- Earnings Scoreboard: 7 out of 9 key S&P 500 reporting firms deliver clean EPS beats and growth
May 16, 2026
[Rolled newspaper with the headline Quarterly Results]
Zerbor
Corporate earnings this week feature a high-stakes slate of reports from nine notable companies, spanning the technology, e-commerce, materials, and real estate sectors.
EARNINGS ROUNDUP:
BOTTOM LINE: Out of the 9 companies reporting, 7 exceeded EPS expectations, and 2 fell short. Notably, 7 of these companies posted year-over-year earnings growth.
TOP LINE: Performance remained robust on the revenue front, with 8 companies topping Wall Street estimates and only 1 missing. On a year-over-year basis, 7 companies successfully delivered top-line revenue expansion.
[Seeking Alpha]
Seeking Alpha (Seeking Alpha)
LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF THE COMPANIES THAT REPORTED EARNINGS THIS WEEK:
APPLIED MATERIALS (AMAT [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/AMAT]): Posted record fiscal Q2 revenue of $7.91 billion and beat EPS estimates at $2.86 (+20% YoY) on accelerating AI chip demand, while issuing strong Q3 revenue guidance [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4593071-applied-materials-pops-as-q2-results-guidance-top-estimates] of $8.95 billion.
CISCO SYSTEMS (CSCO [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/CSCO]): Delivered record fiscal Q3 revenue of $15.84 billion and an EPS beat of $1.06 driven by an AI networking boom, raising its full-year fiscal 2026 revenue guidance [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4592411-cisco-soars-after-q4-guidance-tops-estimate-by-nearly-1b-as-ai-infrastructure-takes-off] to a range of $62.8 billion to $63.0 billion.
CONSTELLATION ENERGY (CEG [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/CEG]): Reported a massive Q1 revenue [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4590374-constellation-energy-beats-top-line-and-bottom-line-estimates-reaffirms-fy26-outlook] surge of 63.8% to $11.12 billion with adjusted EPS of $2.74, while confidently reaffirming its full-year 2026 EPS guidance of $11.00 to $12.00.
FOX CORPORATION (FOXA [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/FOXA]): Exceeded expectations with a fiscal Q3 adjusted EPS of $1.32 on revenue of $3.99 billion despite the absence of the Super Bowl and issued a positive long-term outlook [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4590402-fox-non-gaap-eps-of-1_32-beats-by-0_24-revenue-of-3_99b-beats-by-180m] pointing toward $17.01 billion in fiscal 2027 revenue.
QNITY ELECTRONICS (Q [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/Q]): Smashed Q1 expectations [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4591033-qnity-electronics-beats-top-line-and-bottom-line-estimates-raises-fy26-outlook] with a massive 86% EPS surprise of $1.08 on $1.315 billion in revenue, prompting management to raise its full-year 2026 sales and earnings guidance.
SIMON PROPERTY GROUP (SPG [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/SPG]): Beat Q1 expectations [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4590720-simon-property-q1-real-estate-ffo-revenue-beats-ffo-per-share-misses] with total revenue of $1.76 billion and an FFO of $3.17 per share while raising its common dividend and now expects 2026 real estate FFO per share of $13.10-$13.25 (midpoint $13.175) vs. the Visible Alpha consensus of $13.20 and compared with its previous guidance of $13.00-$13.25.
STERIS PLC (STE [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/STE]): Reported a Q4 [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4590822-steris-non-gaap-eps-of-2_83-misses-by-0_02-revenue-of-1_59b-misses-by-10m] non-GAAP EPS of $2.83, which was $0.02 below expectations. Revenue was $1.59 billion, a 7.4% increase year-over-year, but fell short by $10 million. The board approved a $1 billion share repurchase program. For fiscal 2027, Steris expects 7-8% revenue growth and adjusted earnings of $11.10 to $11.30 per share.
MOSAIC (MOS [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/MOS]): plunged after posting a Q1 loss and cutting its production guidance [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4590345-mosaic-reports-mixed-q1-results-initiates-q2-and-reaffirms-fy-outlook] due to the negative impact of higher costs.
ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES (ZBRA [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/ZBRA]): surged after first-quarter results beat estimates [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4591067-zebra-technologies-beats-top-line-and-bottom-line-estimates-initiates-q2-and-updates-fy26-outlook] and the company raised its full-year outlook.
