances financial flexibility.
However, near-term performance remains pressured by weak commodity cycles, particularly in metallurgical coal and soda ash, with suspended JV distributions and potential capital requirements adding uncertainty. Concentration in key counterparties and logistics dependencies elevates risks, leaving cash flow resilience reliant on commodity recovery.
(You can read the full research report on Natural Resource Partners here >>>)
Shares of Oil-Dri Corporation of America have gained +20.1% over the past six months against the Zacks Chemical - Diversified industry’s gain of +37.3%. This microcap company with a market capitalization of $1.05 billion presents a mixed investment profile anchored by diversified end-market exposure and a resilient, vertically integrated operating model.
Oil-Dri Corporation of America’s Fluids Purification segment benefits from demand across edible oils, jet fuel, and renewable fuels, while innovation in premium and lightweight cat litter supports a gradual shift toward higher-value consumer products. Growth in agriculture and horticulture adds further diversification to the B2B portfolio. Strong liquidity and disciplined capital allocation enable continued reinvestment and shareholder returns.
However, earnings remain sensitive to customer concentration, channel volatility, and external disruptions such as policy shifts and weather events. Retail performance shows reliance on mix improvements rather than consistent organic growth, while B2B results highlight exposure to cyclical demand and customer-specific changes.
(You can read the full research report on Oil-Dri Corporation of America here >>>)
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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 Previewreports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>
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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This 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 https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"
Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.
This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

The Zacks Analyst Blog Exxon, International Business Machines, Citigroup, Natural Resource Partners and Oil-Dri

Wednesday, April 22, 2026
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 Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM), International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) and Citigroup Inc. (C), as well as two micro-cap stocks Natural Resource Partners L.P. (NRP) and Oil-Dri Corp. of America (ODC). The Zacks microcap research is unique as our research content on these small and under-the-radar companies is the only research of its type in the country.
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, attempting 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 Up on Ceasefire, Mostly Solid Q1 Earnings
Today's Featured Research Reports
Exxon Mobil’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Oil and Gas - Integrated - International industry over the past six months (+30.9% vs. +30.7%). The company’s high-value assets in the Permian Basin and Guyana drive robust production growth, doubling upstream earnings since 2019. Notably, in the Permian, XOM intends production to surpass 2.5 million oil-equivalent barrels per day beyond 2030.
On the other hand, in Guyana, the company’s efforts have turned a 2015 oil discovery into one of the fastest-growing projects in the world. With a lower exposure to debt capital, XOM supports steady cash flows, dividends, buybacks and investments in high-return projects. ExxonMobil has raised its dividend every year for the past 43 years, demonstrating its commitment to returning capital to shareholders.
Additionally, XOM is constructing the world’s largest low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia plant in Baytown, which is expected to position it as a frontrunner in clean energy initiatives.
(You can read the full research report on Exxon Mobil here >>>)
Shares of IBM have gained +7.3% over the past year against the Zacks Computer - Integrated Systems industry’s gain of +150.4%. The company is poised to benefit from strong demand for hybrid cloud and AI, driving growth in Software and Consulting. IBM’s growth is likely to be driven primarily by analytics, cloud computing, and security in the long haul.
The company’s core technology platform for AI capabilities watsonx is gaining significant market traction. In collaboration with Adobe It introduced AI-driven Experience Orchestration to help companies turn customer data into real-time actions, improving responsiveness. Such innovative product launches bode well for sustainable growth.
However, frequent acquisitions have escalated integration risks. Buyouts have negatively impacted the company’s balance sheet in the form of high levels of goodwill and net intangible assets. Stiff competition in the hardware enterprise servers and storage markets is weighing on profits.
(You can read the full research report on IBM here >>>)
Citigroup’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Financial - Investment Bank industry over the past six months (+37.7% vs. +8.7%). The company’s earnings topped estimates in the last four consecutive quarters. First-quarter 2026 results benefited from higher year-over-year net interest income (NII).
Ongoing transformation initiatives, including consumer business exits, cost cuts and operational streamlining, will likely support revenue growth as stranded costs and transformation spend begin to moderate. Management expects revenues to see a 4-5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2026. Its expansion into private credit boosts diversification, with a strong capital base supporting shareholder returns.
