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Take the Zacks Approach to Beat the Markets: Ulta Beauty, Accenture, HCA in Focus
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Key Takeaways
HCA and ULTA gained 21.1% and 19.7%, respectively, over the past 12 weeks.
ACN surged 52.2% over 12 weeks, while FactSet Research delivered a 19.4% return.
HHH and TLS gained 26.31% and 14%, respectively, following Zacks Rank upgrades.
The three benchmark Wall Street equity indexes closed lower for the week ended November 6. The Nasdaq Composite, the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 3.4%, 2.7% and 0.9%, respectively.
Technology shares led the retreat as investors reassessed artificial intelligence (AI) valuations, massive infrastructure spending and the sustainability of growth expectations. The U.S. midterm election results added to uncertainty, with Democratic victories raising concerns about potentially tighter regulations and restrictions on data center construction. Elevated valuations and questions about the returns on massive AI investments further intensified selling pressure, hurting the Nasdaq and weighing on the broader S&P 500.
A partial recovery on Friday helped limit weekly losses, as technology shares rebounded and investors assessed stronger-than-expected October employment growth. However, the jobs report, which showed payroll gains exceeding expectations and unemployment falling to 4.1%, also raised concerns that the Fed might maintain restrictive monetary policy or consider another rate hike.
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 feats to prepare better for your next action.
Here are some of our key achievements:
Howard Hughes and Telos Surge Following Zacks Rank Upgrade
Shares of Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (HHH - Free Report) have gained 26.31% (versus the S&P 500’s 3.3% decrease) since it was upgraded to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) on September 18.
Another stock, Telos Corporation (TLS - Free Report) , which was also upgraded to Rank #1 on September 16, has returned 14% (versus the S&P 500’s 2.7% decrease) since then.
A portfolio of Zacks # 1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks has outperformed the S&P 500 index by 2.3 percentage points this year. Through August 3rd this year, the Zacks # 1 Rank portfolio returned +12.08%, which compares to a +9.78% gain for the S&P 500 index and a +10.41% 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 12.4 percentage points. The average annual return for this portfolio of Zacks # 1 Rank stocks since inception in 1988 was +23.9% through August 3rd, which compares to a +11.5% gain for the S&P 500 index and a +11.3% gain for the equal-weight version of the index.
Zacks Recommendation Upgrades Concentra Group and BP
Shares of Concentra Group Holdings Parent, Inc. (CON - Free Report) and BP p.l.c. (BP - Free Report) have surged 23.2% (versus the S&P 500’s 4.4% fall) and 1.6% (versus the S&P 500’s 4.6% fall), respectively, since their Zacks Recommendation was upgraded to Outperform on August 31 and September 8.
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. However, just like the Zacks Rank, the foundation for the Zacks Recommendation is trends in earnings estimate revisions.
The Zacks Recommendation classifies stocks into three groups — Outperform, Neutral and Underperform. While these recommendations are determined quantitatively, our analysts have the flexibility to override them for the 1100+ stocks they closely follow based on their better judgment of factors such as valuation, industry conditions and management effectiveness than the quantitative model.
To access our research reports with Zacks Recommendations for the 1100+ stocks we cover, click here>>>
Zacks Focus List Stocks HCA & Ulta Beauty Shoot Up
Shares of HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA - Free Report) , which belongs to the Zacks Focus List, have soared 21.1% over the past 12 weeks. The stock was added to the Focus List on January 7, 2019. Another Focus-List holding, Ulta Beauty, Inc. (ULTA - Free Report) , which was added to the list on March 25, 2020, has returned 19.7% over the past 12 weeks. The S&P 500 has declined 4.3% over this period.
The 50-stock Focus List portfolio returned +19.86% in the year-to-date period (through August 31, 2026) vs. +13.14% for the S&P 500 index and +15.59% 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 August 31, 2026, the portfolio’s rolling returns on a one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since 2004 have been +28.7% (vs. +20.4% for the S&P 500 index), +24.1% (vs. +21.1%), +13.6% (vs. +12.8%), +17.1% (vs. +15.4%) and +12.7% vs. (+11%), 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 & FactSet Research Gain Significantly
Accenture plc (ACN - Free Report) , a component of our Earnings Certain Admiral Portfolio (ECAP), has jumped 52.2% over the past 12 weeks. FactSet Research Systems Inc. (FDS - Free Report) followed Accenture with 19.4% returns.