EARNINGS NEXT WEEK
As Q1 earnings season continues into mid-May, many important reports are expected from key companies in specialty retail, tech, and apparel. Investors are focusing on consumer health and semiconductor trends.
The impending schedule features retail giants The Home Depot (HD [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/HD]), Lowe's (LOW [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/LOW]), Walmart (WMT [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/WMT]), Target (TGT [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/TGT]), The TJX Companies (TJX [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/TJX]), and Ross Stores (ROST [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/ROST]). Concurrently, tech sector momentum will be heavily dictated by NVIDIA (NVDA [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/NVDA]) alongside key hardware data from Analog Devices (ADI [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/ADI]) and Keysight Technologies (KEYS [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/KEYS]).
Other major reports on deck include updates from Intuit (INTU [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/INTU]), Workday (WDAY [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/WDAY]), Take-Two Interactive (TTWO [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/TTWO]), Ralph Lauren (RL [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/RL]), Deckers Outdoor (DECK [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/DECK]), and Hasbro (HAS [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/HAS]). Finally, industrial leaders Deere & Company (DE [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/DE]) and Nordson (NDSN [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/NDSN]) are prepared to provide a definitive check on global manufacturing and infrastructure health.
MORE ON MARKETS:
* Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT) Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4904906-applied-materials-inc-amat-q2-2026-earnings-call-transcript]
* The AI Power Bottleneck Makes Constellation Energy A Strong Buy [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4905011-the-ai-power-bottleneck-makes-constellation-energy-a-strong-buy]
* Zebra Technologies Sees Growth Tailwinds Driven By Industrial Reshoring [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4904608-zebra-technologies-sees-growth-tailwinds-driven-by-industrial-reshoring]
* Applied Materials expects Q3 revenue of $8.95B and non-GAAP EPS of $3.36 as it forecasts semiconductor equipment growth of more than 30% in 2026 [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4593566-applied-materials-expects-q3-revenue-of-8_95b-and-non-gaap-eps-of-3_36-as-it-forecasts]
* Applied Materials pops as Q2 results, guidance top estimates [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4593071-applied-materials-pops-as-q2-results-guidance-top-estimates]
- SMX’s Technology Provides Global Standards for Recycled Plastic
May 15, 2026
By Karen Roman
Plastic is entering “The Age of Parity” as the cost of recycled plastics and virgin plastics comes closer due to changes in global materials markets caused by war, oil prices, and resource constraints, according to a report by SMX (Security Matters) Public Ltd Co. (Nasdaq: SMX).
Increased recycled plastics adoption relies partly on trust and verification, hence SMX proposed a solution with its molecular marking and digital traceability technology throughout the lifecycle, the document states.
The company’s technology targets compliance costs reduction, major confidence in recycled plastics, and global standards for circular plastic markets, according to the publication.
For more information, find the report HERE.
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- How Much Upside is Left in Zebra (ZBRA)? Wall Street Analysts Think 27.96%
May 15, 2026
Shares of Zebra Technologies (ZBRA) have gained 10.8% over the past four weeks to close the last trading session at $258.1, but there could still be a solid upside left in the stock if short-term price targets of Wall Street analysts are any indication. Going by the price targets, the mean estimate of $330.27 indicates a potential upside of 28%.
The average comprises 15 short-term price targets ranging from a low of $267.00 to a high of $400.00, with a standard deviation of $34.11. While the lowest estimate indicates an increase of 3.5% from the current price level, the most optimistic estimate points to a 55% upside. More than the range, one should note the standard deviation here, as it helps understand the variability of the estimates. The smaller the standard deviation, the greater the agreement among analysts.
While the consensus price target is a much-coveted metric for investors, solely banking on this metric to make an investment decision may not be wise at all. That's because the ability and unbiasedness of analysts in setting price targets have long been questionable.
However, an impressive consensus price target is not the only factor that indicates a potential upside in ZBRA. This view is strengthened by the agreement among analysts that the company will report better earnings than what they estimated earlier. Though a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions doesn't give any idea as to how much the stock could surge, it has proven effective in predicting an upside.