However, its rising expenses due to investments in business transformation efforts, technological advancement are worrisome. Volatility in fee income and deteriorating asset quality are concerning too.
(You can read the full research report on Citigroup here >>>)
Shares of Natural Resource Partners have outperformed the Zacks Coal industry over the past six months (+15.4% vs. +0.8%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $1.53 billion offers a differentiated, asset-light royalty model that provides exposure to energy and industrial demand while limiting operational risks.
Natural Resource Partners’ extensive land base supports diversified mineral income and long-term optionality from emerging uses such as carbon sequestration and renewables. The company’s stable cash flow is underpinned by contractual minimum payments and disciplined capital allocation, alongside a significantly improved balance sheet that enhances financial flexibility.
However, near-term performance remains pressured by weak commodity cycles, particularly in metallurgical coal and soda ash, with suspended JV distributions and potential capital requirements adding uncertainty. Concentration in key counterparties and logistics dependencies elevates risks, leaving cash flow resilience reliant on commodity recovery.
(You can read the full research report on Natural Resource Partners here >>>)
Shares of Oil-Dri Corporation of America have gained +20.1% over the past six months against the Zacks Chemical - Diversified industry’s gain of +37.3%. This microcap company with a market capitalization of $1.05 billion presents a mixed investment profile anchored by diversified end-market exposure and a resilient, vertically integrated operating model.
Oil-Dri Corporation of America’s Fluids Purification segment benefits from demand across edible oils, jet fuel, and renewable fuels, while innovation in premium and lightweight cat litter supports a gradual shift toward higher-value consumer products. Growth in agriculture and horticulture adds further diversification to the B2B portfolio. Strong liquidity and disciplined capital allocation enable continued reinvestment and shareholder returns.
However, earnings remain sensitive to customer concentration, channel volatility, and external disruptions such as policy shifts and weather events. Retail performance shows reliance on mix improvements rather than consistent organic growth, while B2B results highlight exposure to cyclical demand and customer-specific changes.
(You can read the full research report on Oil-Dri Corporation of America here >>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include General Dynamics Corp. (GD), Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (MRSH) and Valero Energy Corp. (VLO).
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
Featured Reports
Contract Inflows and Solid Backlog Aid General Dynamics (GD)
According to the Zacks analyst, General Dynamics ended fourth quarter 2025 with a strong backlog of $118.05 billion, driven by high order inflows and solid demand across its products and services.
Product Breadth and Acquisitions Support Marsh (MRSH), Leverage High
Per the Zacks analyst, Marsh's broad portfolio, global reach and acquisitions support resilience. However, high debt load remains a concern.
Pricing Drives Rockwell Automation (ROK), Lower Sales Volume Ail
Per the Zacks Analyst, lower sales in the Lifecycle Services segment are denting Rockwell Automation's margins. However, price increase actions will drive growth.
Transmission and Renewable Generation Assets Aid FirstEnergy (FE)
Per the Zacks analyst, FirstEnergy's ongoing transmission and distribution investments are expected to drive earnings growth. Its Energizing the Future initiative will boost its performance.
Build-To-Order Model Aid Toll Brothers (TOL), Macro Woes Ail
Per the Zacks analyst, Toll Brothers is benefiting from its balanced built-to-order and spec approach. However, a soft housing market due to elevated mortgage rates are weighing on growth.
Doximity (DOCS) Growth, AI Push Offset Risks From Concentration
Per Zacks analyst, Doximity's scale, AI expansion, and new revenue streams support growth, even as client concentration and margin pressures pose near-term risks.
Nuplazid and Daybue Sales Drive Acadia (ACAD) Amid Competition
Acadia is witnessing robust growth in revenues, driven by Nuplazid and Daybue sales. However, the overdependence on Nuplazid and significant competition remain a woe.
New Upgrades
Valero's (VLO) Extensive Refinery Network Aids Profitability
Per the Zacks analyst, Valero's vast and strategically located refining network helps it tap different markets and support diverse customer needs, aided by its ability to process cost-effective crude.
Servicing Wins, Global Expansion Plan, Loans Aid State Street (STT)
Per the Zacks analyst, business servicing wins, rising custody and managed assets, synergies from expansion plans, a global footprint, and a strong balance sheet position will support State Street.