The Zacks Earnings Certain Admiral Portfolio (ECAP), which consists of 30 concentrated, ultra-defensive, long-term Buy-and-Hold stocks, returned -9.4% in the first half of 2026 (through June 30th) vs. +10.2% 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%.
With little to no turnover and annual rebalance periodicity, ECAP seeks to minimize capital loss by holding shares of companies whose earnings streams exhibit a proven 20+ year track record of surviving recessionary periods with minimal impact on aggregate earnings growth relative to the overall S&P 500.
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.
The Procter & Gamble Company (PG - Free Report) , which is part of our Earnings Certain Dividend Portfolio (ECDP), has returned 12.5% over the past 12 weeks. Another ECDP stock, Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP - Free Report) , has climbed 10.9% 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 significantly mitigate risk.
The Zacks Earnings Certain Dividend Portfolio (ECDP) returned -1.7% in the first half of 2026 (through June 30th) vs. +10.2% for the S&P 500 index and +9.03% for the Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL).
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 2025, has jumped 18.4% since January 5, 2026, compared with the S&P 500 Index’s 7.7% increase.
The Top 10 portfolio returned +15% in the year-to-date 2026 period (through August 31st) vs. +12.9% for the S&P 500 index and +14.8% 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 returned +25.15% in 2023 vs. +26.28% for the S&P 500 index.
Through the end of August 2026, the Top 10 portfolio has produced a cumulative return of +2,881.3% since 2012 vs. +648.5% for the S&P 500 index and +481.7% for the equal-weight version of the index. The portfolio has produced an average annual return of +25.8% in the period 2012 through August 31, 2026, vs. +13.6% for the S&P 500 index and +11.3% for the equal-weight version of the index.
View the Zacks #1 Rank List
Image: Bigstock
Take the Zacks Approach to Beat the Markets: Ulta Beauty, Accenture, HCA in Focus
Key Takeaways
The three benchmark Wall Street equity indexes closed lower for the week ended November 6. The Nasdaq Composite, the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 3.4%, 2.7% and 0.9%, respectively.
Technology shares led the retreat as investors reassessed artificial intelligence (AI) valuations, massive infrastructure spending and the sustainability of growth expectations. The U.S. midterm election results added to uncertainty, with Democratic victories raising concerns about potentially tighter regulations and restrictions on data center construction. Elevated valuations and questions about the returns on massive AI investments further intensified selling pressure, hurting the Nasdaq and weighing on the broader S&P 500.
A partial recovery on Friday helped limit weekly losses, as technology shares rebounded and investors assessed stronger-than-expected October employment growth. However, the jobs report, which showed payroll gains exceeding expectations and unemployment falling to 4.1%, also raised concerns that the Fed might maintain restrictive monetary policy or consider another rate hike.
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 feats to prepare better for your next action.
Here are some of our key achievements:
Howard Hughes and Telos Surge Following Zacks Rank Upgrade
Shares of Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (HHH - Free Report) have gained 26.31% (versus the S&P 500’s 3.3% decrease) since it was upgraded to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) on September 18.
Another stock, Telos Corporation (TLS - Free Report) , which was also upgraded to Rank #1 on September 16, has returned 14% (versus the S&P 500’s 2.7% decrease) since then.
A portfolio of Zacks # 1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks has outperformed the S&P 500 index by 2.3 percentage points this year. Through August 3rd this year, the Zacks # 1 Rank portfolio returned +12.08%, which compares to a +9.78% gain for the S&P 500 index and a +10.41% 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 12.4 percentage points. The average annual return for this portfolio of Zacks # 1 Rank stocks since inception in 1988 was +23.9% through August 3rd, which compares to a +11.5% gain for the S&P 500 index and a +11.3% gain for the equal-weight version of the index.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks Rank #1 stocks here >>>
Check Howard Hughes’ historical EPS and Sales here>>>
Check Telos’ historical EPS and Sales here>>>
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Zacks Recommendation Upgrades Concentra Group and BP
Shares of Concentra Group Holdings Parent, Inc. (CON - Free Report) and BP p.l.c. (BP - Free Report) have surged 23.2% (versus the S&P 500’s 4.4% fall) and 1.6% (versus the S&P 500’s 4.6% fall), respectively, since their Zacks Recommendation was upgraded to Outperform on August 31 and September 8.
