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Research Alert: Nokia: Q1 2026 In Line, Optical Networks Strength And Ai Demand Support Growth

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

Nokia's Q1 2026 results were in line with expectations, with comparable net income of EUR295M (+93% Y/Y) and operating profit of EUR281M (+54% Y/Y), contributing 17% of 2026 consensus estimates. Revenue reached EUR4.5B (+4% Y/Y constant currency), supported by AI-related demand but offset by telecom weakness and FX headwinds. Network Infrastructure drove growth with revenue up 6% to EUR1.8B, led by Optical Networks rising 20% to EUR821M on hyperscaler and AI demand, while Mobile Infrastructure delivered modest 3% growth to EUR2.5B, with operating margin expanding 380bps to 8.9%. Management maintained its full-year 2026 comparable operating profit guidance of EUR2.0B-EUR2.5B and raised Network Infrastructure growth expectations to 12%-14% from 6%-8%, reflecting stronger AI & Cloud momentum. We believe the outlook remains supported by AI-driven demand with gradual margin expansion expected, though performance remains tied to telecom capex recovery and regional demand variability, particularly in North America.

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Research Alert: Rollins Prints Mixed Q1 As Margins Fail To Impress

CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:ROL's Q1 results were mixed, achieving revenue growth of 10.2% Y/Y split between 6.6% organic growth and 3.6% from acquisitions. However, margin compression remained a headwind, with adjusted operating margin declining 100 bps to 16.9%. ROL faced challenges balancing growth investments while defending profitability, with the termite business remaining the standout performer at 13.5% revenue growth and 9.8% organic expansion, outpacing residential services which rose 9.3% overall but just 4.2% organically. Management attributed margin pressures to insurance/claims costs, people costs, and selling investments, with employee expenses rising to 32.0% of revenue from 31.8% and insurance costs increasing to 2.3% from 2.0%. Cash flows weakened significantly, with operating cash flow declining 19.4% and free cash flow down 20.6%, impacted by timing factors, a $40M tax credit strategy, and $9M from interest payment transitions. We see previous share price highs being elusive until margins show signs of stabilization.

$ROL
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Research Alert: United Rentals Prints Q1 Beat As Margins Bounce Back

CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:URI delivered strong Q1 results with operating EPS of $9.71, beating consensus by $0.77, while total revenue reached $3.9B (+7.2%) with rental revenue of $3.4B (+8.7%). Adjusted EBITDA margin of 44.1% declined 80 bps Y/Y, but excluding the prior year H&E merger termination benefit, margins actually expanded 60 bps, signaling an important inflection from persistent compression. We see this as evidence that management's restructuring efforts are paying off, with margin pressures finally showing signs of stabilization. The strong quarter enabled URI to raise full-year revenue guidance to $16.9B-$17.4B and adjusted EBITDA to $7.625B-$7.875B. Segment results were mixed, with general rentals achieving 6.2% revenue growth and 150 bps margin expansion to 33.8%, while specialty rentals posted robust 13.8% revenue growth but faced 170 bps margin compression to 41.4%. We believe leverage remains well below historical levels, positioning URI for accretive M&A deals that could generate additional guidance lifts.

$URI
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Research Alert: Fico Loses Its Grip - Fhfa Opens Door To Rivals

CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:FICO's stranglehold on mortgage credit scoring officially ended as FHFA Director Bill Pulte announced that "effective immediately," Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would accept VantageScore, FICO's main competitor, credit models. HUD Secretary Scott Turner said FHA would follow within months. FICO shares plunged 10%+ on the news. Until now, GSEs relied almost exclusively on older FICO models, giving FICO monopolistic control over mortgage financing access. This dominance recently prompted Senator Josh Hawley to investigate FICO's pricing practices. VantageScore costs $0.99 versus FICO's $4.95-$10 plus fees, and uses alternative data like rent payments to score borrowers. We believe this announcement will heavily expand mortgage access, with millions previously excluded by traditional scoring and high costs. This announcement poses a massive headwind for FICO, breaking its monopoly and introducing intense pricing competition unseen in decades. We're watching FICO's April 28 earnings call for management's response.

$FICO