Key Stock Updates for Alphabet, Morgan Stanley, and ServiceNow
Zacks Research Daily Highlights
Featured Stocks: Today's report includes research on 16 major stocks, notably Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL), Morgan Stanley (MS), and ServiceNow, Inc. (NOW), along with micro-cap stocks New England Realty Associates Limited Partnership (NEN) and Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (BAER). The micro-cap research is unique in the country.
Market Insights: The 'Ahead of Wall Street' article provides insights into economic releases and their potential impact on market actions, available for free on the Zacks homepage.
Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL)
Performance Overview: GOOGL shares have increased by 11.8% year-to-date, slightly below the Zacks Internet - Services industry’s 13.1% gain. The company is experiencing strong growth in its cloud and search segments.
Cloud Growth: Google Cloud's annual revenue run rate has surpassed $50 billion, driven by advancements in AI infrastructure and Generative AI Solutions. The Circle to Search feature is now active on over 300 million devices, and AI Overviews reach over 2 billion users monthly, increasing global queries by over 10%.
Challenges: Despite growth, GOOGL faces litigation issues and intense competition in the cloud sector.
Morgan Stanley (MS)
Stock Performance: MS shares have outperformed the Zacks Financial - Investment Bank industry, rising 48.7% compared to 43.5% over the past year.
Growth Drivers: The company is focusing on wealth and asset management, with projected investment banking fees and total revenues expected to grow by 3.9% and 3.6%, respectively, in 2025.
Concerns: Operating expenses are anticipated to rise by 7% this year, and uncertainty in capital market performance poses a risk.
ServiceNow, Inc. (NOW)
Market Position: ServiceNow shares have outperformed the Zacks Computers - IT Services industry, with a 7.3% increase compared to a decline of 8.6% in the industry.
Business Growth: The company reported 11 deals exceeding $5 million in net new annual contract value in Q2 2025 and raised its subscription revenue guidance for 2025 to between $12.775 billion and $12.795 billion, indicating a growth rate of 19.5-20%.
Future Outlook: ServiceNow is on track to exceed $15 billion in subscription revenues by 2026, bolstered by AI and machine learning technologies.
New England Realty Associates Limited Partnership (NEN)
Stock Performance: NEN shares have underperformed, declining by 1% compared to the Zacks Real Estate - Operations industry’s 19.2% gain.
Financial Challenges: The company faces a 26% increase in debt to $511.2 million and a rising residential vacancy rate of 2.4%.
Positive Developments: The acquisition of Hill Estates adds 399 units, enhancing cash flows, while rental income grew by 5% in H1 2025 to $41.5 million.
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (BAER)
Stock Performance: BAER shares have underperformed the Zacks Aerospace - Defense industry, declining 24.1% compared to a 13.3% gain in the industry.
Operational Risks: The company faces cash burn and reliance on low-margin work, with a concentration on federal contracts posing risks.
Growth Potential: BAER operates the only CL-415EAF Scooper fleet in the U.S., benefiting from long-term government contracts and a $46 million sale-leaseback that improves liquidity.
Additional Reports
Other Notable Stocks: The report also highlights Waste Management, Seagate Technology, and Synchrony Financial, focusing on their respective growth strategies and challenges.
Market Trends: The semiconductor market is projected to grow from $452 billion in 2021 to $971 billion by 2028, indicating significant opportunities for companies in this sector.
Investment Recommendations: Zacks Investment Research offers insights into the best stocks for the upcoming month, emphasizing the importance of strategic investments in high-growth sectors.
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Analyst Views on WM
About WM
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Bill Gates' Philanthropic Investment Strategy
- Charitable Donation Scale: Bill Gates has donated the vast majority of his wealth to the Gates Foundation over the decades, planning to give away nearly all of his remaining wealth over the next 20 years, reflecting his strong commitment to philanthropy.
- Investment Concentration: Approximately 59% of the Gates Foundation's marketable equity portfolio is concentrated in three major stocks, with Berkshire Hathaway accounting for 28.5%, indicating a highly concentrated investment strategy favoring quality assets.
- Berkshire Hathaway Performance: As of the third quarter, the foundation holds 21.8 million shares of Berkshire Hathaway, valued at about $11 billion, and despite market fluctuations, the foundation plans to continue holding these quality assets.
- WM and Canadian National Railway: The Gates Foundation also holds stakes in WM and Canadian National Railway, representing 17% and 13.3% of its assets respectively, both companies possess strong market positions and stable profitability in their respective industries, showcasing Gates' focus on long-term investments.