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. However, just like the Zacks Rank, the foundation for the Zacks Recommendation is trends in earnings estimate revisions.
The Zacks Recommendation classifies stocks into three groups — Outperform, Neutral and Underperform. While these recommendations are determined quantitatively, our analysts have the flexibility to override them for the 1100+ stocks they closely follow based on their better judgment of factors such as valuation, industry conditions and management effectiveness than the quantitative model.
To access our research reports with Zacks Recommendations for the 1100+ stocks we cover, click here>>>
Zacks Focus List Stocks HCA & Ulta Beauty Shoot Up
Shares of HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA - Free Report) , which belongs to the Zacks Focus List, have soared 21.1% over the past 12 weeks. The stock was added to the Focus List on January 7, 2019. Another Focus-List holding, Ulta Beauty, Inc. (ULTA - Free Report) , which was added to the list on March 25, 2020, has returned 19.7% over the past 12 weeks. The S&P 500 has declined 4.3% over this period.
The 50-stock Focus List portfolio returned +19.86% in the year-to-date period (through August 31, 2026) vs. +13.14% for the S&P 500 index and +15.59% 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 August 31, 2026, the portfolio’s rolling returns on a one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since 2004 have been +28.7% (vs. +20.4% for the S&P 500 index), +24.1% (vs. +21.1%), +13.6% (vs. +12.8%), +17.1% (vs. +15.4%) and +12.7% vs. (+11%), 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 & FactSet Research Gain Significantly
Accenture plc (ACN - Free Report) , a component of our Earnings Certain Admiral Portfolio (ECAP), has jumped 52.2% over the past 12 weeks. FactSet Research Systems Inc. (FDS - Free Report) followed Accenture with 19.4% returns.
The Zacks Earnings Certain Admiral Portfolio (ECAP), which consists of 30 concentrated, ultra-defensive, long-term Buy-and-Hold stocks, returned -9.4% in the first half of 2026 (through June 30th) vs. +10.2% 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%.
With little to no turnover and annual rebalance periodicity, ECAP seeks to minimize capital loss by holding shares of companies whose earnings streams exhibit a proven 20+ year track record of surviving recessionary periods with minimal impact on aggregate earnings growth relative to the overall S&P 500.
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 Procter & Gamble & Automatic Data Outperform Peers
The Procter & Gamble Company (PG - Free Report) , which is part of our Earnings Certain Dividend Portfolio (ECDP), has returned 12.5% over the past 12 weeks. Another ECDP stock, Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP - Free Report) , has climbed 10.9% 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 Procter & Gamble’s dividend history here>>>
Check Automatic Data’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 significantly mitigate risk.
The Zacks Earnings Certain Dividend Portfolio (ECDP) returned -1.7% in the first half of 2026 (through June 30th) vs. +10.2% for the S&P 500 index and +9.03% for the Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL).
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 2025, has jumped 18.4% since January 5, 2026, compared with the S&P 500 Index’s 7.7% increase.
The Top 10 portfolio returned +15% in the year-to-date 2026 period (through August 31st) vs. +12.9% for the S&P 500 index and +14.8% 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 returned +25.15% in 2023 vs. +26.28% for the S&P 500 index.
Through the end of August 2026, the Top 10 portfolio has produced a cumulative return of +2,881.3% since 2012 vs. +648.5% for the S&P 500 index and +481.7% for the equal-weight version of the index. The portfolio has produced an average annual return of +25.8% in the period 2012 through August 31, 2026, vs. +13.6% for the S&P 500 index and +11.3% for the equal-weight version of the index.