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Take the Zacks Approach to Beat the Markets: HF Sinclair, Accenture & FirstCash in Focus
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Key Takeaways
HF Sinclair shares surged 49% after its Zacks Rank upgrade, while LifeStance Health gained 14.6%.
Accenture jumped 54.6% over 12 weeks, while Mettler-Toledo International delivered a 19.6% return.
FirstCash surged 36.3% since the 2026 Zacks Top 10 list launched, versus the S&P 500's 14% gain.
Last week's performance of the major indexes reflected a shift in investor sentiment, as strong employment data competed with growing inflation fears and higher interest rates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.75%, led by strong gains in blue-chip, cyclical, and value stocks, while the S&P 500 advanced 0.48%, reflecting broad market strength despite lingering headwinds. In contrast, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.40%, weighed down by profit-taking and mild pullbacks in mega-cap growth stocks. Overall, the market performance suggests that investors are shifting toward defensive and value-oriented stocks over high-growth technology shares.
Initial jobless claims fell by 2,000 to 197,000, staying below 200,000 for the fourth straight week, signaling that layoffs remain limited. But September payrolls rose by only 29,000, highlighting a sluggish labor market. The services sector remained in growth territory, although manufacturing activity fell short of expectations. Meanwhile, the U.S. trade deficit widened to $105.6 billion in August, its deepest level in 18 months, as imports and exports increased. Rising oil prices, partly linked to the Iran conflict, added to the economic uncertainty.
Financial markets also faced pressure from elevated bond yields and inflation concerns. The 10-year Treasury yield climbed above 5.3%, while the 30-year yield reached levels not seen since 2002, increasing borrowing costs for households and businesses. Rising Treasury yields increased borrowing costs, and weak consumer sentiment raised concerns about growth. Consumer sentiment also remained weak, with the University of Michigan index expected to stay below 50. Despite these challenges, optimism about third-quarter earnings supported investors. Markets will closely watch upcoming inflation data, Federal Reserve signals and corporate results.
Regardless of market conditions, we, here at Zacks, provide investors with unbiased guidance on how to beat the market.
As usual, Zacks Research guided investors over the past three months with its time-tested methodologies. Given the prevailing market uncertainty, you may want to look at our forecasts to better prepare for your next action.
Here are some of our key achievements:
HF Sinclair and LifeStance Health Following Zacks Rank Upgrade
Shares of HF Sinclair Corporation (DINO - Free Report) have gained 49% (versus the S&P 500’s 0.7% increase) since it was upgraded to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) on August 10.
Another stock, LifeStance Health Group, Inc. (LFST - Free Report) , which was upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) on August 10, has returned 14.6% (versus the S&P 500’s 0.7% increase) since then.
Zacks Rank, our short-term rating system, has earnings estimate revisions at its core. Empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
A portfolio of Zacks # 1 Rank stocks has outperformed the S&P 500 index by 3.9 percentage points this year. Through October 5 this year, the Zacks # 1 Rank portfolio returned +16.9%, which compares to a +13% gain for the S&P 500 index and an +8.1% gain for the equal-weight version of the index in the same time period.
Since its inception in 1988, this portfolio of Zacks # 1 Rank stocks has outperformed the market by 12.2 percentage points. The average annual return for this portfolio of Zacks # 1 Rank stocks since inception in 1988 was +23.8% through October 5, which compares to a +11.6% gain for the S&P 500 index and a +11.2% gain for the equal-weight version of the index.
Zacks Recommendation Upgrades TAL Education & Avnet
Shares of TAL Education Group (TAL - Free Report) and Avnet (AVT - Free Report) have advanced 6.4% (versus the S&P 500’s 1.1% increase) and 2.6% (versus the S&P 500’s 1.3% increase), respectively, since their Zacks Recommendation was upgraded to Outperform on August 6 and August 7, respectively.
While the Zacks Rank is our short-term rating system that is most effective over the one- to three-month holding horizon, the Zacks Recommendation aims to predict performance over the next 6 to 12 months. Through October 5, 2026, the Zacks Outperform-rated stocks produced a +14.2% return, which compares to a +13% return for the S&P 500 index.
To access our research reports with Zacks Recommendations for the 1100+ stocks we cover, click here>>>
Zacks Focus List HCA Healthcare, AMD Shoot Up
Shares of HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA - Free Report) , which belongs to the Zacks Focus List, have gained 11% over the past 12 weeks. The stock was added to the Focus List on January 7, 2019. Another Focus-List holding, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD - Free Report) , which was added to the portfolio on May 19, 2025, has returned 9% over the past 12 weeks. The S&P 500 has advanced by 3.2% over this period.
