QURE Soars as FDA Backs AMT-130 Data for Accelerated Approval

Shares of uniQure QURE soared 78.4% on June 17, after the company announced a major regulatory milestone for AMT-130, its investigational gene therapy for Huntington's disease. The stock, however, lost 3.9% on June 18. 

During a recent type B meeting, the FDA informed uniQure that the three-year data from the phase I/II study on AMT-130 study could serve as the primary basis for a biologics license application (BLA) seeking accelerated approval for the therapy for the treatment of Huntington's disease.

QURE expects to receive final minutes within 30 days of the recent type B meeting.

The FDA seeks alignment on the confirmatory study design before BLA submission, including consideration of a concurrent standard-of-care control group in place of a sham-controlled design. The agency stated that it would work expeditiously with uniQure to finalize these plans.

The company expects to complete alignment with the FDA ahead of its anticipated BLA filing in the third quarter of 2026 and is committed to initiating the confirmatory study as quickly as possible.

The latest update relieves anxious investors as QURE had earlier suffered a regulatory setback. Shares of the company crashed in March 2026 when the company announced that it had received final meeting minutes from the FDA regarding a type A meeting held in January 2026 to discuss AMT-130.

This meeting was held following an October 2025 pre-BLA meeting.

After receiving the final meeting minutes, the company disclosed that the FDA did not agree that data from the phase I/II studies, when compared with an external control group, were sufficient to serve as the primary evidence of effectiveness needed to support a marketing application for AMT-130.

The FDA has recommended that uniQure conduct a prospective, randomized, double-blind, sham surgery-controlled study.

More on QURE’s AMT-130

AMT-130 is a novel investigational gene therapy for Huntington's disease that leverages uniQure's proprietary miQURE platform. The therapy employs a microRNA (miRNA) designed to silence the huntingtin gene and the potentially highly toxic exon 1 protein fragment.

AMT-130 is being evaluated in two ongoing multi-center, dose-escalating phase I/II studies designed to assess its safety, tolerability, and exploratory efficacy signals for the treatment of Huntington's disease.

Following discussions with the FDA, it was agreed that data from cohorts 1 and 2 in the phase I/II studies could be compared to a propensity score-matched external control derived from the Enroll-HD natural history data set, under a prespecified statistical analysis plan. These data can also form the primary basis of the company's planned BLA submission.

The phase I/II study in the United States enrolled 26 patients with early manifest Huntington's disease, who were randomized to receive either AMT-130 at a low dose (n=6), a high dose (n=10), or a sham procedure (n=10). Patients in the treatment arms received a one-time administration of AMT-130 through MRI-guided, convection-enhanced stereotactic neurosurgical delivery directly into the striatum (caudate and putamen). The study includes a 12-month blinded phase followed by unblinded long-term follow-up of treated patients for five years. An additional four control patients crossed over to treatment.

In Europe, an open-label phase Ib/II study enrolled 13 patients with early manifest Huntington's disease, including six receiving the low dose and seven receiving the high dose of AMT-130.

Beyond these, uniQure enrolled 12 additional patients across U.S. and European sites in a third cohort evaluating both dose levels of AMT-130 in combination with immunosuppression using the established stereotactic administration procedure.

A fourth U.S.-based cohort enrolled six patients and is assessing the high-dose regimen in patients with lower striatal volumes than those included in earlier cohorts.

AMT-130 has received multiple designations from the FDA, including the Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation — the first ever granted to a Huntington's disease therapy —as well as Breakthrough Therapy and Fast Track designations.

A potential approval of this gene therapy will be a significant boost for QURE.

Huntington's disease is a genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, which leads to a decline in cognitive and physical abilities, often resulting in movement, thinking and psychiatric problems.

QURE shares have surged 93.4% year to date against the industry’s 1.8% decline.

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QURE’s Other Pipeline Candidates

Apart from AMT-130, uniQure’s pipeline comprises a few candidates that are currently undergoing in development.

The company is evaluating AMT-260 for the treatment of refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) in the phase I/IIa study. The other candidate in the pipeline is AMT-191 for the treatment of Fabry disease.

Please note that the company also markets an internally developed gene therapy, in partnership with CSL Behring, for the treatment of hemophilia B in the United States and the EU under the brand name Hemgenix.