Price, Consensus and EPS SurpriseZacks Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Chart for ZBRA
Here's What You Should Know About Analysts' Price Targets
According to researchers at several universities across the globe, a price target is one of many pieces of information about a stock that misleads investors far more often than it guides. In fact, empirical research shows that price targets set by several analysts, irrespective of the extent of agreement, rarely indicate where the price of a stock could actually be heading.
While Wall Street analysts have deep knowledge of a company's fundamentals and the sensitivity of its business to economic and industry issues, many of them tend to set overly optimistic price targets. Are you wondering why?
They usually do that to drum up interest in shares of companies that their firms either have existing business relationships with or are looking to be associated with. In other words, business incentives of firms covering a stock often result in inflated price targets set by analysts.
However, a tight clustering of price targets, which is represented by a low standard deviation, indicates that analysts have a high degree of agreement about the direction and magnitude of a stock's price movement. While that doesn't necessarily mean the stock will hit the average price target, it could be a good starting point for further research aimed at identifying the potential fundamental driving forces.
Story Continues
That said, while investors should not entirely ignore price targets, making an investment decision solely based on them could lead to disappointing ROI. So, price targets should always be treated with a high degree of skepticism.
Here's Why There Could be Plenty of Upside Left in ZBRA
There has been increasing optimism among analysts lately about the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by strong agreement among them in revising EPS estimates higher. And that could be a legitimate reason to expect an upside in the stock. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased 1% over the past month, as two estimates have gone higher compared to no negative revision.
Moreover, ZBRA currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), which means it is in the top 20% of more than 4,000 stocks that we rank based on four factors related to earnings estimates. Given an impressive externally-audited track record, this is a more conclusive indication of the stock's potential upside in the near term. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
Therefore, while the consensus price target may not be a reliable indicator of how much ZBRA could gain, the direction of price movement it implies does appear to be a good guide.
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
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- How Much Upside is Left in Zebra (ZBRA)? Wall Street Analysts Think 27.96%
May 15, 2026 · zacks.com
The average of price targets set by Wall Street analysts indicates a potential upside of 28% in Zebra (ZBRA). While the effectiveness of this highly sought-after metric is questionable, the positive trend in earnings estimate revisions might translate into an upside in the stock.
- Zebra Technologies (ZBRA) is a Top-Ranked Growth Stock: Should You Buy?
May 15, 2026 · zacks.com
Whether you're a value, growth, or momentum investor, finding strong stocks becomes easier with the Zacks Style Scores, a top feature of the Zacks Premium research service.
- Zebra Technologies to Present at Investor Conferences
May 14, 2026
LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill., May 14, 2026--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), a global leader in digitizing and automating workflows to deliver intelligent operations, today announced that the company will present at four investor conferences.
May 21 at 11:45 a.m. U.S. eastern time at the 19th Annual Wolfe Research Global Transportation & Industrials Conference in New York; May 27 at 11:00 a.m. U.S. eastern time at Bernstein’s 42nd Annual Strategic Decisions Conference in New York; May 28 at 1:50 p.m. U.S. eastern time at the TD Cowen 54th Annual Technology, Media & Telecom Conference in New York; and June 4 at 9:20 a.m. U.S. central time at the William Blair 46th Annual Growth Stock Conference in Chicago.
To listen to the live webcast of the presentations, please visit the Events section of the company’s website at investors.zebra.com, where they will also be archived for replay.
WHO IS ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES?
Zebra (NASDAQ: ZBRA) provides the foundation for intelligent operations with an award-winning portfolio of connected frontline, asset visibility and automation solutions which empower our customers to deploy AI on the frontline. Organizations globally across retail, manufacturing, transportation, logistics, healthcare, and other industries rely on us to deliver outcomes today while driving innovation for what’s next. Together with our partners, we create new ways of working that improve productivity and empower organizations to be better every day. Learn more at www.zebra.com.
Follow Zebra on our Blog, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
ZEBRA and the stylized Zebra head are trademarks of Zebra Technologies Corporation, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2026 Zebra Technologies Corporation and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260514056581/en/
Contacts
Investors:
Michael Steele, CFA, IRC
Vice President, Investor Relations
Phone: + 1 847 518 6432
InvestorRelations@Zebra.com
Media:
Therese Van Ryne
Senior Director, Global Public Relations
Phone: + 1 847 370 2317
therese.vanryne@zebra.com
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- Zebra Technologies Sees Growth Tailwinds Driven By Industrial Reshoring
May 14, 2026 · seekingalpha.com
Zebra Technologies (ZBRA) is upgraded to Strong Buy with a $419/share target, reflecting robust automation demand and favorable reindustrialization trends. ZBRA's machine vision and scanning solutions are realizing double-digit growth, positioning the company as a key beneficiary of $1.66T in US manufacturing reshoring. Strategic partnership with Skild AI and accelerated share repurchases underpin a bullish outlook, with operational leverage driving margin expansion.
