Core Viewpoint - The average brokerage recommendation (ABR) for AZZ is 1.67, indicating a consensus leaning towards a "Strong Buy" [1] - Despite the positive ABR, reliance solely on brokerage recommendations may not be prudent due to potential biases [2] Brokerage Recommendation Trends for AZZ - The ABR for AZZ is derived from three brokerage firms, with two out of three recommendations classified as "Strong Buy," representing 66.7% [1] - Studies indicate that brokerage recommendations often exhibit a strong positive bias, with five "Strong Buy" ratings for every "Strong Sell" [2] Zacks Rank and Its Importance - Zacks Rank categorizes stocks from 1 (Strong Buy) to 5 (Strong Sell) and is based on earnings estimate revisions, showing a strong correlation with near-term stock price movements [3][5] - The Zacks Rank is distinct from ABR, as it is a quantitative model reflecting timely earnings estimates rather than just brokerage recommendations [4][6] Earnings Estimate Revisions for AZZ - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AZZ has increased by 2.7% over the past month to $4.83, indicating growing analyst optimism [7] - The increase in consensus estimates, along with other factors, has led to a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) for AZZ, suggesting potential for stock price appreciation [7]

Here are three stocks with buy ranks and strong growth characteristics for investors to consider today May 9th:PDD Holdings Inc. (PDD) : This company which provides an e-commerce platform allowing users to participate in group buying deals, primarily through Tencent's Wechat app, carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 18% over the last 60 days.PDD Holdings has a PEG ratio of 0.33 compared with 0.51 for the industry. The c ...

AZZ (AZZ) is one of the stocks most watched by Zacks.com visitors lately. So, it might be a good idea to review some of the factors that might affect the near-term performance of the stock.Over the past month, shares of this electrical equipment maker have returned -8%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.4% change. During this period, the Zacks Manufacturing - Electronics industry, which AZZ falls in, has lost 2.7%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's future direction?While media re ...

Group 1: Powell Industries (POWL) - Powell Industries is a metal-working shop supporting petrochemical facilities, holding a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Powell Industries' current year earnings has increased by 19.9% over the last 60 days [1] - The company has a PEG ratio of 1.28, which is lower than the industry average of 1.53, and possesses a Growth Score of A [1] Group 2: AZZ (AZZ) - AZZ is a global provider of metal coating services, welding solutions, and specialty electrical equipment, also holding a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AZZ's current year earnings has increased by 5.5% over the last 60 days [2] - AZZ has a PEG ratio of 1.11, compared to the industry average of 1.53, and possesses a Growth Score of B [2] Group 3: Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL) - Royal Caribbean Cruises operates three global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara Club Cruises, with a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Royal Caribbean Cruises' current year earnings has increased by 9.0% over the last 60 days [2] - The company has a PEG ratio of 0.44, significantly lower than the industry average of 1.02, and possesses a Growth Score of B [2]

Company Overview - AZZ Inc. is the leading independent provider of hot-dip galvanizing and coil coating solutions in North America, serving a broad range of end-markets [3] Upcoming Events - AZZ will participate in the Oppenheimer 19th Annual Industrial Conference from May 6-9, 2024, with a presentation scheduled for May 7, 2024, at 9:00 am Eastern [1] - The company will also take part in the B. Riley 24th Annual Institutional Investor Conference on May 22-23, 2024, with a fireside chat on May 22, 2024, at 3:15 pm Pacific [1] Investor Relations - Investors interested in meetings with AZZ can contact their conference representatives via provided email addresses [2]

Core Insights - Three stocks are highlighted for investors with strong growth characteristics and buy ranks: AZZ Inc., PDD Holdings Inc., and Universal Health Services, Inc. [1][2] Company Summaries - **AZZ Inc.**: - The company specializes in galvanizing and coil coating solutions - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 5.5% over the last 60 days - It has a PEG ratio of 1.06 compared to the industry average of 3.55 - The company holds a Growth Score of B [1] - **PDD Holdings Inc.**: - This company operates as an e-commerce platform provider - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has risen by 18% over the last 60 days - It has a PEG ratio of 0.31, significantly lower than the industry average of 0.59 - The company possesses a Growth Score of A [1] - **Universal Health Services, Inc.**: - The company provides healthcare services - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 12.2% over the last 60 days - It has a PEG ratio of 0.82 compared to the industry average of 1.09 - The company holds a Growth Score of B [2]

When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important?Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about AZZ (AZZ) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.AZZ currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.67, ...

