Interactive Brokers and Hershey in the Box have been highlighted as Zacks Bull and Bear of the Day

For Immediate ReleaseChicago, IL – February 10, 2025 – Zacks Equity Research shares Interactive Brokers Group IBKR as the Bull of the Day and Hershey HSY as the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on Palantir PLTR, Starbucks SBUX and Royal Caribbean RCL.Here is a synopsis of all four stocks:Bull of the Day:Interactive Brokers Group operates as an automated global electronic market maker and broker. Analysts have positively revised expectations across the board, landing the stock into a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).In addition to favorable earnings estimate revisions, the stock resides in the Zacks Financial – Investment Bank industry, which is currently ranked in the top 1% of all Zacks industries. Let’s take a closer look at how the company stacks up.Interactive BrokersIBKR shares have delivered a strong performance over the past year, up nearly 150% and widely outperforming relative to the S&P 500. Favorable quarterly results have aided the move, with the company exceeding the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate by an average of 3% across its last four releases.The company’s results have been aided by higher customer trading volumes, with volumes in options and stocks increasing 32% and 65%, respectively, throughout its latest period. Commission revenue of $477 million throughout the period shot 37% higher year-over-year.In addition, customers continue flocking to the platform, with customer accounts growing a notable 30% year-over-year to 3.3 million throughout the latest period.Valuation multiples have expanded considerably, with the current 30.6X forward 12-month earnings multiple well above the 18.7X five-year median. The current PEG ratio works out to 1.6X, again above the 0.8X five-year median.The stock sports a Style Score of ‘D’ for Value.Bottom LineInvestors can implement a stellar strategy to find expected winners by taking advantage of the Zacks Rank – one of the most powerful market tools that provides a massive edge.The top 5% of all stocks receive the highly coveted Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). These stocks should outperform the market more than any other rank.Interactive Brokers would be an excellent stock for investors to consider, as displayed by its Zack Rank #1 (Strong Buy).Bear of the Day:Hershey is a well-known manufacturer of chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery. Analysts have dialed their earnings expectations lower across the board, landing the stock into an unfavorable Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).The stock also resides in the Zacks Food – Confectionery industry, which is currently ranked in the bottom 4% of all Zacks industries. Let’s take a closer look at how the company currently stacks up.HersheyHershey shares have delivered a sour performance over the last year, down nearly 18% and widely outperforming compared to the S&P 500’s 25% gain. Its latest set of results has provided a little bit of relief, though the EPS outlook remains notably bearish.Concerning headline figures in the latest print, HSY exceeded both consensus EPS and sales expectations, reflecting growth rates of 9% and 33%, respectively. It’s worth noting that the top and bottom line figures exceeded consensus expectations for the first time over the last three periods.The poor share performance has led to an increased dividend yield, with shares currently paying out 3.6% annually vs. the same for the S&P 500 at 1.2%. While the high yield is certainly a positive from an income-focused standpoint, we’d like to see positive earnings estimate revisions hit the tape, which would signal a big turnaround in sentiment overall.Bottom LineAnalysts' negative earnings estimate revisions, resulting from weak quarterly results, paint a challenging picture for the company’s shares in the near term.Hershey is a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), indicating that analysts have taken a bearish stance on the company’s earnings outlook.For those seeking strong stocks, a great idea would be to focus on stocks carrying a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). These stocks sport a notably stronger earnings outlook and the potential to deliver explosive gains in the near term.Additional content:3 Stocks to Buy Following Blowout Quarterly ResultsThe 2024 Q4 earnings cycle continues to roll along, with a decent chunk of the S&P 500 already delivering quarterly results.The next few weeks will continue to remain busy concerning the reporting docket, with NVIDIA’s looming release later in the month essentially capping off the period.But so far, there have been several notable reports coming from companies, a list that includes AI-favorite Palantir, Starbucks and Royal Caribbean.All three posted strong results and saw share momentum post-earnings, reflecting the positivity. Let’s take a closer look at each for those interested in momentum.Palantir Again Posts Robust ResultsPalantir’s results came in strong yet again, exceeding headline expectations