Lululemon Athletica Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, distributes, and retails athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories under the lululemon brand for women and men. It operates in two segments, Company-Operated Stores and Direct to Consumer. The company offers pants, shorts, tops, and jackets for healthy lifestyle, such as yoga, running, training, and other activities. It also provides fitness- inspired accessories and footwear. The company sells its products through a chain of company-operated stores; outlets; interactive workout platform; yoga and fitness studios, university campus retailers, and other partners; license and supply arrangements; recommerce; and temporary locations, as well as through mobile apps and lululemon.com e-commerce website. It has operations in the United States, the People's Republic of China, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Germany, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, France, Ireland, Spain, Malaysia, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway, and Switzerland. The company was founded in 1998 and is based in Vancouver, Canada.

lululemon has a strong balance sheet and high profitability, but the latest reporting periods show a noticeable cooling in operating momentum. The company is almost debt-free, with zero debt and very comfortable liquidity ratios, which reduces financial risk and supports the valuation. At the same time, ROE, ROA, profit margin, and operating margin remain materially above the industry median, which points to a high-quality business and strong pricing power. However, the yearly figures show a steady weakening: ROE has declined from levels above 43% to 34.8%, ROA — from 25%+ to 18.0%, gross margin — from 59.3% to 55.7%, and operating margin — from 23.4% to 18.3%. Revenue and earnings also look less convincing compared with previous periods: revenue in the latest TTM is below peak levels, and EBITDA and operating income have clearly fallen versus stronger quarters. This means that current profitability remains high, but the trend is no longer as resilient as before, and the market may demand a discount for slowing growth. The valuation picture is mixed: P/E looks low relative to the industry, which formally supports undervaluation, but P/S and P/B are noticeably above the median, indicating that investors are still paying a premium for brand quality and margins. P/FCF is around the industry norm, so free cash flow does not provide a strong argument either for or against overvaluation. The lack of dividends makes the story entirely dependent on growth and execution quality, without a defensive income component. Overall, the fundamentals remain solid, but not strong enough to justify an aggressive upward re-rating over a one-year horizon. For an investor, this is more a story of a high-quality business with slowing momentum, where it would be more reasonable to modestly lower the target than to maintain the previous level without caveats.

lululemon athletica inc.

Сильный индекс, значительно упал. Быки в растерянности.

Strong index, significantly down. The bulls are confused.

Сильный индекс, значительно вырос. Рынок на стороне быков.

Strong index, significantly up. The market is on the bulls' side.

Средний индекс, значительно вырос. Увеличился приток средств в лонги.

Medium index, significantly up. The inflow of funds into longs has increased.

LULU’s strong balance sheet and high profitability are offset by slowing earnings and margin growth; the valuation multiples are mixed, so the assessment calls for a moderate discount.

NIKE, Inc. NKE has been facing demand headwinds, with weakening consumer demand for its products weighing on sales. NIKE highlighted that consumers are becoming more cautious about discretionary spending amid an uncertain macroeconomic environment, leading to lower store traffic and slower retail sales trends.
Consequently, NIKE’s fourth-quarter revenues fell 4% on a currency-neutral basis. Revenues for the NIKE Brand were flat on a reported basis and down 3% on a currency-neutral basis. The weakness was mainly due to declines in Greater China and EMEA, somewhat offset by growth in North America. NIKE Direct revenues declined 7% on a reported basis, owing to a 12% decline in NIKE Brand Digital and a 7% fall in NIKE-owned stores.
The company also continues to face weak demand for its Sportswear and Jordan Streetwear businesses, where sell-through remains soft and promotional activity is elevated. Management cited that Sportswear and Jordan Streetwear are expected to continue to be negative in fiscal 2027, with improvement likely in the back half. Although performance categories such as Running, Training and Global Football are gaining momentum, these gains are not yet sufficient to offset weakness in the larger lifestyle categories.
Although NIKE expects these demand headwinds to continue weighing on revenue growth in the near term, it is focusing on product innovation, marketplace enhancements and stronger consumer engagement to revive demand and support growth. NIKE is streamlining inventory, reducing promotional activity and investing in its wholesale network. It is executing its "Win Now" turnaround strategy, which focuses on strengthening culture, accelerating product innovation, reinforcing brand strength and enhancing consumer engagement.
Looking ahead, investors will closely monitor whether NIKE's turnaround initiatives, including innovation, a stronger sport-focused strategy and an enhanced consumer experience, can revive demand. While these investments may pressure near-term earnings due to higher spending, they are expected to strengthen brand engagement, restore healthier demand, improve full-price sales and support sustainable earnings growth.
NKE’s Competition
lululemon athletica inc. LULU continues to benefit from the progress with its Power of Three X2 growth strategy. LULU remains focused on its long-term growth strategy, which centers on continuous product innovation, enhancing the guest experience and expanding its international presence to drive sustainable growth. lululemon is experiencing robust international momentum, with China and other global markets driving faster growth.
adidas AG ADDYY is focused on strengthening its brand appeal through continuous product innovation, operational excellence and strategic growth initiatives. ADDYY remains committed to enhancing profitability and long-term competitiveness by maintaining inventory discipline, improving operational efficiency and advancing its sustainability efforts. In addition, adidas is expanding its global footprint through localized market strategies, increased digital investments and an ongoing expansion of its retail store network.
NKE’S Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates
Shares of NIKE have lost 32.7% in the past six months compared with the industry’s decline of 27.3%.
From a valuation standpoint, NKE trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 22.94X compared with the industry’s average of 19.96X.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NKE’s fiscal 2027 and fiscal 2028 earnings implies year-over-year growth of 10.1% and 35.1%, respectively. The company’s EPS estimate for fiscal 2027 and fiscal 2028 has moved south in the past 30 days.
NIKE stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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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.

