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Fed Rate Cuts and Faster Builds: A Turning Point for Toll Brothers?
ZACKS· 2025-09-22 15:16
Core Insights - Toll Brothers, Inc. (TOL) is experiencing challenges due to affordability pressures stemming from elevated mortgage rates and construction costs, which have negatively impacted buyer sentiment and slowed activity across various regions [1][2] - In Q3 of fiscal 2025, TOL reported a 4% year-over-year decline in net signed contracts and a 19% decrease in backlog, indicating a softer outlook ahead [2] - The Federal Reserve's recent 25 basis points rate cut may alleviate some affordability constraints, potentially encouraging more buyers to enter the market [3] Company Performance - TOL's adjusted home sales gross margin decreased to 27.5%, down 130 basis points from the previous year, due to higher incentives and a slower sales pace [2] - Approximately 35% of TOL's communities can now deliver homes in eight months or less, improving flexibility to meet demand and potentially converting interest into closings more efficiently [4][10] - TOL's shares have increased by 24.2% over the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Building Products - Home Builders industry and the broader S&P 500 [8] Industry Context - Other homebuilders, such as Lennar Corporation (LEN) and D.R. Horton, Inc. (DHI), are also facing similar sales volume challenges due to high mortgage rates and affordability pressures [5] - Lennar has utilized price incentives and mortgage buydowns to maintain sales volumes, although this has negatively impacted margins [6] - D.R. Horton reported that 81% of buyers in Q3 relied on incentive programs, which has pressured profitability but the company continues to benefit from its lot acquisition strategy [7] Valuation and Estimates - TOL's forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio is currently at 10.24, lower than the industry average of 12.33 [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TOL's 2025 earnings per share has decreased to $13.82, reflecting a 7.9% decline from the previous year's profit level [13]
Why Leonardo DRS Stock Deserves a Spot in Your Portfolio Right Now
ZACKS· 2025-09-22 15:16
Core Viewpoint - Leonardo DRS, Inc. is positioned as a strong investment option in the Aerospace-Defense Equipment industry due to its robust growth, increasing backlog, and solid financial metrics [1] Growth Outlook & Surprise History - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DRS' 2025 earnings per share (EPS) has risen by 2.8% to $1.11 per share over the last 60 days [2] - Total revenue for DRS in 2025 is projected at $3.59 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 10.9% [2] - The company's long-term earnings growth rate is estimated at 17.3%, with an average earnings surprise of 11.94% over the last four quarters [2] Advanced Sensing Capabilities - DRS leads in Advanced Sensing Technologies, providing systems for targeting, surveillance, and protection through various advanced technologies [3] Rising Backlog - As of June 30, 2025, DRS' total backlog increased by 8.6% to $8.61 billion, driven by new awards in Advanced Sensing and Integrated Mission Systems [4] Liquidity Position - DRS' current ratio at the end of Q2 2025 was 2.11, surpassing the industry average of 1.83, indicating strong short-term liability management [5] Debt Profile - The total debt to capital ratio for DRS is 11.95%, significantly lower than the industry average of 49.30% [6] - The times interest earned (TIE) ratio was 26.4, suggesting the company can comfortably meet its interest obligations [6] Return to Shareholders - DRS has been enhancing shareholder value through dividends and share buybacks, with a 47.2% increase in shares over the past year [8] - The quarterly dividend is currently 9 cents per share, leading to an annualized dividend of 36 cents and a dividend yield of 0.87%, outperforming the industry average of 0.15% [9] Stock Price Performance - Over the past year, DRS shares have increased by 45%, compared to a 33.1% rise in the industry [12]
Fiverr (FVRR) Soars 5.8%: Is Further Upside Left in the Stock?
ZACKS· 2025-09-22 15:11
Fiverr International (FVRR) shares rallied 5.8% in the last trading session to close at $26.67. This move can be attributable to notable volume with a higher number of shares being traded than in a typical session. This compares to the stock's 9.4% gain over the past four weeks.Shares of FVRR are benefitting from growing demand for AI-related services and the platform’s deeper push into higher-value, upmarket transactions.This online marketplace for freelance services is expected to post quarterly earnings ...
Can Portfolio Rationalization Work Wonders for COMM Stock?
