Archford Capital Strategies LLC reduced its stake in Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) by 20.4% in the second quarter, holding 27,354 shares valued at $3.52 million. Other institutional investors have also adjusted their positions in the company, with 76.07% of the stock owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Merck & Co., Inc. is facing a patent cliff for its drug Keytruda but is expanding its pipeline with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to ensure future revenue growth.

This Zacks.com article highlights three sales growth stocks—Globus Medical (GMED), NetApp (NTAP), and Assurant (AIZ)—as strong buys amid renewed Middle East tensions and market volatility. Despite economic uncertainties, robust corporate earnings and AI investments have supported the market, making sales growth a key indicator for stock selection. The article provides details on each company's expected sales growth and Zacks Rank.

Baird Financial Group Inc. increased its stake in Aflac Incorporated by 12.5%, purchasing 37,886 additional shares to bring its total to 341,431 shares valued at approximately $40 million. Institutional investors collectively own 67.44% of Aflac, while analysts maintain a "Hold" rating with an average price target of $116.62. Aflac's recent financial results were mixed, with revenue exceeding estimates but EPS slightly missing forecasts, and the company continued its $0.61 quarterly dividend, yielding 2.1%.

Arizona State Retirement System significantly increased its stake in Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE:DVN) by 87.9% in the second quarter, now owning 304,308 shares valued at over $12.5 million. Other institutional investors also adjusted their holdings in DVN, with institutional ownership reaching 69.72%. Analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating for Devon Energy, with a target price of $59.23, following recent earnings that surpassed expectations and a declared quarterly dividend of $0.32 per share.

Baird Financial Group Inc. increased its stake in Expedia Group, Inc. by 12.9% in the second quarter, acquiring 18,321 additional shares to reach a total of 160,712 shares valued at $41.1 million. Expedia reported strong quarterly earnings of $5.76 per share and $4.32 billion in revenue, exceeding analyst expectations. Despite insider selling activity totaling nearly $3.9 million, analysts maintain a consensus "Hold" rating with an average price target of $318.71.

180 GPS Investments IC Ltd has acquired a new stake in Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) valued at approximately $10.78 million, making it their 5th largest position. This new investment is part of broader institutional activity, with several other firms also adjusting their holdings in Amazon, and comes amidst recent insider stock sales and varied analyst forecasts for the e-commerce giant. The article also highlights recent positive developments for Amazon related to AI, data centers, and new growth opportunities, alongside some negative sentiments regarding spending and regulatory risks.

Arrowroot Family Office LLC has acquired a new stake in Amazon.com, Inc., purchasing 7,098 shares valued at approximately $1.69 million in the second quarter. This move comes as institutional investors collectively own 72.2% of Amazon's stock, and analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" rating with an average price target of $323.26. Despite reporting stronger-than-expected earnings and revenue, Amazon's shares were trading down slightly, with investors monitoring the company's significant AI infrastructure spending and increasing leverage.

1ST Source Bank has acquired 81,817 shares of Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) during the second quarter, valued at approximately $19.5 million, making it their 13th largest holding. Other institutional investors also modified their stakes, while insiders sold a significant number of shares. Amazon.com faces both positive catalysts, such as AI chip agreements and data center expansion, and negative factors like investor concerns over spending and regulatory risks.

Amundi reduced its stake in Fidelity National Information Services (NYSE:FIS) by 20.5% in the second quarter, now holding 1,966,324 shares valued at $76.45 million. Other institutional investors also made adjustments to their holdings, with 96.23% of the company's stock owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Fidelity National Information Services recently announced a quarterly dividend of $0.44 per share, and analysts project an EPS of $6.19 for the current year.

Baird Financial Group Inc. increased its stake in Philip Morris International by 7.1% in the second quarter, acquiring 18,790 additional shares. Analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" rating with an average price target of $205.89, and several firms recently raised their targets. Philip Morris beat Q2 earnings and revenue expectations, and is expanding its ZYN nicotine-pouch offerings, with FDA authorization for 11 ZYN products supporting growth.