NIKE Faces Demand Headwinds: What Lies Ahead for Earnings?

For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – July 24, 2026 – Zacks Equity Research shares Brainsway BWAY as the Bull of the Day and Lululemon athletica LULU as the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on Tesla TSLA and SpaceX SPCX.
Here is a synopsis of all four stocks:
Brainsway is a medical device company treating mental health disorders from major depressive disorder and OCD to substance abuse and cigarette addiction. Its proprietary Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) platform uses a rapidly changing magnetic field to induce a small electrical current in cortical tissue. The patented H-coil reaches deeper brain structures than conventional TMS systems — the basis of the company's IP position against rival Neuronetics.
Treatment involves sitting in a chair in a healthcare office wearing a helmet for roughly 20 minutes. No hospitalization, no anesthesia, no systemic side effects. FDA cleared and supported by over 60 clinical studies.
Three bullish catalysts are converging for the company. The FDA cleared Deep TMS as adjunct therapy for adolescent MDD, opening a population where families are often reluctant to escalate drug treatment. One-year durability data for the SWIFT accelerated protocol addresses the payers' central objection to neurostimulation. And insurance coverage for accelerated Deep TMS has expanded past 57 million people.
That last item is the one that matters most. The historical constraint on TMS was throughput, not efficacy as conventional protocols demanded daily sessions for six weeks, straining adherence and clinic economics. Accelerated treatment now compress that arc dramatically. When payers cover them, every installed system serves materially more patients with no incremental capital equipment. Revenue compounds against a fixed asset base, and that is what's driving estimates higher and why the stock now boasts a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) rating.
Shares are up more than 60% year to date and have spent recent months building a momentum continuation pattern, consolidating near the highs.
With a rapidly growing business, an innovative product, expanding reimbursement, strong price momentum and rising earnings estimates, Brainsway stands out as a compelling opportunity today.
Brainsway Shares Get Upgraded
At a $660 million market cap, analyst coverage remains thin, but the analyst who does follow the name has made hefty upward revisions. Current quarter estimates have jumped 43%, current year estimates 10%, and next year 20%.
Sales are expected to grow 31.2% this year and 22.9% next year, while next year's earnings are projected to climb more than 63%. Current year earnings are expected to dip 8.3%, but that is a function of investment in growth opportunities rather than any deterioration in the business.
The most recent quarter underscores the point. Revenue rose 35% to $15.5 million, net income more than doubled to $2.3 million, and adjusted EBITDA jumped 117%. The company shipped a record 117 Deep TMS systems, up 44%, bringing the installed base to roughly 1,820. Because these systems generate recurring revenue from usage rather than one-time hardware sales, each placement adds to a growing annuity.
Technical Setup in BWAY Stock
Brainsway has traded in a stair-step pattern all year, consolidating, breaking out, then consolidating again at a higher level. The current base is the largest of the year, and shares have spent recent weeks absorbing supply near the highs. With upward estimate revisions and expanding reimbursement behind it, the setup points toward a breakout to new highs as institutional money likely begins to get involved.
Should Investors Buy Shares in BWAY?
Brainsway offers an unusually compelling combination of rapid growth, improving profitability and expanding reimbursement. The company is placing systems at a record pace, building a larger recurring-revenue base and benefiting from accelerated treatment protocols that improve both patient access and clinic economics.
The stock is not without risk. Brainsway remains a relatively small medical device company, and continued upside depends on broader insurer adoption, physician uptake and successful execution as the installed base expands. Shares have also already rallied sharply this year, which could leave them vulnerable to volatility around earnings or reimbursement developments.
Still, the fundamental trajectory remains highly encouraging. With revenue growing above 30%, earnings estimates moving higher and shares consolidating near their highs, BWAY appears positioned for another leg higher and earns its place as today's Bull of the Day.
Anyone who regularly follows my Bear of the Day reports will notice that apparel companies appear frequently. While certain brands enjoy periods of exceptional growth and market leadership, most eventually confront the industry's inherent challenges: rapidly shifting trends, evolving consumer preferences, intense competition, and difficult inventory management.
Lululemon athletica, once among the premier growth stories in apparel, has been unable to escape that cycle. Growth has decelerated sharply, competition in premium athleisure has intensified, and the stock has suffered accordingly. Falling earnings estimates have pushed LULU to a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).
Bulls will point to the valuation, and the stock does screen inexpensive after its decline. But a cheap multiple built on falling estimates is a moving target. Every downward revision quietly raises the forward P/E on the same share price, which is how a stock that looks like a bargain keeps getting cheaper. Valuation only becomes an argument once estimates stop falling.
The brand is not dead, and Lululemon products remain widely worn. But brand recognition alone does not support a multiple. Until growth reaccelerates and estimates stabilize, investors have little reason to step in.
LULU Downgrades Hit Shares
Analysts have near-unanimously slashed the profit outlook across every timeline. Current quarter earnings estimates have been cut 34.4%, while current year estimates are down 10.8% and next year more than 13%.
