FINWIRES · TerminalLIVE
FINWIRES

Research Alert: Berkshire Q1 Eps Tops Expectations, With Mixed Insurance Results

By

-- CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:

Berkshire's Q1 2026 operating EPS of $5.26 vs $4.47 topped our $5.10 estimate and $5.05 consensus view, with operating revenues rising 4.4%. Pretax operating profits more than doubled as margins widened to 13% from 5.6%, though GEICO's underwriting results deteriorated with combined ratio rising to 87.3% from 79.8%. We believe the resumption of modest top-line growth after 2025's sub-1% revenue growth will reassure investors, despite mixed insurance performance. CEO Greg Abel reiterated Berkshire's acquisition strategy and share buyback policy at his debut annual meeting, though provided no commitment to predetermined capital allocation. With cash exceeding $380B and only $235M in Q1 buybacks after zero repurchases in 2025, we estimate Berkshire could allocate $80-100B to acquisitions. We keep our 3%-7% revenue growth forecast for 2026, though expect investors hoped for more aggressive capital deployment given the substantial cash position.

Related Articles

Research

Research Alert: CFRA Maintains Hold Rating On Shares Of Sofi Technologies, Inc.

CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:We lower our 12-month target by $4 to $18, applying a P/E of 17.8x our 2028 EPS view vs. SOFI's 71.2x three-year historical forward P/E average. We keep our 2026 EPS estimate at $0.58, 2027's at $0.81, and 2028's at $1.01. We expect robust member and product growth, fueled by key initiatives like crypto and the SoFi Plus relaunch, to support sustained double-digit revenue expansion. The relaunched SoFi Plus introduces a paid subscription to fuel cross-selling, while the crypto initiative leverages its unique, bank-issued stablecoin to become a core infrastructure provider for digital assets.However, this outlook is reflected in a rich valuation that leaves minimal room for execution missteps. We remain neutral, as a sustained high-rate environment could stress consumers and impact credit performance, a key risk given the company's large personal loan portfolio. Management's decision to not raise full-year guidance, despite a strong quarter, balances strategic investments against macroeconomic uncertainties.

$SOFI
Research

Research Alert: CFRA Maintains Buy Rating On Shares Of Tenet Healthcare

CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:We lower our 12-month target price to $200 from $260, 11.4x our 2026 EPS estimate (up to $17.56 from $17.33; 2027 estimate up to $18.00 from $17.85), a discount to the company's three-year historical forward average of 12.9x. We think THC's valuation balances recent deleveraging efforts and a stronger margin profile than in previous years against policy headwinds, including cuts to Medicaid coverage under the OBBBA legislation and the recent expiration of ACA enhanced premium tax credits, which increases risk of higher uncompensated care. Same-facility ACA exchange admissions fell 10% Y/Y in Q1, and THC guides for a 20% reduction in ACA exchange patient volumes for 2026 and anticipates a negative $250 million impact on adjusted EBITDA. While we expect THC to revisit annual guidance in Q2 earnings, at which point a clearer picture of the insurance coverage landscape is likely, we look favorably on the company maintaining its annual inpatient/outpatient volume guidance for now.

$THC
Research

Research Alert: CFRA Maintains Hold Opinion On Shares Of Sanmina Corporation

CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:We raise our 12-month target price by $87 to $250, 19.3x our FY 27 EPS estimate. We increase our FY 26 EPS estimate by $1.16 to $11.23 and raise FY 27's by $1.28 to $12.95. SANM noted strong growth in revenue, particularly in the Communication Networks & Cloud AI Infrastructure segment, which saw significant year-over-year expansion. This growth was attributed to strong demand in areas such as accelerated compute, general-purpose compute, and storage, as well as contributions from both Core Sanmina and the ZT Systems business. Positive momentum was observed in other end markets like Industrial & Energy, where the business is expected to accelerate growth in the second half of the year, particularly in power generation, distribution, and semiconductor capital equipment. There was an emphasis on the company being well prepared for future growth, supported by a diversified customer base, expansion into new programs, and a global manufacturing footprint positioned for anticipated demand in 2027 and 2028.

$SANM