Strong Cloud ARR Growth and AI Innovation Aid Teradata (TDC) Prospects
Per the Zacks Analyst, TDC is benefiting from strong cloud ARR growth, expanding AI-driven solutions, and a rich partner base.
New Downgrades
Foreign Exchange Risks, Macro Uncertainty Dim LATAM's (LTM) Prospects
The Zacks analyst expects the elevated macro uncertainty due to the Middle East conflict to be a key headwind. Foreign exchange risks also represent a concern for this Latin American airline.
Universal Display (OLED) Plagued by Geopolitical and Macro Headwinds
Per the Zacks analyst, customers' constrained spending behavior stemming from global macroeconomic concerns and growing geopolitical volatility will likely hinder Universal Display's top line.
Tariff Costs and Promotions Weigh on Whirlpool Margins
Per the Zacks analyst, Whirlpool faces margin pressure from tariff costs and prolonged promotions, though its U.S.-centric manufacturing base may aid pricing recovery and support margins in 2026.
Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is Here
The AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. Little-known AI firms tackling the world's biggest problems may be more lucrative in the coming months and years.
See 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
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Top Analyst Reports for Exxon Mobil, IBM & Citigroup

Shares of Citigroup (C) have been strong performers lately, with the stock up 15.8% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $135.29 in the previous session. Citigroup has gained 12.9% since the start of the year compared to the -0.3% gain for the Zacks Finance sector and the -0.7% return for the Zacks Financial - Investment Bank industry.
What's Driving the Outperformance?
The stock has a great record of positive earnings surprises, as it hasn't missed our earnings consensus estimate in any of the last four quarters. In its last earnings report on April 14, 2026, Citigroup reported EPS of $3.06 versus consensus estimate of $2.64.
For the current fiscal year, Citigroup is expected to post earnings of $10.62 per share on $92.41 in revenues. This represents a 33.25% change in EPS on a 8.43% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $12.35 per share on $95.91 in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 16.33% and 3.79%, respectively.
Valuation Metrics
Though Citigroup has recently hit a 52-week high, what is next for Citigroup? A key aspect of this question is taking a look at valuation metrics in order to determine if the company has run ahead of itself.
On this front, we can look at the Zacks Style Scores, as they provide investors with an additional way to sort through stocks (beyond looking at the Zacks Rank of a security). The individual style scores for Value, Growth, Momentum and the combined VGM Score run from A through F. The idea behind the style scores is to help investors pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style.
Citigroup has a Value Score of C. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are B and A, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of B.
In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 12.4X current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is not in-line with the peer industry average of 14.1X. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 11.1X versus its peer group's average of 12.6X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 0.59. This isn't enough to put the company in the top echelon of all stocks we cover from a value perspective.
Zacks Rank
We also need to consider the stock's Zacks Rank, as this is even more important than the company's VGM Score. Fortunately, Citigroup currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) thanks to rising earnings estimates.
Since we recommend that investors select stocks carrying Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and Style Scores of A or B, it looks as if Citigroup passes the test. Thus, it seems as though Citigroup shares could have potential in the weeks and months to come.
How Does C Stack Up to the Competition?
Shares of C have been soaring, and the company still appears to be a decent choice, but what about the rest of the industry? One industry peer that looks good is Morgan Stanley (MS). MS has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) and a Value Score of C, a Growth Score of B, and a Momentum Score of A.
Earnings were strong last quarter. Morgan Stanley beat our consensus estimate by 12.09%, and for the current fiscal year, MS is expected to post earnings of $11.80 per share on revenue of $76.52 billion.
Shares of Morgan Stanley have gained 14.1% over the past month, and currently trade at a forward P/E of 16.05X and a P/CF of 13.98X.
The Financial - Investment Bank industry may rank in the bottom 67% of all the industries we have in our universe, but there still looks like there are some nice tailwinds for C and MS, even beyond their own solid fundamental situation.
Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is Here
The AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. Little-known AI firms tackling the world's biggest problems may be more lucrative in the coming months and years.
See 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
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Citigroup Inc. (C) Hit a 52 Week High, Can the Run Continue?

In the latest look at the underlying components of the S&P 500 ordered by largest market capitalization, KLA Corp (Symbol: KLAC) has taken over the #45 spot from Citigroup Inc (Symbol: C), according to The Online Investor.