Sales growth is languishing as well, with current year revenue projected to fall 0.2% and next year expected to see only a modest 3.2% bump. Earnings are expected to drop 17.5% this year before a tepid 5.5% rebound next year.
The recent quarter highlights the major challenges facing the business. Revenue rose 4% to $2.5 billion, but comparable sales actually fell 2% and in the core North America market, comps dropped 6%. Gross margin contracted 410 basis points on tariffs and fixed-cost deleverage, with second quarter operating margin now guided to roughly 11.6% versus 20.7% a year ago. Management also cut full year EPS guidance by more than a dollar to $10.95–$11.15, blaming negative brand commentary on social channels and product launches that failed to land.
Should Investors Avoid LULU Stock?
Lululemon remains a valuable brand with a strong balance sheet and meaningful international growth potential. However, those strengths are currently being overwhelmed by weakening demand in North America, disappointing product execution and significant pressure on margins and earnings estimates.
The stock may look inexpensive relative to its history, but the valuation is difficult to trust while forecasts continue to fall. A durable recovery would likely require stabilization in comparable sales, better reception to new product launches and evidence that gross margins can begin rebuilding.
Until those signals emerge, there is little urgency to call a bottom. With earnings momentum firmly negative and management still resetting expectations, LULU appears vulnerable to further weakness and earns its place as today's Bear of the Day.
Additional content:
Did Tesla Finally Provide Clarity on Merger with SpaceX?
There has been much speculation on whether Elon Musk would eventually combine Tesla and SpaceX. The two companies share a founder, operate at the cutting edge of technology and have worked together across artificial intelligence, robotics and manufacturing.
On Tesla's second-quarter 2026earnings call when Musk was asked about a Tesla-SpaceX merger and whether it made strategic sense, he didn't dismiss the idea. Instead, he acknowledged that the two companies are becoming more closely intertwined.
Quoting him, "As you can tell from the many collaborations on so many fronts with SpaceX, there's more and more overlap." He added that discussions about combining companies could not take place on anearnings calland would need to follow the "appropriate process."
While the response stopped well short of confirming any merger plans, it also didn't rule out the possibility. Musk, in fact, chose to emphasize the growing operational relationship between the two companies.
The Growing Overlap Between Tesla & SpaceX
Tesla and SpaceX are no longer simply two companies run by the same CEO. Their relationship has evolved into a strategic partnership spanning artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, robotics and connectivity.
Earlier this year, Tesla deepened its ties with SpaceX through an investment and a framework agreement, allowing the companies to expand collaboration on projects such as Terafab and Digital Optimus. The closer relationship was also reflected in Tesla's second-quarter results, where the company recorded a $1 billion mark-to-market gain on its SpaceX investment.
Developed jointly by Tesla and SpaceX, Terafab is a large-scale semiconductor manufacturing project that Musk described as critical to Tesla's future. The facility will help produce the AI chips needed to scale Optimus, Tesla's humanoid robot. Without sufficient chip supply, the company's long-term robotics ambitions could face constraints.
The companies are also working together on Digital Optimus. SpaceX's larger AI model helps assign tasks to the robot, highlighting how the two companies are increasingly sharing expertise in AI and computing rather than operating as completely separate technology businesses.
The collaboration extends beyond AI and robotics. Musk revealed that SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service will be integrated into Tesla's Cybercab and eventually into all Tesla vehicles in markets where Starlink is available. He said reliable connectivity is essential for autonomous ride-hailing because cellular networks still have coverage gaps, even in densely populated regions such as Silicon Valley. Starlink would also ensure robotaxis remain connected while also supporting high-bandwidth services such as video streaming and other in-car entertainment.
Why Investors Keep Asking the Question
The growing collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX explains why merger speculation continues. The two companies are becoming increasingly intertwined across technologies that are central to their long-term strategies.
The similarities also extend beyond collaboration. Much of both companies' valuations today is driven not by their traditional businesses—selling electric vehicles in Tesla's case or launching rockets in SpaceX's—but by investor expectations around artificial intelligence and future technologies. Tesla is betting on autonomy, robotics and AI-driven manufacturing, while SpaceX is expanding beyond space transportation into satellite communications and AI-enabled infrastructure. As those ambitions converge, it's easy to see why investors continue to debate whether the partnership could eventually evolve into something bigger.
Musk also has a history of bringing companies within his broader ecosystem together through acquisitions and strategic restructurings— from Tesla's acquisition of SolarCity in 2016 to xAI's purchase of X and, more recently, SpaceX's acquisition of xAI.
The Bottom Line
Tesla's latestearnings calldidn't confirm that a merger with SpaceX is in the works. But it did provide the clearest indication yet that the relationship between the two companies is becoming deeper and more strategic. Rather than focusing solely on merger speculation, investors should keep a close watch on how quickly Terafab ramps, whether Starlink integration expands beyond Cybercab, and if Tesla deepens its financial ties with SpaceX.
Tesla and SpaceX carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) each. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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Brainsway and Lululemon athletica have been highlighted as Zacks Bull and Bear of the Day

