Are Options Traders Betting on a Big Move in MKSI Stock?

Investors in MKS Inc. MKSI need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the Dec. 18, 2026 $170 Call had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today.

What is Implied Volatility?

Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could also mean there is an event coming up soon that may cause a big rally or a huge sell-off. However, implied volatility is only one piece of the puzzle when putting together an options trading strategy.

What do the Analysts Think?

Clearly, options traders are pricing in a big move for MKSI shares, but what is the fundamental picture for the company? Currently, MKSI is a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) in the Electronics - Miscellaneous Products industry that ranks in the Top 19% of our Zacks Industry Rank. Over the last 60 days, one analyst has increased the earnings estimates for the current quarter, while none dropped the estimates. The net effect has taken our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter from $3.63 per share to $3.64 in that period.

Given the way analysts feel about MKSI right now, this huge implied volatility could mean there’s a trade developing. Oftentimes, options traders look for options with high levels of implied volatility to sell premium. This is a strategy many seasoned traders use because it captures decay. At expiration, the hope for these traders is that the underlying stock does not move as much as originally expected.

7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days

Just released: Experts distill 7 elite stocks from the current list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys. They deem these tickers "Most Likely for Early Price Pops."

Since 1988, the full list has beaten the market more than 2X over with an average gain of +23.9% per year. So be sure to give these hand picked 7 your immediate attention. 

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

Zacks Investment Research

Do Options Traders Know Something About Qiagen Stock We Don't?

Investors in Qiagen N.V. QGEN need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the Dec. 18, 2026 $55 Put had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today.

What is Implied Volatility?

Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could also mean there is an event coming up soon that may cause a big rally or a huge sell-off. However, implied volatility is only one piece of the puzzle when putting together an options trading strategy.

What do the Analysts Think?

Clearly, options traders are pricing in a big move for Qiagen shares, but what is the fundamental picture for the company? Currently, Qiagen is a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) in the Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry that ranks in the Top 42% of our Zacks Industry Rank. Over the last 30 days, one analyst has increased the earnings estimates for the current quarter, while none dropped the estimates. The net effect has taken our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter from 62 cents per share to 63 cents in that period.

Given the way analysts feel about Qiagen right now, this huge implied volatility could mean there’s a trade developing. Oftentimes, options traders look for options with high levels of implied volatility to sell premium. This is a strategy many seasoned traders use because it captures decay. At expiration, the hope for these traders is that the underlying stock does not move as much as originally expected.

7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days

Just released: Experts distill 7 elite stocks from the current list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys. They deem these tickers "Most Likely for Early Price Pops."

Since 1988, the full list has beaten the market more than 2X over with an average gain of +23.9% per year. So be sure to give these hand picked 7 your immediate attention. 

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

Zacks Investment Research

4 Halloween ETF Treats for Investors

Are you apprehensive that a bubble formed by overvalued AI stocks can burst anytime? Or are you scared of rising rate concerns with the Fed, the ECB and the BoJ giving hawkish signals?

Well, fear before Halloween is understandable. But unlike the real event, its effect on the market is not at all scary. In fact, instead of tricking investors, the Halloween Effect is usually a treat.

Halloween Effect is a historically observed increase in stock prices from the month of November through the end of April. It is exactly opposite the popular adage "sell in May and then walk away," which refers to the six months between May 1 and Oct 31.

Among overall buoyancy, retail sales deserve a special mention this time around. Vacations, holiday season buying (both Christmas and spring season) and seasonal optimism may play a huge role in this surge.

The National Retail Federation expects consumer spending on Halloween to reach $13.5 billion this year, up from last year’s record $13.1 billion. In fact, the likely upbeat trend starts with Halloween itself as the event greets the fall season.

And "conventional wisdom is that strong Halloween spending is an indicator of strong Christmas season spending," as per an analyst. So, let's take a look at the Halloween sales projection.

Spending to Touch All-Time High This Halloween

About 74% of Americans plan to celebrate this year, almost on par with 73% last year.  As much as 96% of consumers will likely shell out around $4.1 billion on candies, 78% will spend about $4.3 billion on decorations, 71% of shoppers are expected to spend $4.4 billion on costumes, and 42% will pay nearly $800 million for greeting cards.