Market capitalization is an important data point for investors to keep an eye on, for various reasons. The most basic reason is that it gives a true comparison of the value attributed by the stock market to a given company's stock. Many beginning investors look at one stock trading at $10 and another trading at $20 and mistakenly think the latter company is worth twice as much — that of course is a completely meaningless comparison without knowing how many shares of each company exist. But comparing market capitalization (factoring in those share counts) creates a true "apples-to-apples" comparison of the value of two stocks. In the case of KLA Corp (Symbol: KLAC), the market cap is now $237.21 billion, versus Citigroup Inc (Symbol: C) at $228.17 billion.
Below is a chart of KLA Corp versus Citigroup Inc plotting their respective size rank within the S&P 500 over time (KLAC plotted in blue; C plotted in green):
Below is a three month price history chart comparing the stock performance of KLAC vs. C:
Another reason market capitalization is important is where it places a company in terms of its size tier in relation to peers — much like the way a mid-size sedan is typically compared to other mid-size sedans (and not SUV's). This can have a direct impact on which mutual funds and ETFs are willing to own the stock. For instance, a mutual fund that is focused solely on Large Cap stocks may for example only be interested in those companies sized $10 billion or larger. Another illustrative example is the S&P MidCap index which essentially takes the S&P 500 index and "tosses out" the biggest 100 companies so as to focus solely on the 400 smaller "up-and-comers" (which in the right environment can outperform their larger rivals). So a company's market cap, especially in relation to other companies, carries great importance, and for this reason we at The Online Investor find value to putting together these rankings daily.
Examine the full KLAC market cap history vs. the full C market cap history.
At the closing bell, KLAC is down about 0.9%, while C is off about 1.1% on the day Tuesday.
Also see:
Healthcare Dividend Stock List
APA YTD Return
Industrial Stocks Hedge Funds Are Buying
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

KLAC Now #45 Largest Company, Surpassing Citigroup

AT&T Inc. T has partnered with Citigroup Inc. C to upgrade the AT&T Points Plus Card with new benefits focused on saving money and earning rewards as part of its customer-centric business model. The updated card is designed to meet customer demand for simple, everyday value at a lower monthly expense.
AT&T customers using this updated card can save $10 per eligible wireless line and an extra $10 on Internet bills when using AutoPay and paperless billing. It also offers double rewards points on AT&T purchases, such as bill payments, while removing foreign transaction fees when traveling abroad, making it cheaper and more rewarding to use.
The new credit card provides rewards for everyday spending by giving a $20 statement credit on each billing cycle after spending $1,000 or more, which can add up to $240 a year. It also offers 3x points on gas and EV charging, 2x on groceries, and 1x on other purchases, with rewards that can be used for travel, shopping, gift cards, or cash back through the Citi ThankYou Rewards program.
Cardholders also receive World Mastercard benefits like identity theft protection and special cultural, food and entertainment experiences. With no annual fee and improved rewards, the updated AT&T credit card is a simple way for customers to save money and earn rewards on everyday spending.
How Are Competitors Performing in the Digital Sector?
AT&T faces stiff competition from Verizon Communications, Inc. VZ and T-Mobile, US, Inc. TMUS. Verizon is expanding in the digital sector by using artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve its networks and customer service. It is also expanding fiber, 5G and wireless networks to support faster Internet and cloud services. The company is working with partners like Amazon Web Services to build stronger networks for AI and cloud technology.
T-Mobile is strengthening its role in the digital industry by improving its digital customer services, such as apps, online support and personalized offers, to make things easier for users. It is also investing in advanced 5G and future 6G networks to support faster Internet, cloud services and smart devices. T-Mobile is using AI to build smarter networks that improve speed, connection and real-time services.
T’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
AT&T shares have lost 2.9% over the past year against the industry’s decline of 11.1%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, AT&T trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 1.41, below the industry tally of 1.8.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Earnings estimates for 2026 have increased 0.9% to $2.29 over the past 60 days, while the same for 2027 have remained static at $2.52.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
AT&T currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is Here
The AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. Little-known AI firms tackling the world's biggest problems may be more lucrative in the coming months and years.
See 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
AT&T Inc. (T) : Free Stock Analysis Report
T-Mobile US, Inc. (TMUS) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Can AT&T's Effort to Boost Customer Satisfaction Drive Profits?