Lululemon Athletica (LULU) is a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) despitethe company recently posted a solid beat and the stock has sold off as a result. This article will look at why this stock is a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) as it is the Bear of the Day.
Description
lululemon athletica, Inc. engages in the business of designing, distributing, and retailing technical athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories. It operates through the following segments: Company-Operated Stores, Direct to Consumer, and Other. The company was founded by Dennis James Wilson in 1998 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.
Earnings History
When I look at a stock, the first thing I do is look to see if the company is beating the number. This tells me right away where the market’s expectations have been for the company and how management has communicated to the market. A stock that consistently beats has management communicating expectations to Wall Street that can be achieved. That is what you want to see.
In the case Lululemon Athletica (LULU)I see the company has beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the last four quarters. This alone does not make the stock a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and it doesn’t make it a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) either.
The Zacks Rank does care about the earnings history, but it is much more heavily influenced by the movement of earnings estimates.
The most recent quarter saw the company report EPS of $3.10 when the consensus was calling for $2.84. That 26 cent beat translates into a positive earnings surprise of 9.15%.
Earnings Estimates
The Zacks Rank tells us which stocks are seeing earnings estimates move higher or in this case lower. For Lululemon Athletica (LULU) I see annual estimates for next year moving lower of late.
The current fiscal year consensus number has slid from $14.72 to $13.01 over the last 60 days.
The next fiscal year has moved from $15.89 to $13.22 over the last 60 days.
Negative movement in earnings estimates like that is why this stock is a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).
It should be noted that a lot of stocks in the Zacks universe are seeing negative earnings estimate revisions. That means that the stocks that are seeing small but negative earnings estimate revisions are falling to a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).
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Bear Of The Day: Lululemon Athletica (LULU)

