Acquisition Overview - Allegion plc (ALLE) has completed the acquisition of Waitwhile Inc., a privately owned company, through one of its subsidiaries, with financial terms undisclosed [1] - Waitwhile, based in San Francisco, CA, provides cloud-based solutions for appointment scheduling and queue management, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing wait times [2] Strategic Rationale - The acquisition aligns with Allegion's strategy to expand its market share and customer base, particularly in non-residential markets such as education, healthcare, government, commercial, and retail [3] - Waitwhile's solutions will enhance Allegion's software capabilities and digital access solutions portfolio, offering improved crowd management and real-time updates [3][8] Growth Strategy - Acquisitions are a key component of Allegion's growth strategy, focusing on strategic buyouts and innovations to improve long-term results [4] - Recent acquisitions include Gatewise, ELATEC, Novas, Trimco, Lemaar, and Next Door Company, each contributing to various segments of Allegion's portfolio [4][5][6] Market Performance - Allegion is experiencing growth in its Americas segment, driven by increased demand for non-residential products, and the International segment is benefiting from heightened awareness of security and safety [7] - The company's stock has gained 13.6% year-to-date, outperforming the industry growth of 8.7% [7]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium provides various tools for investors to enhance their stock market engagement and confidence [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores are indicators that assist investors in selecting stocks likely to outperform the market within 30 days, rated from A to F based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics [3] - The Value Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios like P/E and Price/Sales [4] - The Growth Score emphasizes a company's financial health and future outlook, analyzing projected and historical earnings and sales [5] - The Momentum Score identifies optimal times to invest based on price trends and earnings estimate changes [6] - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive assessment of stocks based on value, growth, and momentum [7] Zacks Rank and Style Scores Interaction - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model based on earnings estimate revisions, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks achieving an average annual return of +23.62% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [8] - There are over 800 top-rated stocks available, making it essential to utilize Style Scores for effective stock selection [9] - To maximize returns, investors should target stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B [10] - Stocks with lower ranks (4 or 5) may still have good Style Scores but are likely to face declining earnings forecasts [11] Company Spotlight: Allegion plc - Allegion plc, based in Dublin, Ireland, specializes in security products and solutions, established as a standalone public company in December 2013 [12] - Allegion holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a VGM Score of B, indicating strong investment potential [12] - The company has a Momentum Style Score of A, with shares increasing by 6.4% over the past four weeks, and upward revisions in earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 [13]

Group 1 - Allegion plc (ALLE) has completed the acquisition of Gatewise Incorporated, a software-as-a-service company that provides modern gate entry systems for multifamily communities [1][7] - The acquisition aligns with ALLE's strategy to expand its market share and customer base, enhancing its electronic locks and the Zentra multifamily access portfolio [2][7] - Gatewise's mobile app and cloud-based management portal will improve user experience for property owners and residents by simplifying access management [2][7] Group 2 - Acquisitions are a key component of Allegion's growth strategy, with recent acquisitions including ELATEC, Novas, Trimco Hardware, Lemaar Pty Ltd, and Next Door Company, all aimed at enhancing various product portfolios [3][4][5] - The Allegion Americas segment is experiencing growth due to increased demand for non-residential products in sectors such as education, hospitality, and retail, while the International segment benefits from heightened security awareness [6] - ALLE currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and has seen a year-to-date stock gain of 13.3%, outperforming the industry growth of 8.2% [6]

Industry Overview - The U.S. manufacturing sector is showing signs of recovery after a prolonged downturn, with new orders for manufactured goods increasing by 8.2% in May compared to a revised 3.9% decline in April, and a year-over-year increase of 3.2% [3][4] - The rebound in manufacturing activity is supported by easing inflationary pressures and expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts, which are anticipated to boost demand [1][6][11] Manufacturing Activity - The Institute of Supply Management's manufacturing PMI rose to 49 in June from 48.5 in May, indicating a continued contraction but a rebound from a six-month low [5][6] - Manufacturing activity accounts for 10.2% of the U.S. economy, highlighting its significance [5] Stock Recommendations - Four stocks from the manufacturing sector are recommended for investment: Allegion plc (ALLE), AptarGroup, Inc. (ATR), Broadwind, Inc. (BWEN), and DXP Enterprises, Inc. (DXPE), all of which have strong earnings growth prospects and Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) [2][11] Allegion plc (ALLE) - Allegion is a global provider of security products and solutions, with an expected earnings growth of 3.9% for the current year and a Zacks Rank 2 [8][9] AptarGroup, Inc. (ATR) - AptarGroup specializes in innovative dispensing and packaging solutions, with an expected earnings growth of 4.1% for the current year and a Zacks Rank 2 [12][13] Broadwind, Inc. (BWEN) - Broadwind is a precision manufacturer focused on clean tech, particularly in the U.S. wind energy sector, with an expected earnings growth of 60% for the current year and a Zacks Rank 2 [14][15] DXP Enterprises, Inc. (DXPE) - DXP Enterprises is a distributor providing innovative solutions to industrial customers, with an expected earnings growth rate of 17.5% for the current year and a Zacks Rank 2 [16][17]