Last Friday, all three Wall Street benchmark stock indexes registered a week of gains. The tech-focused Nasdaq, the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 6.8%, 4.5% and 3.2%, respectively.
The rally was heavily influenced by developments in the Iran conflict, as easing tensions and emerging ceasefire signals reduced fears of a broader regional war. Concerns over potential disruption to global oil supply, especially via the Strait of Hormuz, had earlier weighed on sentiment, but signs of stabilization triggered relief across financial markets.
As geopolitical risk premiums faded, oil prices and Treasury yields declined, improving liquidity conditions and boosting risk appetite. Investors rotated back into equities, particularly growth and technology stocks, while systematic buying amplified gains across the major indexes.
Regardless of market conditions, we, here at Zacks, provide investors with unbiased guidance on how to beat the market.
As usual, Zacks Research guided investors over the past three months with its time-tested methodologies. Given the prevailing market uncertainty, you may want to look at our feats to prepare better for your next action.
Here are some of our key achievements:
Seanergy Maritime and Sabra Health Surge Following Zacks Rank Upgrade
Shares of Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp SHIP have gained 35.9% (versus the S&P 500’s 2.3% increase) since it was upgraded to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) on February 10.
Another stock, Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc. SBRA, which was upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) on February 11, has returned 8% (versus the S&P 500’s 2.6% increase) since then.
An equal-weight portfolio of Zacks Rank # 1 (Strong Buy) stocks outperformed the equal-weight S&P 500 index by 7.7 percentage points in the year-to-date 2026 period (through March 3rd, 2026); The Zacks Rank #1 stocks returned +6.57% through March 3rd, while the equal-weight S&P 500 index lost -1.14% of its value.
In 2025, this hypothetical equal-weight portfolio returned +17.81% vs. +10.85% for the index, while performance comparison was +22.4% vs. +13.7% in 2024. Over the preceding 10-year period (2016 through 2025), this portfolio of qual-weight Zacks Rank #1 stocks outperformed the equal-weight S&P 500 index by more than 7 percentage points (+18.55% vs. +11.65%).
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Zacks Recommendation Upgrades EuroDry and Fortive
Shares of EuroDry Ltd. EDRY and Fortive Corporation FTV have surged 61% and 8.1% (versus the S&P 500’s 4.2% rise), respectively, since their Zacks Recommendation was upgraded to Outperform on February 13.
While the Zacks Rank is our short-term rating system that is most effective over the one- to three-month holding horizon, the Zacks Recommendation aims to predict performance over the next 6 to 12 months. However, just like the Zacks Rank, the foundation for the Zacks Recommendation is trends in earnings estimate revisions.
The Zacks Recommendation classifies stocks into three groups — Outperform, Neutral and Underperform. While these recommendations are determined quantitatively, our analysts have the flexibility to override them for the 1100+ stocks they closely follow based on their better judgment of factors such as valuation, industry conditions and management effectiveness than the quantitative model.
To access our research reports with Zacks Recommendations for the 1100+ stocks we cover, click here>>>
Zacks Focus List Stocks Celanese, Quanta Services Shoot Up
Shares of Celanese Corporation CE, which belongs to the Zacks Focus List, have gained 40.24% over the past 12 weeks. The stock was added to the Focus List on December 5, 2016. Another Focus-List holding, Quanta Services, Inc. PWR, which was added to the portfolio on December 23, 2021, has returned 29.9% over the past 12 weeks. The S&P 500 has advanced 4.8% over this period.
The 50-stock Focus List portfolio returned +6.65% in 2026 (through February 28th) vs. +0.68% for the S&P 500 index and +7.06% for the equal-weight version of the index.
The portfolio returned +22.1% in 2025 vs. +17.9% for the S&P 500 index and +11.4% for the equal-weight version of the index.
The Zacks Focus List portfolio returned +18.41% in 2024 vs. +25.04% for the S&P 500 index and +13% for the equal-weight S&P 500 index. The portfolio had returned +29.54% in 2023 vs. +26.28% for the S&P 500 index and +13.61% for the equal-weight S&P 500 index. In 2022, the portfolio returned -15.2% vs. the S&P 500 index’s -17.96%.