Among the underlying components of the S&P 500 index, we saw noteworthy options trading volume today in Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold (Symbol: FCX), where a total of 79,361 contracts have traded so far, representing approximately 7.9 million underlying shares. That amounts to about 50.5% of FCX's average daily trading volume over the past month of 15.7 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $71 strike call option expiring July 31, 2026, with 15,577 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 1.6 million underlying shares of FCX. Below is a chart showing FCX's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $71 strike highlighted in orange:
lululemon athletica inc (Symbol: LULU) options are showing a volume of 13,522 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 1.4 million underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 45.4% of LULU's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 3.0 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $117 strike call option expiring July 24, 2026, with 2,157 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 215,700 underlying shares of LULU. Below is a chart showing LULU's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $117 strike highlighted in orange:
And Merck & Co Inc (Symbol: MRK) options are showing a volume of 44,026 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 4.4 million underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 43.5% of MRK's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 10.1 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $132 strike call option expiring July 24, 2026, with 35,340 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 3.5 million underlying shares of MRK. Below is a chart showing MRK's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $132 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for FCX options, LULU options, or MRK options, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Further FCX Research:
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Notable Wednesday Option Activity: FCX, LULU, MRK

NIKE, Inc.’s NKE innovation pipeline refers to its strategy of introducing new products, technologies and designs to reignite consumer interest and boost sales growth. As innovation has become a key pillar of NKE’s turnaround strategy, it can help it overcome challenges, including weaker demand, heightened competition and slower digital sales.
NIKE is expanding beyond its traditional franchises by introducing performance-focused footwear and apparel, such as the Pegasus Premium, Vomero 18 and other running and training products. Under its “Sport Offense” strategy, NIKE is increasing investments in key sports categories, including running, basketball, football and women’s sports. The company is emphasizing performance innovation to strengthen its connection with athletes.
The company views NIKE Mind as one of its most promising innovation platforms and plans to expand it beyond its current offerings beginning in spring 2027. Initially introduced in football kits, NKE’s Aero-FIT technology is set to expand into running apparel, where it is expected to enhance athletic performance and comfort. Its upcoming launches, including Caitlin Clark-branded products and the latest Free MetCon line, are expected to strengthen NIKE’s position in key performance categories.
The goal is to develop a steady stream of innovative footwear, apparel and accessories tailored to consumer preferences. Management believes that strong performance in categories such as running, basketball and football will create a “halo effect” for its Sportswear and Jordan brands, which together account for nearly half of the company’s revenues. To revive growth in these segments, NIKE is repositioning these businesses. NIKE Sportswear plans to launch more than a dozen new footwear styles in the second half of fiscal 2027, while leveraging its performance-focused innovations to drive demand.
Overall, NIKE’s strong innovation pipeline has the potential to reignite consumer demand, support higher full-price sales and restore long-term growth. However, the success of this strategy will ultimately depend on how consumers respond to the company’s new product launches in the coming quarters.
NKE’s Competition
lululemon athletica inc. LULU continues to benefit from the progress with its Power of Three X2 growth strategy. LULU remains focused on its long-term growth strategy, which centers on continuous product innovation, enhancing the guest experience and expanding its international presence to drive sustainable growth. lululemon continues to introduce new fabrics and performance-focused products across its core women’s and men’s businesses while expanding into adjacent categories, such as footwear and accessories.
adidas AG ADDYY is focused on strengthening its brand appeal through continuous product innovation, operational excellence and strategic growth initiatives. ADDYY remains committed to enhancing profitability and long-term competitiveness by maintaining inventory discipline, improving operational efficiency and advancing its sustainability efforts. In addition, adidas is expanding its global footprint through localized market strategies, increased digital investments and an ongoing expansion of its retail store network.
NKE’S Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates
Shares of NIKE have lost 33.1% in the past six months compared with the industry’s decline of 28.1%.
From a valuation standpoint, NKE trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 23.79X compared with the industry’s average of 20.63X.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NKE’s fiscal 2027 and fiscal 2028 earnings implies year-over-year growth of 10.8% and 35.4%, respectively. The company’s EPS estimate for fiscal 2027 and fiscal 2028 has moved south in the past seven days.
NIKE stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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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.

NIKE's Innovation Pipeline: Can New Products Spark Demand?

Key Points
Nike’s new college and league deals signal a push to regain cultural relevance with young athletes.
If this brand momentum sticks, investors could see stronger revenue and pricing power over time.
As Nike (NYSE: NKE) wins back key college programs and sports leagues, its push to rebuild cultural relevance among younger athletes could reshape demand, pricing power, and long‑term growth. Watch the video below to see what this shift might mean.
*This video was published on Jul. 8, 2026.
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David Meier has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Jason Moser has positions in Nike and Under Armour. Matt Frankel, CFP® has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Nike. The Motley Fool recommends Lululemon Athletica Inc. and Under Armour. 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.

