ZACKS

Search documents
Will EMCOR's Strategic Acquisitions Support RPO Diversification?
ZACKS· 2025-09-23 16:00
Core Insights - EMCOR Group, Inc. (EME) is expanding its presence in construction and services through targeted acquisitions, aiming to capture demand across diverse end-markets such as data centers and healthcare facilities [1] - The company's acquisition strategy is enhancing its scale and scope, positioning it for long-term growth and resilience across sectors [4] Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, acquisitions contributed $581.2 million to total revenues, with Miller Electric being the largest contributor [2][9] - As of June 30, 2025, Remaining Performance Obligations (RPO) reached $11.91 billion, reflecting a 22% year-over-year organic growth and a 32.4% increase including Miller Electric's contribution [2][9] - Earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have increased by 2.4% to $25.11 per share and 2.9% to $27, indicating year-over-year growth of 16.7% and 7.5% respectively [11] Market Environment - The Federal Reserve's recent reduction of the key lending rate by 25 basis points is expected to lower financing costs, potentially spurring investment in large-scale projects within the industrial and institutional markets that EMCOR serves [3] - Strong backlog levels in the construction and services sector are creating momentum, with companies like Primoris Services Corporation and MasTec, Inc. also experiencing growth tied to digital infrastructure [5] Valuation Metrics - EMCOR's shares have gained 58.9% in the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Building Products - Heavy Construction industry's growth of 55.4% [8] - The company currently trades at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 24.76X, compared to the industry's 23X [13]
Estee Lauder Online Sales Hit 31%: Structural Shift in Beauty Retail?
ZACKS· 2025-09-23 15:56
Key Takeaways Online now drives nearly a third of total sales, up 3 percentage points from 2024.Digital growth fueled by Amazon, Shopee, TikTok Shop, Tmall and Douyin expansion.Travel retail slips to 15%, underscoring shift toward more stable digital channels.The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. ((EL) is seeing a meaningful digital acceleration. In fiscal 2025, online sales accounted for 31% of total sales, a record level and 3 percentage points higher than last year. This marks more than just incremental progre ...
Domino's Pizza Drops 9% in the Past Month: Buy Now or Wait?
ZACKS· 2025-09-23 15:51
Core Insights - Domino's Pizza (DPZ) shares have decreased by 8.5% over the past month, underperforming the Zacks Retail – Restaurants industry's decline of 4% and the S&P 500's growth of 1.8% and 4.9% respectively, primarily due to a challenging macroeconomic environment and elevated cost pressures [1][2] Growth Drivers - The company's "Hungry for MORE" strategy is central to driving stronger sales and profitability, supported by menu innovations, an enhanced Rewards program, international expansion, and strategic advancements [2][9] - Rising guest satisfaction has reinforced customer loyalty, positioning the company for long-term growth [2] Brand and Franchise Strategy - Domino's Pizza is the fastest-growing segment in the U.S. and one of the largest pizza chains globally, with a vast franchise network that management refers to as the "secret sauce" of its success [5] - Franchisees play a critical role in driving operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and market share growth, with the company refranchising 36 stores in Maryland to an experienced operator [6] International Expansion - In the second quarter of 2025, international retail sales increased by 6% year over year, supported by strong same-store sales and new locations [7] - The U.S. system expanded with 30 net new stores, bringing the domestic store count to 7,061, with plans for approximately 250 new store openings in India and around 300 in China for the current fiscal year [7][8] Menu Innovation - Continuous menu innovation is a key aspect of the long-term growth strategy, with the launch of the Parmesan Stuffed Crust significantly contributing to increased customer traffic and higher average ticket values [10][11] Digital Initiatives - The company is leveraging digital capabilities to drive revenue growth and strengthen customer engagement, implementing enhancements across ordering, service selection, payment, and tipping [11] Conclusion - Despite short-term headwinds from macroeconomic pressures and cost challenges, the long-term growth story for Domino's Pizza remains intact, with a franchise-driven model, robust international expansion, consistent menu innovation, and digital advancements reinforcing its competitive positioning [12]
Textron Supplies XM204 Top Attack Anti-Vehicle Munition to US Army
ZACKS· 2025-09-23 15:51
Key Takeaways Textron Systems delivered the XM204 Top Attack Munition to the U.S. Army for operations in Europe.The XM204 features four top-attack munitions per launcher and covers a 100-meter strike zone.Textron has more than 30 years of experience in developing terrain-shaping systems.Textron Inc.’s (TXT) subsidiary, Textron Systems Corporation, recently stated that it has supplied the XM204 Top Attack Munition, an anti-vehicle terrain shaping system, to the U.S. Army to support its operations in Europe.T ...