The 50-stock Focus List portfolio returned +13.78% in the year-to-date period (through September 30th, 2026) vs. +12.75% for the S&P 500 index and +10.03% for the equal-weight version of the index.
The portfolio returned +22.1% in 2025 vs. +17.9% for the S&P 500 index and +11.4% for the equal-weight version of the index.
The Zacks Focus List portfolio returned +18.41% in 2024 vs. +25.04% for the S&P 500 index and +13% for the equal-weight S&P 500 index. The portfolio had returned +29.54% in 2023 vs. +26.28% for the S&P 500 index and +13.61% for the equal-weight S&P 500 index. In 2022, the portfolio returned -15.2% vs. the S&P 500 index’s -17.96%.
Through September 30, 2026, the portfolio’s rolling returns on a one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since 2004 have been +17.49% (vs. +15.74% for the S&P 500 index), +24.4% (vs. +22.9%), +13.5% (vs. +13.8%), +16.4% (vs. +15.3%) and +12.4% vs. (+10.9%), respectively.
Unlock all of our powerful research, tools and analysis, including the Focus List, Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research Reports, Zacks Earnings ESP Filter, Premium Screener and more, as part of Zacks Premium. Gain full access now >>
Zacks ECAP Stocks Accenture & Mettler-Toledo International Make Significant Gains
Accenture plc (ACN - Free Report) , a component of our Earnings Certain Admiral Portfolio (ECAP), has jumped 54.6% over the past 12 weeks. Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (MTD - Free Report) has followed Accenture with 19.6% returns.
The Zacks Earnings Certain Admiral Portfolio (ECAP), which consists of 30 concentrated, ultra-defensive, long-term Buy-and-Hold stocks, returned -4.7% in 2026 (through September 30, 2026) vs. +12.75% for the S&P 500 index.
For 2025, the portfolio returned -1.67% vs. a +17.9% gain for the S&P 500 index. For the year 2024, the portfolio returned +16.26% vs. +24.89% for the S&P 500 index (SPY ETF). In 2023, the portfolio returned +12.17% vs. +26.28% for the S&P 500 index. The portfolio returned -4.7% in 2022 vs. the S&P 500 index’s -17.96%.
The ECAP and many other model portfolios are available as part of Zacks Advisor Tools, a cloud-based solution to access Zacks award-winning stock, mutual fund and ETF research. Click here to schedule a demo.
Zacks ECDP Stocks Tractor Supply and American Tower Outperform Peers
Tractor Supply Company (TSCO - Free Report) , which is part of our Earnings Certain Dividend Portfolio (ECDP), has returned 10.8% over the past 12 weeks. Another ECDP stock, American Tower Corporation (AMT - Free Report) , has increased 8.1% over the same time frame. Of course, the inclination of investors toward quality dividend stocks to secure an income stream amid heightened market volatility contributed to this performance.
With an extremely low beta and a history of minimum earnings variability over the last 20+ years, this 25-stock portfolio helps to significantly mitigate risk.
The Zacks Earnings Certain Dividend Portfolio (ECDP) returned +2.01% in the year-to-date period (through September 30t) vs. +12.75% for the S&P 500 index.
The portfolio returned -0.6% in 2025 vs. a +6.8% gain for the Dividend Aristocrats ETF. For the full year 2024, the portfolio returned +6.95% vs. +24.89% for the S&P 500 index and +6.72% for NOBL. The portfolio returned -0.9% in 2023 vs. +26.28% for the S&P 500 index and +8.11% for NOBL. The portfolio returned -2.3% in 2022 vs. -17.96% for the S&P 500 index and -8.34% for NOBL.
Zacks Top 10 Stock FirstCash Delivers Solid Returns
FirstCash Holdings, Inc. (FCFS - Free Report) , from the Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2026, has jumped 36.3% since the list was released on January 5, 2026, compared with the S&P 500 index’s 14% increase during this period.
The Top 10 portfolio returned +8.34% in the year-to-date 2026 period (through September 30) vs. +12.75% for the S&P 500 index and +10.03% for the equal-weight version of the index.
The Top 10 portfolio returned +22.6% in 2025 vs. +17.9% for the S&P 500 index and +11.4% for the equal-weight version of the index.
The Top 10 portfolio returned +62.98% in 2024, vs. +25.04% for the S&P 500 index and +13% for the equal-weight version of the index. The portfolio had returned +25.15% in 2023 vs. +26.28% for the S&P 500 index.
Through the end of September 2026, the Top 10 portfolio has produced a cumulative return of +2,706.5% since 2012 vs. +645.9% for the S&P 500 index and +453.8% for the equal-weight version of the index. The portfolio has produced an average annual return of +25.1% in the period 2012 through September 30, 2026, vs. +13.5% for the S&P 500 index and +10.8% for the equal-weight version of the index.