QURE’s Zacks Rank and Stocks to Consider

uniQure currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).  A couple of better-ranked biotech stocks are Immunocore IMCR and Liquidia Corporation LQDA, both sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Over the past 30 days, earnings per share (EPS) estimates for Immunocore have remained unchanged at 6 cents for 2026 and at 87 cents for 2027.

Immunocore’s earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed in the remaining one, the average surprise being 46.66%.

Over the past 60 days, estimates for Liquidia’s 2026 EPS have increased to $2.97 from $1.50. Over the same period, EPS estimates for 2027 have risen to $4.81 from $2.91. LQDA shares have surged 106.1% year to date.

Liquidia’s earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed in the remaining one, with the average surprise being 54.40%.


 

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%.

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research

Expanding Customer Base and Investments Support LNT's Growth

Alliant Energy LNT benefits from a regulated structure and ongoing economic development in its service areas, boosting its customer base and demand. Its disciplined capital investment strategy improves operational efficiency, expands renewable assets and supports long-term growth.

LNT’s Tailwinds

Alliant Energy benefits from a regulated structure and rising electricity load growth from data centers. The company secured a new 370-megawatt electric service agreement in Iowa, lifting its total contracted data center load to approximately 3.4 gigawatts. This expanding load pipeline enhances revenue visibility and supports sustained growth opportunities.

The company’s diversified customer base provides earnings stability by reducing reliance on any single customer segment for revenue generation. LNT is also benefiting from ongoing economic development in its service territory. This expands the customer base, raises demand for utility services and creates favorable conditions for strong financial performance.

Alliant Energy’s disciplined capital investments in renewable energy expansion and grid infrastructure enhance system reliability, advance cleaner power generation and support sustainable long-term earnings and rate base growth. The company aims to invest $13.4 billion during 2026-2029 to support 12% rate-based growth, with roughly 72% of capital spending directed toward clean energy generation and storage projects.

LNT’s Headwinds

Alliant Energy operates under stringent federal and state environmental regulations, and there is no guarantee that higher compliance costs can be fully recovered from customers. Noncompliance with laws, regulatory changes or adverse court rulings could adversely affect the company’s financial performance and operating results.

The company’s utility subsidiaries, Interstate Power and Light Company and Wisconsin Power and Light Company, rely on an interstate electric transmission network that is owned and operated by third parties rather than under their direct ownership or control. Any deterioration in the performance or reliability of third-party transmission networks could disrupt service quality and adversely affect customer service.

LNT’s Zacks Rank 

Alliant Energy currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Price Performance of LNT

In the past six months, Alliant Energy's shares have rallied 12.2% compared with the industry’s 7.3% growth.

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Stocks to Consider

Some better-ranked stocks in the same industry are Consolidated Edison ED, PG&E PCG and NextEra Energy NEE. All stocks currently carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Consolidated Edison, PG&E and NextEra Energy’s 2026 EPS are pegged at $6.09, $1.65 and $4.01, suggesting year-over-year growth of 6.84%, 10% and 8.09%, respectively.

ED, PCG and NEE are projected to deliver long-term (three to five years) earnings growth of 6.47%,15.89% and 8.51%, respectively.

 

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%.

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research

SWX vs. SR: Which Gas Distributor Stock Offers Better Returns?

The companies in the Zacks Utility - Gas Distribution industry are engaged in the transportation and distribution of natural gas from the region of production to millions of consumers across the United States. Their extensive pipeline and distribution networks ensure a reliable energy supply, while regulated operations provide stable revenue streams and support ongoing infrastructure modernization and system expansion. They enhance shareholders’ value through dividend distribution and buybacks, making them attractive options for defensive investors.

Demand for natural gas is increasing across the United States due to its cleaner-burning characteristics, which help lower carbon emissions compared with other fossil fuels. Its role as a reliable transition fuel is supporting higher consumption and long-term demand growth.

Amid the growing significance of gas distribution, let us discuss Southwest Gas SWX and Spire SR, two regulated utilities benefiting from the rise in natural gas demand and major infrastructure development investments, making them comparable in the utility space.