ZACKS· 2025-09-22 15:06
Core Insights - CommScope Holding Company, Inc. (COMM) has entered into a definitive agreement to divest its Connectivity and Cable Solutions Segment to Amphenol Corporation (APH), which will enhance liquidity and optimize its portfolio [1][7] - The divestiture aligns with CommScope's strategy to focus on technological capabilities and customer base expansion, particularly in cloud-native network solutions [2] - The company has strengthened its portfolio by acquiring Casa Systems' Cable Business assets, enhancing its market position in the Access Network Solutions (ANS) segment [3] Portfolio Strategy - CommScope is actively pruning non-core businesses while pursuing inorganic growth to enhance portfolio strength and maintain technological innovation [2] - The divestiture of the Outdoor Wireless Networks (OWN) segment and the Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) business units in January 2025, along with the sale of the Home Networks business in January 2024, reflects this strategy [1][7] Financial Performance - CommScope's shares have increased by 159.3% over the past year, outperforming the industry growth of 88.9% [6] - The company's shares currently trade at a price/sales ratio of 0.63, lower than the industry average of 0.94 [9] - Earnings estimates for 2025 have risen by 43.3% to $1.29 per share, while estimates for 2026 have increased by 36.1% to $1.62 [10] Market Position - The acquisition of Casa Systems' Cable assets has bolstered CommScope's offerings in virtual CMTS and PON products, creating significant operational synergies [3][7] - Management is focused on enhancing transparency, reducing manufacturing costs, and optimizing overhead costs to improve profitability and cash flow [3]
Altria Delivers 7.2% EPS Growth in 1H25 Despite Sales Headwinds
ZACKS· 2025-09-22 15:00
Core Insights - Altria Group, Inc. achieved 7.2% adjusted earnings per share (EPS) growth in the first half of 2025, reaching $2.67 compared to $2.49 in the same period last year, driven by higher adjusted operating companies income, fewer shares outstanding, and a lower adjusted tax rate [1][8] - The company's net revenues decreased by 3.6% year over year to $11.4 billion, primarily due to challenges in the smokeable products segment, but adjusted operating companies income for smokeable products increased by 3.5% [2][8] - Altria repurchased 10.4 million shares in the first half, contributing to EPS growth, and returned over $4 billion to shareholders through buybacks and dividends [3][8] Financial Performance - Adjusted EPS for the second quarter was $1.44, an increase of 8.3% from $1.33 in the second quarter of 2024 [1][8] - Smokeable products' adjusted operating companies income margins improved by 3.5 percentage points to 64.5%, supported by elevated pricing and cost efficiencies [2][8] - The company maintains a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 11.6X, lower than the industry's average of 14.95X [9] Comparative Analysis - Philip Morris International Inc. reported a 20.1% year-over-year increase in adjusted EPS to $1.91, benefiting from strong pricing in heated tobacco and higher volumes in smoke-free products [5] - Turning Point Brands, Inc. saw adjusted EPS rise to 98 cents, up from 89 cents last year, driven by a significant increase in Modern Oral sales [6] Future Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Altria's earnings implies year-over-year growth of 5.3% for 2025 and 2.9% for 2026 [10]
Best Momentum Stocks to Buy for September 22nd
ZACKS· 2025-09-22 15:00
Core Insights - Three stocks are highlighted with strong momentum characteristics and a buy rank for investors to consider on September 22nd [1][2][3] Company Summaries - **Dorman Products, Inc. (DORM)**: - Zacks Rank: 1 - Current year earnings estimate increased by 11.5% over the last 60 days - Share price gained 29.2% over the last three months, outperforming the S&P 500's 10.6% increase - Momentum Score: A [1] - **Red River Bancshares, Inc. (RRBI)**: - Zacks Rank: 1 - Current year earnings estimate increased by 5.5% over the last 60 days - Share price gained 13.2% over the last three months, also outperforming the S&P 500's 10.6% increase - Momentum Score: B [2] - **Newmont Corporation (NEM)**: - Zacks Rank: 1 - Current year earnings estimate increased by 14.8% over the last 60 days - Share price gained 33.3% over the last three months, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 10.6% increase - Momentum Score: A [3]
Carnival (CCL) Reports Next Week: Wall Street Expects Earnings Growth
ZACKS· 2025-09-22 15:00
Core Viewpoint - Wall Street anticipates a year-over-year increase in earnings for Carnival, driven by higher revenues, with a focus on how actual results compare to estimates impacting stock price [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - Carnival is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.31 per share, reflecting a +3.2% change year-over-year, with revenues projected at $8.05 billion, up 2% from the previous year [3]. - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 2.8% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a positive reassessment by analysts [4]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model shows a positive Earnings ESP of +3.34% for Carnival, suggesting analysts are optimistic about the company's earnings prospects [12]. - A positive Earnings ESP combined with a Zacks Rank of 2 indicates a high likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [12][10]. Historical Performance - Carnival has consistently beaten consensus EPS estimates, achieving a surprise of +45.83% in the last reported quarter [13][14]. - Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates each time [14]. Conclusion - Carnival is positioned as a strong candidate for an earnings beat, but investors should consider additional factors influencing stock performance beyond earnings results [15][17].