View the Zacks #1 Rank List
Image: Bigstock
Take the Zacks Approach to Beat the Markets: HF Sinclair, Accenture & FirstCash in Focus
Key Takeaways
Last week's performance of the major indexes reflected a shift in investor sentiment, as strong employment data competed with growing inflation fears and higher interest rates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.75%, led by strong gains in blue-chip, cyclical, and value stocks, while the S&P 500 advanced 0.48%, reflecting broad market strength despite lingering headwinds. In contrast, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.40%, weighed down by profit-taking and mild pullbacks in mega-cap growth stocks. Overall, the market performance suggests that investors are shifting toward defensive and value-oriented stocks over high-growth technology shares.
Initial jobless claims fell by 2,000 to 197,000, staying below 200,000 for the fourth straight week, signaling that layoffs remain limited. But September payrolls rose by only 29,000, highlighting a sluggish labor market. The services sector remained in growth territory, although manufacturing activity fell short of expectations. Meanwhile, the U.S. trade deficit widened to $105.6 billion in August, its deepest level in 18 months, as imports and exports increased. Rising oil prices, partly linked to the Iran conflict, added to the economic uncertainty.
Financial markets also faced pressure from elevated bond yields and inflation concerns. The 10-year Treasury yield climbed above 5.3%, while the 30-year yield reached levels not seen since 2002, increasing borrowing costs for households and businesses. Rising Treasury yields increased borrowing costs, and weak consumer sentiment raised concerns about growth. Consumer sentiment also remained weak, with the University of Michigan index expected to stay below 50. Despite these challenges, optimism about third-quarter earnings supported investors. Markets will closely watch upcoming inflation data, Federal Reserve signals and corporate results.
Regardless of market conditions, we, here at Zacks, provide investors with unbiased guidance on how to beat the market.
As usual, Zacks Research guided investors over the past three months with its time-tested methodologies. Given the prevailing market uncertainty, you may want to look at our forecasts to better prepare for your next action.
Here are some of our key achievements:
HF Sinclair and LifeStance Health Following Zacks Rank Upgrade
Shares of HF Sinclair Corporation (DINO - Free Report) have gained 49% (versus the S&P 500’s 0.7% increase) since it was upgraded to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) on August 10.
Another stock, LifeStance Health Group, Inc. (LFST - Free Report) , which was upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) on August 10, has returned 14.6% (versus the S&P 500’s 0.7% increase) since then.
Zacks Rank, our short-term rating system, has earnings estimate revisions at its core. Empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
A portfolio of Zacks # 1 Rank stocks has outperformed the S&P 500 index by 3.9 percentage points this year. Through October 5 this year, the Zacks # 1 Rank portfolio returned +16.9%, which compares to a +13% gain for the S&P 500 index and an +8.1% gain for the equal-weight version of the index in the same time period.
Since its inception in 1988, this portfolio of Zacks # 1 Rank stocks has outperformed the market by 12.2 percentage points. The average annual return for this portfolio of Zacks # 1 Rank stocks since inception in 1988 was +23.8% through October 5, which compares to a +11.6% gain for the S&P 500 index and a +11.2% gain for the equal-weight version of the index.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks Rank #1 stocks here >>>
Check HF Sinclair's historical EPS and Sales here>>>
Check LifeStance Health’s historical EPS and Sales here>>>
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Zacks Recommendation Upgrades TAL Education & Avnet
Shares of TAL Education Group (TAL - Free Report) and Avnet (AVT - Free Report) have advanced 6.4% (versus the S&P 500’s 1.1% increase) and 2.6% (versus the S&P 500’s 1.3% increase), respectively, since their Zacks Recommendation was upgraded to Outperform on August 6 and August 7, respectively.
While the Zacks Rank is our short-term rating system that is most effective over the one- to three-month holding horizon, the Zacks Recommendation aims to predict performance over the next 6 to 12 months. Through October 5, 2026, the Zacks Outperform-rated stocks produced a +14.2% return, which compares to a +13% return for the S&P 500 index.
To access our research reports with Zacks Recommendations for the 1100+ stocks we cover, click here>>>
Zacks Focus List HCA Healthcare, AMD Shoot Up
Shares of HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA - Free Report) , which belongs to the Zacks Focus List, have gained 11% over the past 12 weeks. The stock was added to the Focus List on January 7, 2019. Another Focus-List holding, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD - Free Report) , which was added to the portfolio on May 19, 2025, has returned 9% over the past 12 weeks. The S&P 500 has advanced by 3.2% over this period.
The 50-stock Focus List portfolio returned +13.78% in the year-to-date period (through September 30th, 2026) vs. +12.75% for the S&P 500 index and +10.03% for the equal-weight version of the index.