Analysis of Gates Foundation Investment Strategy
- Portfolio Concentration: The Gates Foundation's investment portfolio is heavily concentrated, with approximately 59% of marketable equities held in just three outstanding value stocks, reflecting Bill Gates' investment style influenced by Warren Buffett, which may yield stable returns in the future.
- Buffett's Annual Donations: Warren Buffett donates a significant number of shares to the Gates Foundation each year, with last year's contribution amounting to 9.4 million Class B shares, requiring the foundation to utilize the entire value of these donations plus 5% of its other assets annually, ensuring a continuous influx of funds for philanthropic efforts.
- WM's Market Advantage: The Gates Foundation holds 28.9 million shares of WM, valued at approximately $6.6 billion, benefiting from its dominant position with over 260 landfills, which provides a competitive edge in the slow-growing waste management industry, allowing for steady profit growth in the future.
- Growth Potential of Canadian National Railway: The foundation owns 51.8 million shares of Canadian National Railway, worth about $5.1 billion, and despite facing flat revenue challenges, the company is expected to enhance earnings per share through a share repurchase program and reduced capital expenditures, showcasing long-term investment potential.
Waste Management's Unexciting Operations Fuel a Subtle Surge
Company Performance: Waste Management (NYSE: WM) is experiencing growth driven by high demand for its services, with solid economic activity and high consumption leading to increased garbage collection, which is profitable for the company.
Financial Outlook: The company is on track to meet its long-term financial goals, including a 25-year inclusion threshold by 2028, with a focus on improving margins, cash flow, and capital returns, despite missing some Q4 estimates.
Dividend and Share Buybacks: Waste Management has consistently increased its dividend for 23 consecutive years and plans to resume share buybacks, with guidance suggesting $2 billion in buybacks this year, which is expected to offset dilution from share-based compensation.
Market Sentiment: Analysts remain optimistic about Waste Management's stock, with a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and expectations for revenue growth, while the stock price has shown resilience despite recent pullbacks following Q4 results.
WASTE MANAGEMENT INC: UBS Increases Target Price from $260 to $265
Price Increase Announcement: Waste Management Inc. has raised its target price to $265 from $260.
Market Impact: This adjustment reflects the company's ongoing strategies and market conditions affecting waste management services.
Waste Management, Inc. Reports Strong Q4 2025 Earnings with Record Cash Flow Growth
- Strong Financial Performance: In 2025, Waste Management reported over 12% growth in cash flow from operations to $6.04 billion and nearly 27% growth in free cash flow, reflecting robust core business performance and successful sustainability strategies.
- Renewable Energy Expansion: The company commissioned seven new renewable natural gas facilities, further solidifying its leadership in environmental sustainability, while projecting nearly 30% growth in free cash flow to $3.8 billion in 2026.
- Shareholder Return Plans: Management announced a 14.5% increase in the quarterly dividend for 2026 and authorized a $3 billion share repurchase program, indicating a strong commitment to shareholder value with an expected $3.5 billion in total returns.
- Operational Efficiency Improvements: The operating EBITDA margin rose to 30.1% in 2025, with operating costs dropping below 60% for the first time at 59.5%, driven by a younger fleet and improved employee retention, showcasing ongoing advancements in cost management and technological efficiency.
Waste Management Q4 Results Fall Short of Expectations
- Earnings Performance: Waste Management reported earnings of $1.93 per share, slightly below the market expectation of $1.94, yet reflecting a 13.5% year-over-year increase, indicating sustained profitability.
- Revenue Figures: The company’s fourth-quarter revenue was $6.31 billion, falling short of analysts' expectations of $6.39 billion, but still representing over a 7% increase from last year's $5.89 billion, showcasing robust market performance.
- Future Outlook: Waste Management projects full-year 2026 revenue between $26.43 billion and $26.63 billion, slightly below the Street's estimate of $26.66 billion, indicating a cautious approach towards future growth.
- Analyst Ratings: Despite mixed ratings, Wells Fargo raised its target price from $238 to $246, while Scotiabank downgraded it to $250, reflecting differing market perspectives on Waste Management's future performance.
Bill Gates' Philanthropic Investment Strategy
- Charitable Donation Scale: Bill Gates has donated the vast majority of his wealth to the Gates Foundation over the decades, planning to give away nearly all of his remaining wealth over the next 20 years, reflecting his strong commitment to philanthropy.
- Investment Concentration: Approximately 59% of the Gates Foundation's marketable equity portfolio is concentrated in three major stocks, with Berkshire Hathaway accounting for 28.5%, indicating a highly concentrated investment strategy favoring quality assets.