Nike's New Sponsorship Wins Hint at a Slow‑Burn Comeback in Brand Power and Profits

For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – July 7, 2026 – Zacks Equity Research shares Amtech Systems ASYS as the Bull of the Day and Caesars Entertainment CZR as the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on NIKE, Inc. NKE, lululemon athletica inc. LULU and adidas AG ADDYY.
Here is a synopsis of all five stocks.
Sometimes the best AI investments aren't the companies designing the chips. Lately, it’s been the ones building the equipment that makes those chips possible. That's where Amtech Systems comes in.
Amtech is a small-cap semiconductor equipment company supplying the specialized tools, consumables, and services used in wafer fabrication and, more importantly today, advanced semiconductor packaging. Through brands like BTU International, Entrepix, PR Hoffman, and Intersurface Dynamics, the company has carved out a niche in thermal processing, CMP consumables, and polishing solutions. But the real story is its exposure to AI.
The crown jewel is Amtech's TrueFlat reflow oven, a critical piece of equipment used to package ultra-thin substrates found in next-generation AI GPUs and accelerators. As AI demand explodes, advanced packaging has become one of the biggest bottlenecks in semiconductor manufacturing.
The numbers are starting to tell the story. In fiscal second-quarter 2026, revenue jumped 31% year over year to $20.5 million, fueled primarily by AI-related products. Gross margins expanded to nearly 47%, up roughly 300 basis points sequentially, as the company shifted toward higher-value AI packaging equipment. The quarter also produced GAAP earnings of $0.08 per share, adjusted EBITDA of $2.5 million, and a healthy backlog of $22.3 million, showing demand remains solid heading into the second half of the year.
That’s prompted analysts all over Wall Street to increase their earnings estimates. Over the last sixty days, analysts have upped the ante for both the current year and next year. That’s pushed up our Zacks Consensus Estimate from 25 cents to 32 cents for the current year while next year’s number is up from 75 cents to 80 cents. That is the reason why this stock is checking in as a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
From a valuation standpoint, the market is still assigning Amtech a relatively modest multiple considering its improving margins and AI exposure. If management continues to execute, expands margins into the high 40% range, and successfully deploys its new capital, earnings power could increase significantly over the next several years. While Wall Street price targets remain relatively conservative today, the opportunity for multiple expansion exists if investors begin viewing Amtech as a true AI infrastructure supplier rather than simply another small-cap equipment company.
Sometimes a stock looks cheap for a reason. Most of the time, the reason is macro trends affecting the industry the stock is in. No matter how nice it looks on paper, no matter how much value you perceive…it could get worse. Beware of those value traps. One way to avoid them is by leaning on the Zack Rank. Stocks in the bad graces of our Zacks Rank often have earnings estimates moving in the wrong direction.
Today’s Bear of the Day is one of those names. It’s Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) Caesars Entertainment. Caesars remains one of the biggest names in gaming, operating iconic Las Vegas resorts alongside a massive portfolio of regional casinos and a growing digital sportsbook business. But despite its recognizable brands, the investment story continues to be weighed down by one overwhelming issue, debt.
The company carries approximately $11.9 billion in debt, and that's before factoring in billions more in long-term lease obligations tied to its casino real estate. Those financial commitments translate into roughly $2.3 billion in annual interest expense, making it difficult for Caesars to consistently generate meaningful profits even when business conditions are favorable.
The result has been a string of disappointing bottom-line results. Caesars posted another loss in the first quarter of 2026, missing Wall Street earnings expectations as higher interest costs continued to eat away at operating performance. While revenue has remained relatively stable, growth has been sluggish, and adjusted EBITDA has largely stalled despite continued consumer spending.
That's a problem because gaming is an inherently cyclical business. Las Vegas visitation fluctuates with the economy, regional casinos depend heavily on discretionary consumer spending, and digital sports betting remains an intensely competitive market with high customer acquisition costs and evolving regulatory hurdles. If the economy slows, consumers typically cut back on vacations, casino visits, and entertainment spending long before reducing essential purchases.
The stock has missed earnings expectations for six consecutive quarters, helping to prompt analysts all over Wall Street to cut their estimates. The Leisure and Recreational Services industry ranks in the Bottom 16% of our Zacks Industry Rank.
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NIKE's Wholesale Strength: A Signal of Turnaround Ahead?
NIKE, Inc. has been making efforts to drive growth at its wholesale segment. The company is rebuilding its wholesale partnerships by expanding its reach across retail channels and enhancing its presence in the marketplace. It is also making significant investments in its physical retail network, refreshing more than 15,000 wholesale locations worldwide to improve product presentation and the overall consumer shopping experience.
NIKE is streamlining inventory, reducing promotional activity and investing in its wholesale network to create a healthier and more profitable distribution channel. While challenges persist in categories such as Sportswear and Jordan, as well as in markets like Greater China, the improving wholesale performance suggests that NIKE is making meaningful progress toward restoring growth. NIKE continues to remain under pressure in Greater China as it restructures its inventory and marketplace.
Hence, the company’s wholesale business is currently showing encouraging signs, with the segment’s revenues increasing 4% on a reported basis and 1% on a currency-neutral basis to $6.6 billion in fourth-quarter fiscal 2026. Wholesale trends improved, helping offset weakness in NIKE Direct. Growth was mainly driven by North America, partly offset by lower revenues in Greater China. For the fiscal year, wholesale revenues grew 4%, led by double-digit growth in North America.
Healthy demand for its performance-focused products and improving marketplace conditions have been driving results. Key partners are showing better performance. Management highlighted that sales and retail sell-through at Foot Locker turned positive for the first time in four years, suggesting stronger consumer demand and healthier inventory at retail partners.
The company continues to execute its "Win Now" turnaround strategy, which focuses on strengthening culture, accelerating product innovation, reinforcing brand strength and enhancing consumer engagement. NIKE is actively reducing excess inventory, scaling back promotional activity and optimizing shipments to better match product supply with consumer demand, helping create a healthier marketplace while supporting long-term profitability.
NKE’s Competition
lululemon athletica inc. continues to benefit from the progress with its Power of Three X2 growth strategy. LULU remains focused on its long-term growth strategy, which centers on continuous product innovation, enhancing the guest experience and expanding its international presence to drive sustainable growth. lululemon is experiencing robust international momentum, with China and other global markets driving faster growth.
adidas AG is focused on strengthening its brand appeal through continuous product innovation, operational excellence and strategic growth initiatives. ADDYY remains committed to enhancing profitability and long-term competitiveness by maintaining inventory discipline, improving operational efficiency and advancing its sustainability efforts. In addition, adidas is expanding its global footprint through localized market strategies, increased digital investments and an ongoing expansion of its retail store network.
NKE’S Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates
Shares of NIKE have lost 33.5% in the past six months compared with the industry’s decline of 25.4%.
From a valuation standpoint, NKE trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 23.72X compared with the industry’s average of 20.73X.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NKE’s fiscal 2027 and fiscal 2028 earnings per share implies year-over-year growth of 13.9% and 32.5%, respectively. The company’s EPS estimate for fiscal 2027 and fiscal 2028 has moved south in the past seven days.
NIKE stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).
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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.
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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.