Southwest Gas benefits from its regulated structure, new rates and rise in natural gas demand, supporting its financial performance. SWX gains from ongoing economic development across its service territories, which is attracting new customers and supporting steady demand growth and revenue expansion. The company undertakes systematic capital investment to strengthen infrastructure, supporting rate base growth, enhancing service reliability and driving long-term growth. Supported by a constructive regulatory framework and growing energy demand, Southwest Gas is well-positioned to enhance shareholders' value. 

Spire, supported by its regulated framework, benefits from a rate hike and an expanding customer base, supporting stable revenues and earnings growth. The company continues to optimize its portfolio through strategic acquisitions and the divestiture of non-core assets, enhancing operational focus, strengthening financial flexibility and creating attractive long-term growth opportunities. Its strategic capital investments plan supports infrastructure development and system reliability while driving rate base and long-term financial growth. With growing energy demand and a supportive regulatory environment, Spire is poised to generate steady cash flow and enhance shareholder value over the long term.

Southwest Gas and Spire are among the leading gas distribution utilities. Analyzing their fundamentals side by side can reveal which stock presents the most attractive investment opportunity.

SWX and SR’s Earnings Growth Projections

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SWX’s earnings per share (EPS) is pegged at $4.27 in 2026 and $4.85 in 2027, suggesting year-over-year growth of 16.99% and 13.63%, respectively.  SWX’s long-term (three to five years) earnings growth is currently pinned at 9.89%.

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The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SR’s EPS is pegged at $4 in 2026 and $5.51 in 2027, suggesting a year-over-year decline of 9.91% and growth of 37.75%, respectively.  SR’s long-term earnings growth is currently pinned at 11.17%.

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Debt to Capital

The Zacks Utilities sector is highly capital-intensive, requiring continuous investments to modernize and maintain infrastructure, improve operational efficiency and serve rising energy demand. To fund these long-term projects, utilities rely on a combination of internally generated cash flows and debt raised from capital markets, enabling steady growth and dependable service to customers.

Southwest Gas’ debt-to-capital currently stands at 46.11%, below Spire 69.95% and the industry average of 54.47%. Both companies use debt to fund their business, with SR’s higher ratio indicating greater dependence on borrowed funds.

Return on Equity

Return on Equity (“ROE”) is a key financial metric that measures how efficiently a company utilizes shareholders’ funds to generate returns. A higher ROE reflects strong managerial efficiency in utilizing shareholder funds to create value and drive profit growth.

Spire’s current ROE is 9.49%, outperforming Southwest Gas, which reports a lower ROE of 6.95%. SR uses shareholder capital more efficiently and generates higher returns, though both companies’ returns remain below the industry average of 10.13%.

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Capital Investment Plans

Utilities operation is capital-intensive, as huge funds are required to develop infrastructure, enhance system reliability and maintain existing assets. Natural gas distribution utilities must continuously invest in pipelines, storage facilities and delivery networks to ensure safe operations, reliable service and compliance with evolving regulatory standards while meeting growing customer demand.

Southwest Gas aims to invest $6.3 billion in 2026-2030, of which nearly 73% is related to SWX and 27% to the Great Basin project. Spire plans to invest $4.8 billion during 2026-2030 to enhance service reliability, support infrastructure development and rate base growth.

Price Performance

Southwest Gas' shares have gained 5.8% in the past three months against the Spire 12.9% decline.

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Wrapping Up

Southwest Gas and Spire are benefiting from rising natural gas demand, customer growth, rate increases and significant infrastructure investments, enabling them to reliably serve millions of customers across the United States.

Southwest Gas is supported by stronger earnings estimate revisions, a better capital spending program, a lower debt-to-capital ratio and superior stock price performance, make it a more attractive choice in the utility sector.

Based on the above discussion, Southwest Gas currently has an edge over Spire, though both presently carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

 

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%.

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research

KMI's Stable Cash Flows Back Growth Investments & Shareholder Returns

Kinder Morgan’s KMI financial position is anchored by its steady cash flows and highly contracted business model. The company has stated that 96% of its cash flows are either take-or-pay, fee-based or hedged. Notably, 65% of cash flows are tied to take-or-pay contracts and 26% of the cash flow mix comes from fee-based contracts. During the first quarter, Kinder Morgan generated $1.49 billion in cash flow from operations, enabling it to fund dividends, capital expenditures and growth investments.

