FINWIRES · TerminalLIVE
FINWIRES

Research Alert: Eqh Q1 Eps Beat Consensus; Corebridge Merger & Strategic Shift Ongoing

By

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

EQH posted Q1 2026 operating EPS of $1.62 versus $1.30 a year ago, beating the $1.61 consensus view but lagging our $1.85 estimate. Operating revenues declined 3%, missing our forecast of 3% to 8% growth, driven by a 33% drop in policy fee revenues and 21% decline in premiums despite higher investment income and asset management fees. We view positively EQH's announced merger with Corebridge Financial (CRBG 27 NR) in an all-stock transaction closing by year-end 2026, where EQH shareholders will own 49% of the combined entity and receive 1.55516 shares per EQH share, with board representation evenly split. EQH expects an investor call update on May 5 regarding its strategic direction and M&A plans. We believe EQH's July 2025 life reinsurance transaction that freed up $2B in capital and reduced mortality exposure by 75% supports its shift to a more fee-based model, with the appointment of Nick Chan as Head of M&As signaling continued growth via acquisition as a key strategy.

Related Articles

Research

Research Alert: CFRA Keeps Hold Rating On Shares Of Baxter International Inc.

CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:We lower our price target to $19 from $23, using a forward P/E of 9.5x our 2027 EPS view, a sizable discount to BAX's 10-year historical forward average. We slightly adjust our 2026 EPS estimate to $2.00 from $1.96 and maintain our 2027 EPS estimate at $1.99. Baxter delivered mixed Q1 results that reflected ongoing operational challenges despite management's transformation efforts, in our view. Sales of $2.7 billion rose 3% on a reported basis but declined 1% organically. EPS was $0.36, a 35% Y/Y decrease from the prior year, reflecting significant headwinds from tariffs, higher manufacturing costs, and an unfavorable comparison with Q1 2025. We think that BAX could be in the early stages of a turnaround focused on stabilizing the business and strengthening the balance sheet. Yet, we see the potential for a slowdown in U.S. hospital capital spending due to macroeconomic uncertainties along with continued softer demand for inhaled anesthesia products globally as important risks.

$BAX
Research

Research Alert: CFRA Maintains Strong Buy Opinion On Shares Of Rocket Lab 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 to $100 from $80, applying an EV/sales multiple of 45.8x to our 2027 estimate. This multiple is a slight premium to its five-year historical average multiple at 43.1x. We raise our 2026 loss per share estimate to -$0.11 from -$0.18 and cut 2027's EPS estimate to $0.05 from $0.14. Despite the Stage 1 tank setback, Neutron development showed meaningful progress. Multiple critical subsystems passed qualification during the quarter, including the Hungry Hippo fairing, thrust structure, and Stage 2. Flight hardware is now arriving at the Wallops launch site for final integration and testing. First launch is now targeted for Q4 2026. RKLB is not waiting for the first flight to build subsequent vehicles. Management noted that production of additional Neutron tail numbers is already underway, which means follow-on flights will not be delayed by the same duration as the first launch.

$RKLB
Research

Research Alert: CFRA Reiterates Sell Rating On Shares Of Udr, Inc.

CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:We think UDR will be an underperformer versus the S&P 500, and the trust's fundamental outlook is low-single digit growth at best. We keep our $34 target using a forward P/FFO of 13.3x below peer group given its high concentration in Sun Belt markets. We keep our 2026 FFO estimate at $2.55 and lower 2027's by $0.01 to $2.60 on revenue projections of $1.72B and $1.77B, respectively. We think this puts added pressure on UDR's ability to raise rental rates, especially for new leases where incentives like free months are still needed. Renewal leasing also faces some limitations to how much UDR can raise rents as tenants can relocate to competitor housing. Cash NOI outlook is not promising. An important metric to monitor is cash NOI, which takes into account rental revenue less operating expenses that have risen at a faster pace (higher labor, insurance, and property taxes). UDR's 2026 targets are same-store revenue growth of 0.25% to 2.25%, expense growth of 3.00% to 4.50%, and cash NOI growth of -1.00% to 1.25%.

$UDR