ECPG

Encore Capital Group (ECPG) has surged 73.8% YTD, outperforming peers and the S&P 500. The company benefits from robust U.S. portfolio supply, record collections of $1.46B, and raised 2026 guidance for $1.40-$1.50B in purchases and $13-$14 GAAP EPS.

However, heavy U.S. concentration (85.3% of purchases), rising legal expenses (+25.8% YoY), and funding costs pose risks. ECPG trades at a forward P/E of 6.58X, below industry average, and carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating.

Sallie Mae reported a quarterly loss of $0.19 per share, significantly missing the consensus estimate of $0.12 and declining from $0.63 earnings per share a year ago. The company also missed revenue expectations at $339.32 million versus the estimate of $353.66 million. With a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating and the Financial - Consumer Loans industry ranking in the bottom 26% of industries, the stock is expected to perform in line with the market.

BankUnited reported Q3 2026 earnings of $1.03 per share, missing the consensus estimate of $1.05, and revenues of $280.44 million, falling short of expectations by 4.16%. The company has underperformed the S&P 500 by 17.8% year-to-date. With unfavorable estimate revision trends, BankUnited received a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) rating, suggesting near-term underperformance.