- Zebra Technologies to Present at Investor Conferences
May 14, 2026 · businesswire.com
LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $ZBRA--Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), a global leader in digitizing and automating workflows to deliver intelligent operations, today announced that the company will present at four investor conferences. May 21 at 11:45 a.m. U.S. eastern time at the 19th Annual Wolfe Research Global Transportation & Industrials Conference in New York; May 27 at 11:00 a.m. U.S. eastern time at Bernstein's 42nd Annual Strategic Decisions Conference in New York; Ma.
- ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES TO PRESENT AT INVESTOR CONFERENCES
May 14, 2026
LINCOLNSHIRE, ILL.--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $ZBRA--ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION (NASDAQ: ZBRA), A GLOBAL LEADER IN DIGITIZING AND AUTOMATING WORKFLOWS TO DELIVER INTELLIGENT OPERATIONS, TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT THE COMPANY WILL PRESENT AT FOUR INVESTOR CONFERENCES. MAY 21 AT 11:45 A.M. U.S. EASTERN TIME AT THE 19TH ANNUAL WOLFE RESEARCH GLOBAL TRANSPORTATION & INDUSTRIALS CONFERENCE IN NEW YORK; MAY 27 AT 11:00 A.M. U.S. EASTERN TIME AT BERNSTEIN'S 42ND ANNUAL STRATEGIC DECISIONS CONFERENCE IN NEW YORK; MA.
- Assessing Zebra Technologies (ZBRA) Valuation After Raised Guidance And Q1 Earnings Beat
May 13, 2026
Make better investment decisions with Simply Wall St's easy, visual tools that give you a competitive edge.
Why Zebra Technologies (ZBRA) is back on investors' radar
Zebra Technologies (ZBRA) is drawing fresh attention after reporting better than expected first quarter results, raising full year 2026 sales and earnings guidance, and stepping up share repurchases alongside its push into automation and AI.
See our latest analysis for Zebra Technologies.
The share price has picked up recently, with a 7 day share price return of 7.4% and a 30 day share price return of 9.1%, helped by the earnings beat, raised guidance, and ongoing buybacks, although the 1 year total shareholder return is still down 17.6%.
If Zebras automation and AI push has your attention, it can be worth broadening your watchlist to other automation plays using our robotics and automation stocks screener. You can start with 30 robotics and automation stocks
With the stock still down 17.6% over the past year, yet trading at a discount to several fair value estimates and supported by upgraded guidance plus heavy buybacks, is Zebra a mispriced automation play, or is the market already factoring in that future growth?
Most Popular Narrative: 24.1% Undervalued
Analysts following Zebra see fair value well above the last close of $246.76, and tie that gap to a detailed earnings and margin recovery path.
The accelerating shift toward automation, digital transformation, and real-time workflow optimization, driven by ongoing labor shortages, e-commerce expansion, and increased supply chain demands, continues to fuel demand for Zebra's portfolio (hardware, software, RFID, machine vision), supporting revenue growth and long-term earnings visibility.
Read the complete narrative.
Curious how that demand story turns into a higher fair value estimate? The narrative leans on rising margins, steadier cash flow, and a different earnings mix than today. The key is how those moving parts reshape Zebra by the late 2020s.
Result: Fair Value of $325.31 (UNDERVALUED)
Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what's behind the forecasts.
However, this depends on Zebra offsetting tariff and trade risks while demonstrating that acquisitions like Elo and Photoneo do not drag on margins or cash flow.
Find out about the key risks to this Zebra Technologies narrative.
Next Steps
With mixed sentiment running through this story, it makes sense to move quickly, compare the upside and downside in the data, and decide where you stand based on the 3 key rewards and 2 important warning signs.
Story Continues
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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Companies discussed in this article include ZBRA.
Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
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