Core Viewpoint - AZZ has been experiencing a decline in stock performance, with a return of -5.3% over the past month, compared to the S&P 500's -3.2% and the Zacks Manufacturing - Electronics industry's -3.9% [1] Earnings Estimate Revisions - The current quarter's earnings estimate for AZZ is $1.30 per share, reflecting a +14% change year-over-year, with a +5.7% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the last 30 days [3] - The consensus earnings estimate for the current fiscal year is $4.83, indicating a +6.6% year-over-year change, with a +4.6% revision in the last 30 days [3] - For the next fiscal year, the earnings estimate is $5.83, showing a +20.6% change from the previous year, with a +6.6% increase in the estimate over the past month [3] - AZZ is rated Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to significant changes in earnings estimates and other related factors [3] Revenue Growth Forecast - The consensus sales estimate for the current quarter is $398.9 million, indicating a +2.1% year-over-year change [5] - The revenue estimates for the current and next fiscal years are $1.6 billion and $1.71 billion, reflecting changes of +4.2% and +6.5%, respectively [5] Last Reported Results and Surprise History - In the last reported quarter, AZZ achieved revenues of $366.5 million, a +8.9% year-over-year increase, and an EPS of $0.93 compared to $0.30 a year ago [6] - The reported revenues exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $354.14 million by +3.49%, and the EPS surpassed estimates by +32.86% [6] - Over the last four quarters, AZZ has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times and revenue estimates three times [7] Valuation - AZZ is graded B in the Zacks Value Style Score, indicating it is trading at a discount to its peers [9] - Valuation multiples such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF) are essential for assessing whether AZZ's stock is fairly valued compared to its historical values and peers [8] Conclusion - The information suggests that AZZ may outperform the broader market in the near term, supported by its strong Zacks Rank [10]

Core Viewpoint - AZZ Inc. has announced a public offering of 4,000,000 shares of common stock at a price of $70.00 per share, aiming for gross proceeds of $280 million before expenses [1] Group 1: Offering Details - The offering includes an option for underwriters to purchase an additional 15% of the shares sold within 30 days [1] - The expected closing date for the offering is April 30, 2024, subject to customary conditions [1] - The offering is conducted under a shelf registration statement filed with the SEC, which was declared effective on January 10, 2024 [3] Group 2: Use of Proceeds - AZZ intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to redeem all or a portion of its 6.0% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and for general corporate purposes [2] Group 3: Management of the Offering - Evercore ISI and Jefferies are serving as joint lead book-running managers for the offering [2] - Additional book-running managers include Baird, Wells Fargo Securities, and Wolfe | Nomura Alliance, with co-managers being B. Riley Securities, Roth Capital Partners, and Sidoti & Company, LLC [2] Group 4: Company Overview - AZZ Inc. is recognized as a leading independent provider of hot-dip galvanizing and coil coating solutions, serving a wide range of end-markets [4] - The company's business segments offer sustainable metal coating solutions that enhance the longevity and appearance of essential infrastructure and products [4]

Here are three stocks with buy ranks and strong growth characteristics for investors to consider today, April 25th:AZZ Inc. (AZZ) : This galvanizing and coil coating solutions company carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its next year earnings increasing 5.5% over the last 60 days.AZZ has a PEG ratio of 1.23 compared with 3.54 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score  of B.Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (PPC) : This producer of fresh and frozen meat products ...