The portfolio returned +22.1% in 2025 vs. +17.9% for the S&P 500 index and +11.4% for the equal-weight version of the index.
The Zacks Focus List portfolio returned +18.41% in 2024 vs. +25.04% for the S&P 500 index and +13% for the equal-weight S&P 500 index. The portfolio had returned +29.54% in 2023 vs. +26.28% for the S&P 500 index and +13.61% for the equal-weight S&P 500 index. In 2022, the portfolio returned -15.2% vs. the S&P 500 index’s -17.96%.
Through September 30, 2026, the portfolio’s rolling returns on a one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since 2004 have been +17.49% (vs. +15.74% for the S&P 500 index), +24.4% (vs. +22.9%), +13.5% (vs. +13.8%), +16.4% (vs. +15.3%) and +12.4% vs. (+10.9%), respectively.
Unlock all of our powerful research, tools and analysis, including the Focus List, Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research Reports, Zacks Earnings ESP Filter, Premium Screener and more, as part of Zacks Premium. Gain full access now >>
Zacks ECAP Stocks Accenture & Mettler-Toledo International Make Significant Gains
Accenture plc (ACN - Free Report) , a component of our Earnings Certain Admiral Portfolio (ECAP), has jumped 54.6% over the past 12 weeks. Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (MTD - Free Report) has followed Accenture with 19.6% returns.
The Zacks Earnings Certain Admiral Portfolio (ECAP), which consists of 30 concentrated, ultra-defensive, long-term Buy-and-Hold stocks, returned -4.7% in 2026 (through September 30, 2026) vs. +12.75% for the S&P 500 index.
For 2025, the portfolio returned -1.67% vs. a +17.9% gain for the S&P 500 index. For the year 2024, the portfolio returned +16.26% vs. +24.89% for the S&P 500 index (SPY ETF). In 2023, the portfolio returned +12.17% vs. +26.28% for the S&P 500 index. The portfolio returned -4.7% in 2022 vs. the S&P 500 index’s -17.96%.
The ECAP and many other model portfolios are available as part of Zacks Advisor Tools, a cloud-based solution to access Zacks award-winning stock, mutual fund and ETF research. Click here to schedule a demo.
Zacks ECDP Stocks Tractor Supply and American Tower Outperform Peers
Tractor Supply Company (TSCO - Free Report) , which is part of our Earnings Certain Dividend Portfolio (ECDP), has returned 10.8% over the past 12 weeks. Another ECDP stock, American Tower Corporation (AMT - Free Report) , has increased 8.1% over the same time frame. Of course, the inclination of investors toward quality dividend stocks to secure an income stream amid heightened market volatility contributed to this performance.
Check Tractor Supply's dividend history here>>>
Check American Tower’s dividend history here>>>
With an extremely low beta and a history of minimum earnings variability over the last 20+ years, this 25-stock portfolio helps to significantly mitigate risk.
The Zacks Earnings Certain Dividend Portfolio (ECDP) returned +2.01% in the year-to-date period (through September 30t) vs. +12.75% for the S&P 500 index.
The portfolio returned -0.6% in 2025 vs. a +6.8% gain for the Dividend Aristocrats ETF. For the full year 2024, the portfolio returned +6.95% vs. +24.89% for the S&P 500 index and +6.72% for NOBL. The portfolio returned -0.9% in 2023 vs. +26.28% for the S&P 500 index and +8.11% for NOBL. The portfolio returned -2.3% in 2022 vs. -17.96% for the S&P 500 index and -8.34% for NOBL.
Click here to access this portfolio on Zacks Advisor Tools.
Zacks Top 10 Stock FirstCash Delivers Solid Returns
FirstCash Holdings, Inc. (FCFS - Free Report) , from the Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2026, has jumped 36.3% since the list was released on January 5, 2026, compared with the S&P 500 index’s 14% increase during this period.
The Top 10 portfolio returned +8.34% in the year-to-date 2026 period (through September 30) vs. +12.75% for the S&P 500 index and +10.03% for the equal-weight version of the index.
The Top 10 portfolio returned +22.6% in 2025 vs. +17.9% for the S&P 500 index and +11.4% for the equal-weight version of the index.
The Top 10 portfolio returned +62.98% in 2024, vs. +25.04% for the S&P 500 index and +13% for the equal-weight version of the index. The portfolio had returned +25.15% in 2023 vs. +26.28% for the S&P 500 index.
Through the end of September 2026, the Top 10 portfolio has produced a cumulative return of +2,706.5% since 2012 vs. +645.9% for the S&P 500 index and +453.8% for the equal-weight version of the index. The portfolio has produced an average annual return of +25.1% in the period 2012 through September 30, 2026, vs. +13.5% for the S&P 500 index and +10.8% for the equal-weight version of the index.