FCFS

ESCO Technologies (ESE) is significantly outperforming its Business Services peers with a year-to-date return of 31.5% compared to the sector average of -13.8%. The company holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) with improved analyst sentiment, as consensus earnings estimates have increased 1.6% over the past three months. FirstCash Holdings (FCFS) is also highlighted as an outperformer in the sector with matching year-to-date returns of 31.5% and a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Zacks highlights strong stock performance from its research methodologies, with HF Sinclair surging 49% after a Rank upgrade and FirstCash gaining 36.3% since the 2026 Top 10 list launch. The article reviews market conditions showing a shift toward value stocks amid inflation concerns and elevated Treasury yields, while showcasing performance of various Zacks portfolios including the Focus List, ECAP, and ECDP.