Additionally, the company’s growing cash flows and disciplined capital allocation approach enabled it to enhance its balance sheet strength and lower its net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio to 3.6x from 3.8x at the beginning of the year. A stronger balance sheet gives the company the financial flexibility to continue investing in growth opportunities while maintaining returns to shareholders.

Kinder Morgan expects to return approximately $2.7 billion to shareholders through dividends in 2026. In the first quarter, KMI declared a quarterly dividend of 29.75 cents per share, implying an annualized dividend of $1.19 and marking the ninth consecutive year of dividend increase. The company has also returned nearly $23 billion to shareholders over the past decade through dividends and share repurchases. This demonstrates the company’s long-term commitment to rewarding shareholders. The combination of financial discipline, predictable earnings and stable cash flows positions Kinder Morgan to continue delivering value to investors across market cycles.

More Energy Sector Players Focus on Shareholder Returns

Sunoco LP SUN is a wholesale motor fuel distributor in the United States, distributing motor fuels of several brands through long-term distribution agreements with nearly 9,000 distribution facilities, which support steady cash flows. The partnership declared a distribution of 98.99 cents per unit in the first quarter of 2026, marking a sequential increase of 6.25% or a 10% increase from the prior-quarter figure of 89.76 cents per unit. For 2026, the partnership aims to meet its distribution growth target of at least 5%. This reflects the partnership’s strong commitment to returning capital to unitholders.

Antero Midstream AM provides integrated midstream services to the leading natural gas producer, Antero Resources Corporation, under long-term contracts. This enables the midstream player to generate stable earnings and cash flows. Antero Midstream continues to return capital to shareholders through a combination of dividends and share repurchases. The company repurchased 1.0 million shares under its authorized share repurchase program in the first quarter of 2026. This reflects the company’s commitment to returning capital to shareholders. 

KMI’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates

Shares of Kinder Morgan have jumped 12.9% over the past year compared with the 18.8% improvement of the composite stocks belonging to the industry.

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From a valuation standpoint, KMI trades at a trailing 12-month enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) of 14.04X. This is below the broader industry average of 15.04X.

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The Zacks Consensus Estimate for KMI’s 2026 earnings hasn’t seen any revisions over the past seven days.

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KMI currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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%.

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research

Kosmos Sells Stake in Equatorial Guinea Assets to Panoro Energy

Kosmos Energy KOS, a U.S.-based exploration and production company, has concluded the sale of its non-operating interests in certain offshore production assets in Equatorial Guinea to Panoro Energy. The deal was announced earlier this year, with Panoro Energy agreeing to acquire KOS’ subsidiary, which owns a 40.375% interestin the block containing the production assets. The deal includes the Ceiba field and the Okume Complex production assets, located in Block G, offshore Equatorial Guinea.

Financial Terms of the Deal

Per the terms of the deal, the acquiring firm agreed to an upfront cash payment of $180 million, subject to adjustments. Kosmos Energy has received a final cash payment of $127 million following the conclusion of the deal and after accounting for post-closing adjustments. Besides the cash received at closing, Kosmos could still earn additional payments under the terms of the agreement. This includes contingent payments of $12.5 million if the Ceiba field meets certain production targets and $9 million in each of 2027, 2028 and 2029 if oil prices and production levels reach specific target thresholds.  

Divestment Supports Balance Sheet Strengthening

The closing of this deal reduces the company’s 2026 production. Before the deal’s closing, these assets contributed nearly 5,800 barrels of oil per day net to Kosmos in 2026. However, it enables Kosmos Energy to streamline its asset portfolio and focus on its core assets that generate higher returns. Furthermore, the company has stated that it will use the divestment proceeds to pay down the borrowings under its reserves-based lending credit facility. The transaction will also remove an asset retirement obligation of $140 million from the company’s balance sheet. The transaction is expected to benefit the company by improving its financial flexibility, strengthening its balance sheet and freeing up capital for other strategic priorities.

Deal Creates Value for Both Companies

Kosmos Energy has highlighted that this deal is mutually beneficial for both companies. Panoro Energy previously owned a 14.25% interest in Block G, and the acquisition will raise its stake in the block to 54.625%. For Kosmos, the deal streamlines its portfolio and allows it to focus on its deepwater assets while selling assets with relatively high unit operating costs. Moreover, the deal is structured such that the company can still benefit from any future upside from the assets.  Kosmos Energy’s focus lies on its key offshore assets across Ghana, Mauritania, Senegal and the Gulf of America, which have the potential for long-term growth.