Can Hormel Foods Offset Rising Input Costs With Pricing Actions?
ZACKS· 2025-09-23 15:45
Key Takeaways HRL's Q3 organic sales rose 6%, but earnings lagged amid steep commodity cost inflation.Pricing actions boosted Jennie-O's share and margins, though recovery remains delayed in retail.Incremental pricing is set to aid results in Q4 and more significantly in fiscal Q1 2026.Hormel Foods Corporation ((HRL) posted strong top-line growth in its third quarter of fiscal 2025, with organic sales up 6%. Yet earnings failed to keep pace, weighed down by a sudden surge in commodity markets. Pork bellies ...
CRMD vs. MIRM: Which Specialized Biotech Stock is the Better Pick?
ZACKS· 2025-09-23 15:45
Core Insights - CorMedix (CRMD) and Mirum Pharmaceuticals (MIRM) are focusing on treatments for underserved medical conditions, creating niches in areas often overlooked by larger pharmaceutical companies [1] CorMedix (CRMD) - CorMedix's lead product, DefenCath, is the first FDA-approved antimicrobial catheter lock solution in the U.S., aimed at reducing catheter-related bloodstream infections in adult patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis [2] - DefenCath generated $78.8 million in net revenues in the first half of 2025, prompting CorMedix to raise its full-year revenue guidance for 2025 [6] - The company plans to expand DefenCath's label into total parenteral nutrition to increase its customer base [7] - CorMedix acquired Melinta Therapeutics for $300 million, adding seven marketed therapies and diversifying its revenue streams [8] - The acquisition of Melinta is a strategic move to mitigate competition in the CRBSI market from established players like Pfizer and Amphastar [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CorMedix's 2025 sales and EPS indicates a year-over-year increase of approximately 411% and 607%, respectively [19] Mirum Pharmaceuticals (MIRM) - Mirum's lead product, Livmarli, is approved for treating cholestatic pruritus in patients with Alagille syndrome and has generated $161.4 million in net product sales in the first half of 2025, reflecting a 79.1% year-over-year increase [3][14] - Livmarli's sales momentum is expected to continue, supported by a new tablet formulation launched in June 2025 [13] - MIRM's revenue is heavily reliant on Livmarli, making it vulnerable to regulatory setbacks and competitive pressures, particularly from Albireo's Bylvay [18][29] - Mirum's strategic acquisition of Travere Therapeutics' bile acid products has diversified its revenue stream, generating $78 million in the first half of 2025 [17] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Mirum's 2025 sales implies a year-over-year increase of around 51%, with a projected 61% narrowing of loss per share [19] Comparative Analysis - Year-to-date, CRMD shares have gained 39.1%, while MIRM shares have increased by 78.7%, compared to a 3.5% return for the industry [24] - MIRM's shares trade at a higher price/book (P/B) ratio of 14.35 compared to CRMD's 3.47, indicating a more expensive valuation [25] - CorMedix is viewed as a stronger investment option due to its expanding product portfolio and growth trajectory, while Mirum's reliance on Livmarli poses risks [27][31]
EIA Expects Oil Price to be Weaker: Can ConocoPhillips Survive?