Amtech and Caesars Entertainment have been highlighted as Zacks Bull and Bear of the Day

NIKE, Inc. NKE has been making efforts to drive growth at its wholesale segment. The company is rebuilding its wholesale partnerships by expanding its reach across retail channels and enhancing its presence in the marketplace. It is also making significant investments in its physical retail network, refreshing more than 15,000 wholesale locations worldwide to improve product presentation and the overall consumer shopping experience.
NIKE is streamlining inventory, reducing promotional activity and investing in its wholesale network to create a healthier and more profitable distribution channel. While challenges persist in categories such as Sportswear and Jordan, as well as in markets like Greater China, the improving wholesale performance suggests that NIKE is making meaningful progress toward restoring growth. NIKE continues to remain under pressure in Greater China as it restructures its inventory and marketplace.
Hence, the company’s wholesale business is currently showing encouraging signs, with the segment’s revenues increasing 4% on a reported basis and 1% on a currency-neutral basis to $6.6 billion in fourth-quarter fiscal 2026. Wholesale trends improved, helping offset weakness in NIKE Direct. Growth was mainly driven by North America, partly offset by lower revenues in Greater China. For the fiscal year, wholesale revenues grew 4%, led by double-digit growth in North America.
Healthy demand for its performance-focused products and improving marketplace conditions have been driving results. Key partners are showing better performance. Management highlighted that sales and retail sell-through at Foot Locker turned positive for the first time in four years, suggesting stronger consumer demand and healthier inventory at retail partners.
The company continues to execute its "Win Now" turnaround strategy, which focuses on strengthening culture, accelerating product innovation, reinforcing brand strength and enhancing consumer engagement. NIKE is actively reducing excess inventory, scaling back promotional activity and optimizing shipments to better match product supply with consumer demand, helping create a healthier marketplace while supporting long-term profitability.
NKE’s Competition
lululemon athletica inc. LULU continues to benefit from the progress with its Power of Three X2 growth strategy. LULU remains focused on its long-term growth strategy, which centers on continuous product innovation, enhancing the guest experience and expanding its international presence to drive sustainable growth. lululemon is experiencing robust international momentum, with China and other global markets driving faster growth.
adidas AG ADDYY is focused on strengthening its brand appeal through continuous product innovation, operational excellence and strategic growth initiatives. ADDYY remains committed to enhancing profitability and long-term competitiveness by maintaining inventory discipline, improving operational efficiency and advancing its sustainability efforts. In addition, adidas is expanding its global footprint through localized market strategies, increased digital investments and an ongoing expansion of its retail store network.
NKE’S Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates
Shares of NIKE have lost 33.5% in the past six months compared with the industry’s decline of 25.4%.
From a valuation standpoint, NKE trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 23.72X compared with the industry’s average of 20.73X.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NKE’s fiscal 2027 and fiscal 2028 earnings per share implies year-over-year growth of 13.9% and 32.5%, respectively. The company’s EPS estimate for fiscal 2027 and fiscal 2028 has moved south in the past seven days.
NIKE stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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Adidas AG (ADDYY) : 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.