KOS’s Zacks Rank and Key Picks

KOS currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Some better-ranked stocks from the energy sector are W&T Offshore WTI, Galp Energia SGPS SA GLPEY and FuelCell Energy FCEL, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here.

W&T Offshore benefits from its prolific Gulf of America assets, which offer low decline rates, strong permeability and significant untapped reserves. The company’s recent acquisition of six shallow-water fields in the Gulf of America boosts its future production prospects and is expected to enhance its revenues. 

Galp Energia is a Portuguese energy company engaged in exploration and production activities. The company’s oil exploration efforts have yielded positive results, particularly with the Mopane discovery in the Orange Basin, offshore Namibia. This discovery allows Galp to expand its global presence with the potential to become a significant oil producer in the region. It is also involved in refining and marketing of oil products and natural gas marketing and sales.

FuelCell Energy is a clean energy company that offers scalable, reliable, low-carbon power solutions. It produces power using flexible fuel sources such as biogas, natural gas and hydrogen. The company’s proprietary molten carbonate fuel cell systems generate electricity through an electrochemical process instead of burning fuel, reducing carbon emissions and minimizing the environmental impact of power generation. FCEL is anticipated to play a crucial role in the energy transition by enabling industries and communities to shift from traditional fossil fuels to low-carbon alternatives.

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%.

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research

PVH Stock Tracks Key Trends in DTC, AI and Apparel Margins

PVH Corp. PVH is trying to turn brand momentum into steadier profitability as apparel demand stays uneven. The company’s latest quarter showed progress in direct-to-consumer channels, digital commerce and inventory control.

The stock’s next move may depend on whether those gains can offset tariff pressure, weaker wholesale trends and softer demand in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.• 

Direct-to-Consumer Channels Remain a Bright Spot

PVH’s direct-to-consumer business remains central to its growth strategy. In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, direct-to-consumer revenues increased 6% on a reported basis and 3% in constant currency, with growth across both Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.

Owned and operated stores rose 5% reported and 2% in constant currency. Owned and operated digital commerce grew 11% reported and 6% in constant currency, with gains across all regions.

The channel mix matters because wholesale remained under pressure. Wholesale revenues were flat on a reported basis but down 6% in constant currency, reflecting declines across regions and cautious partner behavior.

Ralph Lauren Corporation RL is a relevant peer for investors watching global apparel brands with direct-to-consumer and wholesale exposure. Tapestry, Inc. TPR, the parent of Coach and Kate Spade, offers another comparison point for branded consumer companies trying to deepen direct customer relationships while managing discretionary spending pressure.

AI and Data Tools Support Execution

PVH is investing in a more data-driven operating model under its PVH+ Plan. The company is using its enterprise data platform and Artificial Intelligence partnerships to improve consumer insights, demand forecasting and operational execution.

Management has linked these capabilities to faster decision-making across consumer, product and supply-chain areas. That is important in apparel, where inventory freshness, category timing and promotional discipline can quickly affect margins.

The company also completed more than 140 store refurbishments and openings combined in the first quarter. These investments are aimed at improving the consumer experience across stores, digital shop-in-shops and e-commerce.

Margins Hold, but Tariffs Stay in Focus

PVH’s gross margin was 58.6% in the first quarter, flat with the prior year. That result came despite increased tariffs on goods entering the United States, a more promotional environment and margin pressure tied to bringing some previously licensed women’s categories in-house.

Tariff mitigation, favorable mix and lower product costs helped offset those pressures. Inventory also declined 5% year over year to $1.510 billion, giving PVH more flexibility as it manages demand shifts.

Non-GAAP operating margin was 6.5%, at the high end of guidance. For fiscal 2026, PVH reaffirmed its non-GAAP operating margin outlook of approximately 8.8%, flat with fiscal 2025.

Outlook Balances Momentum and Macro Pressure

PVH reported first-quarter revenues of $2.025 billion, up 2% year over year on a reported basis but down 2% in constant currency. Adjusted earnings came in at $2.01 per share, above guidance, though lower than $2.30 in the prior-year quarter.