- Berkshire Hathaway Performance: As of the third quarter, the foundation holds 21.8 million shares of Berkshire Hathaway, valued at about $11 billion, and despite market fluctuations, the foundation plans to continue holding these quality assets.
- WM and Canadian National Railway: The Gates Foundation also holds stakes in WM and Canadian National Railway, representing 17% and 13.3% of its assets respectively, both companies possess strong market positions and stable profitability in their respective industries, showcasing Gates' focus on long-term investments.
Analysis of Gates Foundation Investment Strategy
- Portfolio Concentration: The Gates Foundation's investment portfolio is heavily concentrated, with approximately 59% of marketable equities held in just three outstanding value stocks, reflecting Bill Gates' investment style influenced by Warren Buffett, which may yield stable returns in the future.
- Buffett's Annual Donations: Warren Buffett donates a significant number of shares to the Gates Foundation each year, with last year's contribution amounting to 9.4 million Class B shares, requiring the foundation to utilize the entire value of these donations plus 5% of its other assets annually, ensuring a continuous influx of funds for philanthropic efforts.
- WM's Market Advantage: The Gates Foundation holds 28.9 million shares of WM, valued at approximately $6.6 billion, benefiting from its dominant position with over 260 landfills, which provides a competitive edge in the slow-growing waste management industry, allowing for steady profit growth in the future.
- Growth Potential of Canadian National Railway: The foundation owns 51.8 million shares of Canadian National Railway, worth about $5.1 billion, and despite facing flat revenue challenges, the company is expected to enhance earnings per share through a share repurchase program and reduced capital expenditures, showcasing long-term investment potential.
Waste Management's Unexciting Operations Fuel a Subtle Surge
Company Performance: Waste Management (NYSE: WM) is experiencing growth driven by high demand for its services, with solid economic activity and high consumption leading to increased garbage collection, which is profitable for the company.
Financial Outlook: The company is on track to meet its long-term financial goals, including a 25-year inclusion threshold by 2028, with a focus on improving margins, cash flow, and capital returns, despite missing some Q4 estimates.
Dividend and Share Buybacks: Waste Management has consistently increased its dividend for 23 consecutive years and plans to resume share buybacks, with guidance suggesting $2 billion in buybacks this year, which is expected to offset dilution from share-based compensation.
Market Sentiment: Analysts remain optimistic about Waste Management's stock, with a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and expectations for revenue growth, while the stock price has shown resilience despite recent pullbacks following Q4 results.
WASTE MANAGEMENT INC: UBS Increases Target Price from $260 to $265
Price Increase Announcement: Waste Management Inc. has raised its target price to $265 from $260.
Market Impact: This adjustment reflects the company's ongoing strategies and market conditions affecting waste management services.
Waste Management, Inc. Reports Strong Q4 2025 Earnings with Record Cash Flow Growth
- Strong Financial Performance: In 2025, Waste Management reported over 12% growth in cash flow from operations to $6.04 billion and nearly 27% growth in free cash flow, reflecting robust core business performance and successful sustainability strategies.
- Renewable Energy Expansion: The company commissioned seven new renewable natural gas facilities, further solidifying its leadership in environmental sustainability, while projecting nearly 30% growth in free cash flow to $3.8 billion in 2026.
- Shareholder Return Plans: Management announced a 14.5% increase in the quarterly dividend for 2026 and authorized a $3 billion share repurchase program, indicating a strong commitment to shareholder value with an expected $3.5 billion in total returns.
- Operational Efficiency Improvements: The operating EBITDA margin rose to 30.1% in 2025, with operating costs dropping below 60% for the first time at 59.5%, driven by a younger fleet and improved employee retention, showcasing ongoing advancements in cost management and technological efficiency.
Waste Management Q4 Results Fall Short of Expectations
- Earnings Performance: Waste Management reported earnings of $1.93 per share, slightly below the market expectation of $1.94, yet reflecting a 13.5% year-over-year increase, indicating sustained profitability.
- Revenue Figures: The company’s fourth-quarter revenue was $6.31 billion, falling short of analysts' expectations of $6.39 billion, but still representing over a 7% increase from last year's $5.89 billion, showcasing robust market performance.
- Future Outlook: Waste Management projects full-year 2026 revenue between $26.43 billion and $26.63 billion, slightly below the Street's estimate of $26.66 billion, indicating a cautious approach towards future growth.
- Analyst Ratings: Despite mixed ratings, Wells Fargo raised its target price from $238 to $246, while Scotiabank downgraded it to $250, reflecting differing market perspectives on Waste Management's future performance.