Through February 28th, 2026, the portfolio’s rolling returns on a one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since 2004 have been +29.35% (vs. +17% for the S&P 500 index), +23.13% (vs. +21.81%), +14.15% (vs. +14.19%), +16.79% (vs. +15.50%) and +12.38% vs. (+10.66%), respectively.
Unlock all of our powerful research, tools and analysis, including the Focus List, Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research Reports, Zacks Earnings ESP Filter, Premium Screener and more, as part of Zacks Premium. Gain full access now >>
Zacks ECAP Stocks Walmart & PepsiCo Gain Significantly
Walmart Inc. WMT, a component of our Earnings Certain Admiral Portfolio (ECAP), has jumped 7.4% over the past 12 weeks. PepsiCo, Inc. PEP followed Walmart with 6.8% returns.
The Zacks Earnings Certain Admiral Portfolio (ECAP), which consists of 30 concentrated, ultra-defensive, long-term Buy-and-Hold stocks, returned -2.3% in the fourth quarter of 2025 vs. the S&P 500 index’s +2.7% gain (SPY ETF). For 2025 as a whole, the portfolio returned -1.67% vs. +17.9% gain for the S&P 500 index.
For the year 2024, the portfolio returned +16.26% vs. +24.89% for the S&P 500 index (SPY ETF). In 2023, the portfolio returned +12.17% vs. +26.28% for the S&P 500 index. The portfolio returned -4.7% in 2022 vs. the S&P 500 index’s -17.96%.
With little to no turnover and annual rebalance periodicity, ECAP seeks to minimize capital loss by holding shares of companies whose earnings streams exhibit a proven 20+ year track record of surviving recessionary periods with minimal impact on aggregate earnings growth relative to the overall S&P 500.
The ECAP and many other model portfolios are available as part of Zacks Advisor Tools, a cloud-based solution to access Zacks award-winning stock, mutual fund and ETF research. Click here to schedule a demo.
Zacks ECDP Stocks Public Storage and Quest Outperform Peers
Public Storage PSA, which is part of our Earnings Certain Dividend Portfolio (ECDP), has returned 8.4% over the past 12 weeks. Another ECDP stock, Quest Diagnostics Incorporated DGX, has climbed 3.2% over the same time frame. Of course, the inclination of investors toward quality dividend stocks to secure an income stream amid heightened market volatility contributed to this performance.
Check Quest’s dividend history here>>>
With an extremely low beta and a history of minimum earnings variability over the last 20+ years, this 25-stock portfolio helps significantly mitigate risk.
The Zacks Earnings Certain Dividend Portfolio (ECDP) returned -2.1% in 2025 Q4 vs. the S&P 500 index’s +2.7% gain and the Dividend Aristocrats ETF’s (NOBL) +1.6% return. For 2025, the portfolio returned -0.6% vs. +6.8% gain for the Dividend Aristocrat ETF.
For the full year 2024, the portfolio returned +6.95% vs. +24.89% for the S&P 500 index and +6.72% for NOBL.
The portfolio returned -0.9% in 2023 vs. +26.28% for the S&P 500 index and +8.11% for NOBL. The portfolio returned -2.3% in 2022 vs. -17.96% for the S&P 500 index and -8.34% for NOBL.
Click here to access this portfolio on Zacks Advisor Tools.
Zacks Top 10 Stock Citigroup Delivers Solid Returns
Citigroup Inc. C, from the Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2025, has jumped 11.4% since January 5, 2026, against the S&P 500 Index’s 4% increase.
The Top 10 portfolio retuned +10.5% in 2026 (through February 28th) vs. +0.5% for the S&P 500 index and +6.3% for the equal-weight version of the index.
The Top 10 portfolio returned +22.6% in 2025 vs. +17.9% for the S&P 500 index and +11.4% for the equal-weight version of the index.
The Top 10 portfolio returned +62.98% in 2024, vs. +25.04% for the S&P 500 index and +13% for the equal-weight version of the index. The portfolio had returned +25.15% in 2023 vs. +26.28% for the S&P 500 index.
Through the end of February 2026, the Top 10 portfolio has produced a cumulative return of +2,761.6% since 2012 vs. +564.8% for the S&P 500 index and +435% for the equal-weight version of the index. The portfolio has produced an average annual return of +26.4% in the period 2012 through February 28th, 2026 vs. +13% for the S&P 500 index and +11% for the equal-weight version of the index.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.