The full-year sales view remains cautious. PVH now expects fiscal 2026 revenues to be approximately flat on a reported basis and to decline slightly in constant currency.

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EMEA remains the main drag, with first-quarter constant-currency revenues down 5% due to softness in both direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels. The company expects the prolonged effects of the Middle East conflict to continue weighing on the region.

Tariffs add another layer of uncertainty. PVH’s outlook assumes a full-year blended tariff rate of roughly 15% on goods coming into the United States, with an estimated gross EBIT impact of about $195 million, or roughly 215 basis points of operating margin pressure. Tariff refunds are expected to provide a partial offset, including an estimated $100 million EBIT benefit.

Bottom Line on PVH Stock

PVH’s investment case is tied to execution. Direct-to-consumer growth, e-commerce gains, Artificial Intelligence-enabled planning and inventory discipline support the story, but flat sales guidance and tariff uncertainty keep the setup balanced.

PVH currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

The stock also has a VGM Score of A, a Value Score of A, a Growth Score of C and a Momentum Score of A. The Value Score of A and Momentum Score of A point to favorable valuation and share-price characteristics, while the Growth Score of C suggests a more measured growth profile. Combined with the Zacks Rank #3, PVH looks like a stock to monitor closely as investors assess whether digital gains and margin discipline can offset macro and tariff headwinds.

Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"

From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.

This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research

Delta Air Lines Boosts Shareholder Returns With 15% Dividend Hike

In a shareholder-friendly move, Delta Air Lines’ DAL board of directors approved a dividend hike of 15%, thereby raising its quarterly cash dividend to 21.50 cents per share (86 cents annualized) from 18.75 cents (75 cents annualized). The raised dividend will be paid out on July 30, 2026, to stockholders of record at the close of business on June 9, 2026. The move underscores DAL's strong financial position and robust cash-flow generation, highlighting its commitment to delivering value to shareholders.

Shares of DAL performed well on the bourse on June 18, 2026, closing the trading session at $84.18 per share, up 2.4% from the previous day's closing. The surge comes on the heels of the dividend hike announcement by Delta’s board of directors, reflecting investor confidence in the stock.

The company has consistently increased its dividend since reinstating shareholder payouts in 2023, raising its quarterly dividend by 50% to 15 cents per share in 2024, followed by a 25% increase to 18.75 cents per share in 2025 and a further 15% hike to 21.50 cents per share in 2026. Overall, the quarterly dividend has more than doubled from its 2023 level, reflecting Delta Air Lines' strengthening financial position, robust cash-flow generation and commitment to enhancing shareholder returns.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. Dividend (TTM)

Delta Air Lines, Inc. dividend-ttm | Delta Air Lines, Inc. Quote

Dividend-paying stocks provide a solid income stream and have fewer chances of experiencing wild price swings. Dividend stocks, like DAL, are safe bets for creating wealth, as the payouts generally act as a hedge against economic uncertainty, as in the current scenario. 

Overall, Delta Air Lines is benefiting from resilient travel demand, particularly in premium and international markets, which continues to support its revenue growth and cash generation. Backed by a strong financial position, the airline remains well-positioned to continue rewarding shareholders through dividend growth and other capital-return initiatives. We believe such shareholder-friendly initiatives should boost investor confidence and positively impact this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock’s bottom line.

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Delta is not the only player in the Zacks Transportation sector that has rewarded its shareholders through dividend payouts or share buyback programs. To name a few, SkyWest, Inc. SKYW, reflecting its shareholder-friendly stance, increased its existing repurchase plan by $250 million in May 2025. SkyWest repurchased 783,000 shares for $75 million during the first quarter of 2026.

As of March 31, 2026, SkyWest had $138 million available under its current share repurchase program. Buybacks not only reduce the total outstanding share count, thereby increasing earnings per share, but also signal management's belief in the intrinsic value of the stock.

Similarly, Expeditors International of Washington's EXPD announcement of a 5% increase in its semi-annual dividend in May 2026 to $0.81 per share, coupled with its recently authorized $3 billion share repurchase program, underscores the company's strong financial position and commitment to shareholder returns. Having returned nearly $2 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks since 2024, Expeditors continues to leverage its robust cash generation and balance sheet strength to enhance shareholder value while maintaining its long-standing status as a dividend aristocrat.

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%.

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research