and posting serious growth. Sales of $828 million shot 36% year-over-year and, more impressively, 14% sequentially. The strong sales growth was headlined by a 43% move higher in Customer count, reflecting the snowballing demand the company has been witnessing.Palantir also closed a record-setting $803 million of U.S. commercial total contract value (TCV), which shot 130% higher year-over-year and 170% sequentially. U.S. results were jam-packed with positivity, with Commercial and Government revenue growing by 64% and 45%, respectively.Continued robust results have led shares to an outstanding 380% gain over the last year, crushing the S&P 500. Given the consistently robust demand, it’s reasonable to expect further share momentum, with the stock also sporting a favorable Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).“Our business results continue to astound, demonstrating our deepening position at the center of the AI revolution. Our early insights surrounding the commoditization of large language models have evolved from theory to fact,”said CEO and co-founder Alexander Karp.Starbucks CEO Swap Ignites PositivityStarbucks shares were stuck in a downward/sideways trend for the better part of the past two years before news of a CEO change last August brought some much-needed positivity.Former Chipotle Mexican Grill CEO Brian Niccol replaced Laxman Narasimhan. Since the news broke, SBUX shares have gained 18% compared to a 13% gain from the S&P 500. Shares faced harsh selling pressure throughout last December, though the recent set of quarterly results re-ignited positivity.Overall sales were flat year-over-year in the latest period, whereas comparable store sales fell 4% year-over-year. While the results are seemingly negative, the 4% drop in comparable store sales actually came in modestly above expectations, exceeding our -5.1% consensus estimate.It was the first positive surprise on the metric in years, undoubtedly a positive. For added context, SBUX reported a -7% decline on the metric in the release prior vs. views for -6.3%.“While we’re only one quarter into our turnaround, we’re moving quickly to act on the 'Back to Starbucks' efforts and we’ve seen a positive response,”said Brian Niccol, CEO.Royal Caribbean Sees Record BookingsRoyal Caribbean’s results were underpinned by continued strength in consumer demand, a trend we’ve been well accustomed to over several periods, even with the airliners.Concerning headline figures in the release, adjusted EPS of $1.63 exceeded the company’s prior guidance, whereas sales of $3.8 billion grew 11% year-over-year. RCL’s sales growth has been stellar post-pandemic.The company provided positive guidance for its FY25, with WAVE season bookings off to a record start. Analysts have already dialed their earnings estimates higher following the favorable print, landing the stock into a bullish Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).Shares have been on a tear over the last year, gaining 130% on the back of strong quarterly releases. The company’s favorable earnings outlook alludes to further share momentum in the near-term.Bottom LineWe continue to wade through the 2024 Q4 cycle, with a wide variety of companies already delivering quarterly results.And throughout the period, these three companies have stolen the spotlight, with each posting robust quarterly results and seeing positive share momentum post-earnings.Why Haven't You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks?Since 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.7% average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +48.4%, +50.2% and +56.7% per year.Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation.See Stocks Free >>Media ContactZacks Investment Research800-767-3771 ext. 9339https://www.zacks.comZacks.com provides investment resources and informs you of these resources, which you may choose to use in making your own investment decisions. Zacks is providing information on this resource to you subject to the Zacks "Terms and Conditions of Service" disclaimer. www.zacks.com/disclaimer.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.Just Released: Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2025Hurry – you can still get in early on our 10 top tickers for 2025. Handpicked by Zacks Director of Research Sheraz Mian, this portfolio has been stunningly and consistently successful. From inception in 2012 through November, 2024, the Zacks Top 10 Stocks gained +2,112.6%, more than QUADRUPLING the S&P 500’s +475.6%. Sheraz has combed through 4,400 companies covered by the Zacks Rank and handpicked the best 10 to buy and hold in 2025. You can still be among the first to see these just-released stocks with enormous potential. See New Top 10 Stocks >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Starbucks Corporation (SBUX): Free Stock Analysis Report Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL): Free Stock Analysis Report Hershey Company (The) (HSY): Free Stock Analysis Report Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (IBKR): Free Stock Analysis Report Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks