ILMN

The article explains how to identify medical stocks positioned for positive earnings surprises using the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) filter. It demonstrates that combining positive ESP with a Zacks Rank #3 or better has historically resulted in positive earnings surprises 70% of the time with 28.3% average annual returns. Two medical stocks are highlighted as examples: Illumina with a +9.16% ESP and Buy rating, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals with a +4.98% ESP and Hold rating.

Illumina is positioned to potentially beat earnings estimates in its next quarterly report on October 29, 2026. The company has a strong track record of beating estimates, with an average surprise of 8.01% over the last two quarters. With a positive Earnings ESP of +9.16% and a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects.

Saudi Arabia's Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) market is projected to grow from US$52.50 million in 2025 to US$162.16 million by 2034, driven by a 13.35% CAGR. Growth is fueled by advances in next-generation sequencing, rising maternal age, increased healthcare investment, and expanding genetic testing capacity. Key players include Eurofins Scientific, Roche, Invitae, Illumina, Natera, Centogene, and Qiagen, with Riyadh and Jeddah leading regional adoption.