GPN

The article discusses how investors can identify stocks likely to beat quarterly earnings expectations using Zacks' Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) filter. It highlights that stocks with positive ESP combined with a Zacks Rank #3 or stronger posted positive earnings surprises 70% of the time, with average annual returns of 28%. Global Payments (GPN) is featured as an example stock meeting ESP qualifications with a +1.69% ESP ahead of its November 3, 2026 earnings release.

Global Payments (GPN), a payment processing company, has demonstrated a consistent track record of beating earnings estimates in recent quarters with an average surprise of 2.63%. The company currently has a positive Earnings ESP of +0.20% combined with a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), suggesting a strong likelihood of another earnings beat in its upcoming quarterly report. Stocks with this combination historically beat consensus estimates nearly 70% of the time.

Synchrony Financial's study reveals that trust, security, and fraud protection are more critical than convenience in driving consumer adoption of AI shopping agents. While 79% of consumers would allow AI to apply discounts and 74% to use loyalty rewards, only 54% would trust AI with purchases over $5,000. The company is developing tools to keep credit products, rewards, and offers visible when AI agents shop, positioning itself to benefit from the growing agentic commerce trend.