Zacks.com featured highlights include Centene, Tenet Healthcare, Fortinet, Unity Software and Goldman Sachs
Centene, Tenet Healthcare, Fortinet, Unity Software and Goldman Sachs emerge as potential earnings-beat candidates based on Zacks Ranks and recent surprise histories, although seasonal effects, expectations and investment risks remain important considerations.
Zacks.com’s August 18, 2026, Screen of the Week highlighted Centene Corporation (CNC), Tenet Healthcare Corporation (THC), Fortinet, Inc. (FTNT), Unity Software Inc. (U) and The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS) as potential earnings-beat candidates from a broader group of 16 stocks. The screen emphasizes that a reported earnings increase may not satisfy investors if growth is slowing, seasonal comparisons are misleading or results merely meet Wall Street expectations already reflected in a share price. Conversely, a significant positive surprise can support a stock immediately after the release. Zacks says a company’s earnings-surprise history may indicate an ability to exceed estimates again, although it does not ensure future performance. Centene, a national healthcare-services leader, has a Zacks Rank #1 and posted an average earnings surprise of 151.28% over the past four quarters. Tenet Healthcare, also ranked #1, is an investor-owned healthcare-services company operating general hospitals and related facilities for urban and rural communities across numerous states, with offices in California and Florida. Its average surprise was 22.70%. Fortinet, ranked #1, is a cybersecurity company driving the convergence of networking and security. Its average surprise was 20.34%. Unity Software, ranked #2, provides a platform for developing, deploying and growing games and interactive 3D experiences across mobile, PC, console and extended reality. Its average surprise was 12.54%. Goldman Sachs, ranked #1, provides investment banking, securities, investment management and consumer banking services to a diversified client base. Its average surprise was 20.42%. Zacks said its stock-picking strategies have exceeded the S&P 500’s 7.7% average annual gain since 2000, citing hypothetical annual gains of 48.4%, 50.2% and 56.7%. Those figures reflect monthly rebalanced portfolios of Zacks Rank #1 stocks with zero transaction costs, not actual portfolios. Past performance is not guaranteed, and investing involves potential loss.