In fact, a new idea has emerged lately. People are celebrating with Halloween trees as they do for Christmas. Needless to say, retail sales will be on a roll in the upcoming days, putting the following ETFs and stocks in focus.

ETF Picks

Amplify Online Retail ETF ONLN

The aforementioned arguments make it necessary to look at the fund. After all, 27% of shopping will likely be done online. ONLN is an Amazon-heavy ETF.

First Trust Nasdaq Retail ETF (FTXD)

As much as 39% of Halloween shopping will be done at discount stores, followed by specialty Halloween/costume stores (32%). So, discount retailer stock-heavy funds are in the spotlight now. Wal-Mart WMT has considerable weight in the fund.

VanEck Vectors Retail ETF RTH

Several discount retailers like Costco COST, Ross ROST, Dollar General DG and WMT have solid exposure to this fund.

State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF XLY

Amazon and Ross get a place in the top-10 holdings of the fund. Amazon takes about 25% of the fund.

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

Strong Growth Momentum and Rising Revisions Fuel Bright Earnings Outlook

The Q3 results we have already seen from 60% of S&P 500 members through Friday, October 30th, reconfirm the broad-based growth momentum we have become used to in the last few reporting cycles. While the growth pace remains strong, it does not compare favorably with other recent periods, particularly when some of the outlier results are excluded. Most importantly, the revisions trend remains positive, with estimates for 2026 Q4 and full-year 2027 continuing to rise.

We remain in the heart of the Q3 reporting season, with this week bringing in results from more than 1400 companies, including 142 S&P 500 members. This week’s busy reporting line-up ranges from Tech bellwethers like Apple, Advanced Micro Devices, Palantir, and others to DuPont, McDonald’s, Expedia, and many others. By the end of this week, we will have seen Q3 results from 88% of S&P 500 members.

Looking at overall expectations for the quarter, combining the actual results from the 300 S&P 500 members that have reported already with estimates for the still-to-come companies, Q3 earnings are currently expected to increase by +26.6% from the same period last year on +13.7% higher revenues, the 8^th straight quarter of double-digit earnings growth for the index.

The Tech sector continues to be a major growth contributor, but the momentum is broad-based, with 15 of the 16 Zacks sectors on track to enjoy positive earnings growth and 9 generating double-digit earnings growth in Q3.

The quarterly chart below details actual results alongside Q3 2026 growth expectations and forward projections.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

As noted earlier, the revisions trend has been positive, sustaining the favorable trend in place for almost a year. Estimates for Q3 increased after the quarter got underway, and we are seeing a similar trend at play for 2026 Q4 estimates, as the chart below shows.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

This positive revisions behavior is not a new development; they extend a tailwind that has been building for nearly a year. The positive revisions were at first concentrated in Technology and, more recently, Energy, following Middle East supply disruptions. However, for 2026 Q4 and also what we saw for Q3, the favorable estimate revisions have broadened significantly, rising across 6 of the 16 Zacks sectors—including Industrials, Basic Materials, Finance, and Conglomerates alongside Tech and Energy since the start of October.

On the negative side, Q4 estimates have come down since the start of October for 10 sectors, with the major declines at the Transportation, Autos, Consumer Staples, Consumer Discretionary, Construction, and Utilities sectors.

It is important to note that estimates for full-year 2027 have also been similarly trending higher, which we show a little later in this note.

Sector Focus: Broad-Based Strength

This week’s reporting line-up, comprising 172 S&P 500 members, is a representative sample of the index as a whole, ranging from the aforementioned Mag 7 members to Coca-Cola, Boeing, Caterpillar, and Visa, to Eli Lilly, and a host of Finance and other companies. 

The 9 sectors expected to enjoy double-digit earnings growth in Q3 are Aerospace (up +195.8%), Energy (+142.5%), Tech (+43.4%), Basic Materials (+34.1%), Transportation (+13.5%), Industrial Products (+15.9%), Consumer Discretionary (+10.4%), Autos (+10.8%), and Business Services (+12.3%).

Q3 earnings growth for the S&P 500 index drops to +21.4% from +26.6% once the Energy sector’s contribution is excluded from the index. Excluding the Tech sector, Q3 earnings growth for the rest of the index drops to +17.7%. Excluding both the Tech and Energy sectors, Q3 earnings for the rest of the index would be up +8.8% on +6.9% higher revenues. 