Core Insights - Allegion plc (ALLE) has completed the acquisition of ELATEC for €330 million (approximately $379.1 million) on a cash and debt-free basis [1][8] - ELATEC specializes in security and access technology, particularly in RFID credentials and reader solutions, with a portfolio supporting nearly 100 credential types [2] - The acquisition aligns with ALLE's strategy to expand its market share and customer base, particularly in non-residential markets such as education, healthcare, hospitality, and industrial sectors [3][8] Acquisition Details - ELATEC will be integrated into the Allegion International segment, led by senior vice president Tim Eckersley [4] - The company anticipates that ELATEC will generate net sales of approximately €60-€65 million (approximately $69-$75 million) in 2026 and positively impact adjusted earnings per share in the same year [4][8] Previous Acquisitions - In June 2025, ALLE acquired Novas to enhance its door hardware portfolio, which has been incorporated into the Allegion International segment [5] - ALLE also acquired Trimco Hardware in April 2025, boosting its door and frame portfolio within the Allegion Americas segment [5] - Other acquisitions include Lemaar Pty Ltd in March 2025 and Next Door Company in February 2025, both aimed at enhancing ALLE's security and accessibility offerings [6] Market Performance - Allegion is experiencing growth in the Allegion Americas segment, driven by increased demand for non-residential products across various end markets [7] - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) and has seen its stock gain 13% year-to-date, outperforming the industry growth of 7.7% [7]

Core Viewpoint - Allegion (ALLE) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) due to an upward trend in earnings estimates, indicating a positive earnings outlook that could lead to increased stock price [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Movement - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in a company's earnings picture, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [2][4]. - Changes in future earnings potential, as reflected in earnings estimate revisions, are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements, particularly due to institutional investors' actions [4]. Allegion's Earnings Outlook - Allegion is expected to earn $7.77 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2025, with no year-over-year change [8]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Allegion has increased by 0.5%, indicating a positive trend in earnings estimates [8]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. - Allegion's upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10].

Core Insights - Allegion plc (ALLE) is experiencing stable demand across various end markets, including education, healthcare, government, hospitality, and retail, supported by recent acquisitions [1] - The company anticipates a revenue increase of 1-3% year over year in 2025, with organic sales expected to rise by 1.5-3.5% [1][6] Acquisitions and Expansion - In June 2025, Allegion completed the acquisition of ELATEC to enhance its global electronics portfolio in non-residential markets [2] - The acquisition of Novas in June 2025 is aimed at augmenting Allegion's door hardware portfolio [2] - Allegion acquired Trimco Hardware in April 2025, which strengthens its door and frame offerings in the Americas [2] - The acquisition of Lemaar Pty Ltd in March 2025 boosted Allegion's security and accessibility portfolio in Australia [3] Financial Performance and Shareholder Returns - Allegion paid dividends totaling $43.6 million in Q1 2025, marking a 3.6% year-over-year increase, and repurchased shares worth $40 million [4] - The company announced a 6% increase in its quarterly dividend rate, now at 51 cents per share [4] Cost Pressures and Profitability - Allegion faced a 3.4% year-over-year increase in the cost of sales in Q1 2025 due to high raw material costs [8] - Selling and administrative expenses rose by 3.1% year over year, attributed to investments in new products and growth initiatives [8] - The company is exposed to risks from adverse currency fluctuations, with a 0.8% negative impact from forex issues in Q1 [9]

"Innovation is central to who we are—we're constantly exploring new ideas and insights that not only deliver the trusted experiences and peace of mind consumers expect from Schlage, but also reflect their personal style and design preferences," said David Perozzi, general manager, Allegion Home. "Just as Walter Schlage's original inventions redefined door hardware, Pin & Tumbler Studio embodies the same spirit of creativity, ingenuity and forward-thinking solutions that have set Schlage apart in the market. ...

Acquisition Overview - Allegion plc (ALLE) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire ELATEC for €330 million (approximately $379.1 million) on a cash and debt-free basis [1][9] - The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals [4] Company Profile - ELATEC, based in Germany, specializes in security and access technology, particularly in RFID credentials and reader solutions, supporting nearly 100 credential types [2][9] Strategic Rationale - The acquisition aligns with Allegion's strategy to expand its market share and customer base, enhancing its global electronics portfolio in non-residential markets such as education, healthcare, hospitality, enterprise, and industrial [3][9] - ELATEC's international presence will strengthen Allegion's relationships with channel partners [3] Financial Expectations - Allegion anticipates that ELATEC will generate net sales of approximately €60-€65 million (around $69-$75 million) in 2026 and positively contribute to adjusted earnings per share in the same year [4] Growth Strategy - Acquisitions are a key component of Allegion's growth strategy, with recent acquisitions including Novas, Trimco Hardware, Lemaar Pty Ltd, and Next Door Company, aimed at enhancing various product portfolios [5][6][7]

Core Insights - Allegion US is showcasing the integration of Schlage XE360™ electronic locks with Zentra, enhancing access control for multifamily properties [1][2] - The partnership combines Zentra's cloud technology with Schlage XE360™ Series, providing a user-friendly experience for property managers [2][3] Product Features - Schlage XE360™ Series includes various configurations such as tubular, mortise, and exit trims, offering a cohesive look for properties [4] - The innovative FleX Module™ allows for easy upgrades from offline to real-time connected solutions, adapting to future security trends [4] Market Impact - The integration aims to simplify access management for multifamily properties, meeting evolving demands in security and connectivity [5] - Property managers will benefit from enhanced tools for managing high-traffic communities and improving reporting visibility [4][5] Company Background - Allegion designs and manufactures security and access solutions, with a strong portfolio of brands including Schlage® and CISA® [7] - The company focuses on innovative solutions that enhance safety in residential and commercial environments [7]