ZACKS· 2025-09-23 15:45
Core Viewpoint - ConocoPhillips (COP) is facing challenges due to expected declines in oil prices, with the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projecting an average price of $64.16 per barrel for West Texas Intermediate crude this year, down from $76.60 per barrel last year [1][6]. Group 1: Oil Price Impact - The EIA forecasts that rising worldwide oil inventory will negatively impact commodity prices, which is unfavorable for exploration and production activities, including those of ConocoPhillips [1]. - Despite the anticipated lower oil prices, ConocoPhillips operates in regions with low breakeven costs, such as the Permian Basin, which may allow the company to remain profitable [2]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Other major players like Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) and Chevron Corporation (CVX) also have significant operations in the Permian Basin, and their low breakeven costs may help them navigate the weaker pricing environment [3]. Group 3: Stock Performance and Valuation - Over the past year, ConocoPhillips shares have declined by 12.8%, which is less severe than the 17.2% decline of the broader industry composite [4]. - The company's trailing 12-month enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) ratio stands at 5.20X, significantly lower than the industry average of 10.87X, indicating potential undervaluation [7]. - Recent downward revisions in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for COP's 2025 earnings suggest a cautious outlook [9].
Restructuring & Cost Optimization Boost UAA's Margins & Efficiency
ZACKS· 2025-09-23 15:41
Core Insights - Under Armour, Inc.'s first-quarter fiscal 2026 performance shows significant improvements due to ongoing cost optimization and restructuring efforts [1] Cost Optimization and Restructuring - The company has streamlined operations by reducing SKUs, consolidating materials, and tightening product assortments, leading to improved sourcing and lower costs while focusing on core product categories [2] - The restructuring plan has generated $35 million in savings for fiscal 2025, with an additional $45 million expected in fiscal 2026 [2] - Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses improved, with adjusted SG&A declining by 5.9% year over year, and reported SG&A falling by 37% [3] - The restructuring program has included operational streamlining, such as the planned closure of the Rialto distribution center, resulting in $110 million in charges since the plan's launch [4] Gross Margin and Profitability - Under Armour achieved a gross margin expansion of 70 basis points to 48.2%, supported by favorable foreign currency effects, pricing advantages, and a favorable product mix [5] - The margin expansion reflects the company's strategy to elevate its brand by premiumizing core products and focusing on higher full-price sell-through, moving away from discount-driven sales [6] Valuation and Market Performance - Under Armour's shares have declined by 27.7% over the past six months, compared to an 18% decline in the industry [7] - The company is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio of 0.41X, significantly lower than the industry average of 1.53X [8] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Under Armour's fiscal 2026 earnings indicates a year-over-year decline of 80.7%, while fiscal 2027 estimates suggest a recovery with a 280% increase [11]
Can RBLX's Discovery Engine Power the Next Engagement Wave?
ZACKS· 2025-09-23 15:36
Key Takeaways Roblox hit 111.8M daily users in Q2 2025, up 41% year over year, with 27.4B engagement hours.Discovery drove cross-experience play, with over half of the spend growth outside the top 10 titles.New tools like sponsored tiles and Creator Rewards aim to boost discoverability and reach.Roblox Corporation (RBLX) underscored the effectiveness of its discovery engine in the second quarter of 2025, framing it as a central driver of record engagement levels. The platform reached 111.8 million daily act ...
3 Audio Video Stocks to Focus on From a Flourishing Industry
ZACKS· 2025-09-23 15:36
The Zacks Audio Video Production industry participants like Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (DLB) , Sonos, Inc. (SONO) and GoPro, Inc. (GPRO) are likely to benefit from investments in cutting-edge technology solutions that create better communication experiences. The players also stand to gain as they increase focus on direct-to-customer sales channels. Rapid technological advances, such as 4K, 8K and immersive audio formats, are boosting demand for new devices, which bodes well for participants like GoPro and Dol ...