For the Mag 7 group, we have actual results from 5 members, with Apple as the 6th to report this week. Looking at expectations for the Mag 7 as a whole, combining the actual results from the 5 members that have reported already with estimates for Apple and Nvidia, total Q3 earnings for the Mag 7 are expected to increase by +16.7% on +23.3% revenues, as the chart below shows.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Excluding the Mag 7 group’s contribution, Q3 earnings for the rest of the index would actually improve to +30.1% (from +26.6%).

The chart below shows quarterly earnings and revenue growth expectations for the Tech sector as a whole.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Q3 earnings and revenue growth rate drops to +26.5% from +43.4% once the substantial contributions from Nvidia NVDA, Micron MU, and Alphabet GOOGL are excluded, as the chart below shows.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Q3 Earnings Season Scorecard

Through Friday, October 30^th, we have seen Q3 results from 300 S&P 500 members, or 60% of the index’s total membership. Total earnings for these companies are up +27.1% from the same period last year on +14.5% higher revenues, with 81.7% beating EPS estimates and 72.3% beating revenue estimates.

The comparison charts below show the earnings and revenue growth rates for these companies compared to other recent periods.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The very strong earnings and revenue growth pace for this group of 300 S&P 500 members is mostly due to Micron, whose Q3 earnings increased +1075.7% from the year-earlier level. Excluding Micron, Q3 earnings for the remaining 299 index members that have reported would be up +19.1%.

The chart below shows the Q3 earnings growth pace for the companies that have reported, with and without Micron, across recent periods.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The comparison charts below show the Q3 EPS and revenue beats percentages for these companies compared to other recent periods.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

For the Tech sector, we now have Q3 results from 46% of the sector’s market capitalization in the S&P 500 index. Total earnings for these companies are up +42.5% from the same period last year on +30.1% higher revenues, with 84.1% beating EPS estimates and 88.6% beating revenue estimates.

The comparison charts below show the sector’s Q3 earnings and revenue growth performance relative to what we had seen from this same group of Tech companies in other recent periods.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Below we show the same growth comparisons excluding Micron’s contribution.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Earnings Big Picture

The chart below shows the aggregate growth picture for the S&P 500 index on a calendar year basis.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

As we noted earlier, estimates for full-year 2027 are experiencing the same positive and broad-based revisions trend that we noted earlier in the context of 2026 Q4. The chart below shows how aggregate 2027 earnings expectations have evolved since the start of July.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

For a detailed view of the evolving earnings picture, please check out our weekly Earnings Trends report here >>>> Rising Estimates and Broad Growth Underpin Strong Earnings Outlook 

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

Why Blink Charging (BLNK) Dipped More Than Broader Market Today

In the latest close session, Blink Charging (BLNK) was down 2.84% at $0.40. The stock's change was less than the S&P 500's daily loss of 1.82%. On the other hand, the Dow registered a loss of 1.09%, and the technology-centric Nasdaq decreased by 2.86%.

Shares of the company have depreciated by 22.37% over the course of the past month, underperforming the Computer and Technology sector's loss of 6.04%, and the S&P 500's gain of 0.71%.

The investment community will be closely monitoring the performance of Blink Charging in its forthcoming earnings report. The company is scheduled to release its earnings on November 5, 2026. The company's earnings per share (EPS) are projected to be -$0.04, reflecting a 60% increase from the same quarter last year. Alongside, our most recent consensus estimate is anticipating revenue of $20.92 million, indicating a 22.62% downward movement from the same quarter last year.

For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of -$0.17 per share and revenue of $85.4 million, which would represent changes of +73.02% and -17.48%, respectively, from the prior year.

Investors should also pay attention to any latest changes in analyst estimates for Blink Charging. These latest adjustments often mirror the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns. As a result, upbeat changes in estimates indicate analysts' favorable outlook on the business health and profitability.