NIKE's Wholesale Strength: A Signal of a Turnaround Ahead?

Key Points
Lululemon's growth has just about dried up.
The company has a new CEO taking over in September, but the problems may not be easy to fix.
If a stock is down 50%, it would need to double to just get back to where it was before its decline. It's a tall task, but it also demonstrates just what kind of upside a beaten-down stock could have if it's able to get back to where it was after a sell-off.
The big question, of course, is whether it can recover, because declines like that don't just happen for no reason. Lululemon Athletica (NASDAQ: LULU) has lost almost that much during just the first six months of the year. At the mid-way point, it was down an incredible 45%.
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With the company in the midst of a CEO transition, could it be worth taking a chance on this struggling apparel stock?
The business faces a tough road ahead
The problem with Lululemon's business is simple to explain, but hard to fix. The growth has virtually evaporated for this once-top growth stock. When it reported earnings last month, the company's comparable growth rate on a constant-dollar basis was just 2%. That's a far cry from what it used to generate in the past, when double-digit growth was not a problem at all.
The fix, however, is by no means easy. New CEO Heidi O'Neill is taking over in September and has decades of experience at another apparel company that's recently been struggling, Nike. Lululemon's trendy products are not as trendy anymore. Part of it may be due to consumers pushing back on high-priced items, a rise in competition (particularly from online retailers), or both. That's why fixing the issue isn't going to be easy, regardless of who's in charge.
The stock is cheap, but it comes with plenty of uncertainty
Lululemon's stock is at multi-year lows. It's around the levels it was at in 2018. And it's trading at just nine times its trailing earnings. However, even that's not enough to convince investors that it's worth buying, because there are serious concerns about how competitive it may be in the long run, and whether what's worked for it in the past will be able to work in the future.
There's virtually no reason to expect a turnaround for the stock in the second half, as it can take years for a new CEO to fix a struggling business, and even then, it's not a guarantee. Nike's new CEO has been trying to turn the business around for almost two years, and it's hard to make the case that it's in much better shape today. The problems go much deeper than what management may be able to control, and that's why I wouldn't expect Lululemon's stock to turn around anytime soon, and things could still get worse before they get better.
Should you buy stock in Lululemon Athletica Inc. right now?
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David Jagielski, CPA has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Nike. The Motley Fool recommends Lululemon Athletica Inc. 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.

After Declining 45% This Year, Can Lululemon Bounce Back in the Second Half of 2026?

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Parkev Tatevosian, CFA has positions in Amazon, Lululemon Athletica Inc., Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, Pinterest, The Trade Desk, Uber Technologies, and Visa. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Adobe, Amazon, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, Pinterest, The Trade Desk, Uber Technologies, and Visa. The Motley Fool recommends Lululemon Athletica Inc. and recommends the following options: long January 2028 $320 calls on McDonald's, long January 2028 $330 calls on Adobe, short January 2028 $340 calls on Adobe, and short January 2028 $340 calls on McDonald's. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Parkev Tatevosian is an affiliate of The Motley Fool and may be compensated for promoting its services. If you choose to subscribe through his link, he will earn some extra money that supports his channel. His opinions remain his own and are unaffected by The Motley Fool.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.