Here's Why Lonza Group (LZAGY) Is a Great 'Buy the Bottom' Stock Now
ZACKS· 2025-09-22 14:56
The price trend for Lonza Group Ag (LZAGY) has been bearish lately and the stock has lost 5.4% over the past two weeks. However, the formation of a hammer chart pattern in its last trading session indicates that the stock could witness a trend reversal soon, as bulls might have gained significant control over the price to help it find support.While the formation of a hammer pattern is a technical indication of nearing a bottom with potential exhaustion of selling pressure, rising optimism among Wall Street ...
Reasons to Retain Cooper Companies Stock in Your Portfolio for Now
ZACKS· 2025-09-22 14:51
Core Insights - The Cooper Companies, Inc. (COO) is experiencing growth driven by CooperVision's premium lens migration and MiSight's leadership in myopia management, alongside CooperSurgical's women's health and fertility portfolio [1][4][5] - Despite long-term growth opportunities, near-term performance is challenged by channel volatility, private-label transition risks, softness in the Asia-Pacific region, and tariff/foreign exchange pressures [1][10][11] Financial Performance - COO's shares have declined by 27.5% year-to-date, contrasting with a 2.8% decline in the industry and a 14.4% increase in the S&P 500 Index [2] - The company has a market capitalization of $13.55 billion, with an estimated bottom line improvement of 9.3% over the next five years [2] - COO's earnings have beaten estimates in three of the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 2.51% [2] Growth Drivers - Premium product migration is a key growth driver, with CooperVision shifting users from lower-margin clariti lenses to premium silicone hydrogel daily lenses, particularly the MyDay family, which is experiencing double-digit growth [4] - MiSight, the only FDA-approved daily lens to slow myopia progression, presents a multibillion-dollar growth opportunity, supported by recurring revenues from annual fits and upcoming launches in various regions [5][6] - CooperSurgical diversifies COO's revenue streams by focusing on fertility and women's health, targeting a growing market due to later maternal age and rising IVF demand [7] Challenges - The transition from clariti to MyDay has led to near-term revenue volatility, with organic growth dropping to nearly 2% despite solid demand [8] - Execution risks include potential rollout delays, slower adoption of fitting sets, and capacity strains, which could lead to backorders and affect revenue consistency [9] - The Asia-Pacific region, particularly China, poses growth challenges due to a significant decline in e-commerce sales and increased local competition [10] Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2025 revenues is $4.09 billion, indicating a growth of 5.1% from the previous year, with adjusted EPS expected to improve by 10.8% [12] - COO anticipates a $4 million tariff impact on fiscal 2025 COGS and a 3% EPS headwind in fiscal 2026 if tariffs remain unchanged, alongside exposure to global supply chain shifts and foreign exchange fluctuations [11]
Is CAVA Positioned to Capture the Fast-Casual Mediterranean Boom?
ZACKS· 2025-09-22 14:51
Core Insights - CAVA Group, Inc. is establishing itself as a leader in the fast-casual Mediterranean dining sector, showing significant growth in revenue and profitability [1][4] Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, CAVA's revenues increased by 20.3% year-over-year to $278.2 million, with same-restaurant sales rising by 2.1% [1][9] - The company achieved a restaurant-level profit margin of 26.3% and net income of $18.4 million [1] - CAVA's forward price-to-sales ratio stands at 5.37X, which is above the industry average of 3.59X [10] Growth Strategy - CAVA's growth strategy focuses on aggressive expansion and menu innovation, currently operating nearly 400 restaurants across 28 states [2] - New restaurant openings are exceeding sales expectations, with recent cohorts averaging above $3 million in unit volumes, surpassing the company's target of $2.3 million [2] - Management aims to reach at least 1,000 locations by 2032, highlighting the brand's broad consumer appeal [2] Menu Innovation - CAVA is set to roll out chicken shawarma nationwide this fall, alongside testing salmon and expanding its pita chip offerings [3] - These menu innovations aim to diversify protein choices and keep customers engaged with fresh offerings that balance health, flavor, and value [3] Operational Investments - The company is investing in kitchen display systems, AI-driven food preparation, and new oven technology to enhance consistency and guest experience [4] - With strong cash reserves and no debt, CAVA is well-positioned to benefit from the Mediterranean dining trend [4] Competitive Landscape - CAVA faces competition from Chipotle Mexican Grill, which has over 3,500 units and a strong digital ecosystem [5] - Sweetgreen, although smaller, competes directly in urban areas with a focus on sustainability and technology-enabled ordering [6] Valuation and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CAVA's earnings per share (EPS) indicates a year-over-year increase of 33.3% for 2025 and 18.8% for 2026 [12] - EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 have seen a decline in the past 60 days [12]