Our research suggests that these changes in estimates have a direct relationship with upcoming stock price performance. To utilize this, we have created the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model that integrates these estimate changes and provides a functional rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, spanning from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), boasts an impressive track record of outperformance, audited externally, with #1 ranked stocks yielding an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has remained steady. Blink Charging is currently a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

The Electronics - Miscellaneous Services industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. At present, this industry carries a Zacks Industry Rank of 103, placing it within the top 42% of over 250 industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the strength of our separate industry groups by calculating the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks contained within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Don't forget to use Zacks.com to keep track of all these stock-moving metrics, and others, in the upcoming trading sessions.

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

ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. (CHPT) Ascends While Market Falls: Some Facts to Note

In the latest trading session, ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. (CHPT) closed at $9.54, marking a +2.91% move from the previous day. The stock outperformed the S&P 500, which registered a daily loss of 1.82%. Meanwhile, the Dow experienced a drop of 1.09%, and the technology-dominated Nasdaq saw a decrease of 2.86%.

Prior to today's trading, shares of the company had lost 9.12% lagged the Auto-Tires-Trucks sector's gain of 8.77% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.71%.

Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company is predicted to post an EPS of -$0.55, indicating a 58.33% growth compared to the equivalent quarter last year. In the meantime, our current consensus estimate forecasts the revenue to be $109.83 million, indicating a 3.93% growth compared to the corresponding quarter of the prior year.

CHPT's full-year Zacks Consensus Estimates are calling for earnings of -$2.03 per share and revenue of $442.3 million. These results would represent year-over-year changes of +55.68% and +7.56%, respectively.

Investors should also note any recent changes to analyst estimates for ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. As a result, upbeat changes in estimates indicate analysts' favorable outlook on the business health and profitability.

Research indicates that these estimate revisions are directly correlated with near-term share price momentum. To take advantage of this, we've established the Zacks Rank, an exclusive model that considers these estimated changes and delivers an operational rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, spanning from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), boasts an impressive track record of outperformance, audited externally, with #1 ranked stocks yielding an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate remained stagnant. ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. presently features a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

The Automotive - Original Equipment industry is part of the Auto-Tires-Trucks sector. This industry, currently bearing a Zacks Industry Rank of 208, finds itself in the bottom 16% echelons of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our individual industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Don't forget to use Zacks.com to keep track of all these stock-moving metrics, and others, in the upcoming trading sessions.

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

RH (RH) Falls More Steeply Than Broader Market: What Investors Need to Know

In the latest trading session, RH (RH) closed at $146.66, marking a -2.74% move from the previous day. This change lagged the S&P 500's daily loss of 1.82%. Elsewhere, the Dow lost 1.09%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 2.86%.

The stock of furniture and housewares company has risen by 25.13% in the past month, leading the Consumer Staples sector's gain of 5.63% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.71%.

Market participants will be closely following the financial results of RH in its upcoming release. On that day, RH is projected to report earnings of $0.67 per share, which would represent a year-over-year decline of 60.82%. Simultaneously, our latest consensus estimate expects the revenue to be $932.39 million, showing a 5.5% escalation compared to the year-ago quarter.

In terms of the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of $5.19 per share and a revenue of $3.63 billion, indicating changes of -17.49% and +5.53%, respectively, from the former year.

Investors should also take note of any recent adjustments to analyst estimates for RH. These latest adjustments often mirror the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns. Hence, positive alterations in estimates signify analyst optimism regarding the business and profitability.

Our research shows that these estimate changes are directly correlated with near-term stock prices. To exploit this, we've formed the Zacks Rank, a quantitative model that includes these estimate changes and presents a viable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), possesses a remarkable history of outdoing, externally audited, with #1 stocks returning an average annual gain of +25% since 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 1.66% lower within the past month. Currently, RH is carrying a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

Looking at its valuation, RH is holding a Forward P/E ratio of 29.07. This denotes a premium relative to the industry average Forward P/E of 21.25.

One should further note that RH currently holds a PEG ratio of 2.91. The PEG ratio is similar to the widely-used P/E ratio, but this metric also takes the company's expected earnings growth rate into account. The Consumer Products - Staples industry had an average PEG ratio of 2.96 as trading concluded yesterday.

The Consumer Products - Staples industry is part of the Consumer Staples sector. This industry, currently bearing a Zacks Industry Rank of 202, finds itself in the bottom 18% echelons of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the vigor of our specific industry groups by computing the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks incorporated in the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Be sure to follow all of these stock-moving metrics, and many more, on Zacks.com.

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