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 ...

FORT WORTH, Texas, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AZZ Inc. (NYSE: AZZ), the leading independent provider of hot-dip galvanizing and coil coating solutions, today announced that it is offering 4.0 million shares of its common stock in an underwritten public offering. The offering is subject to market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or as to the actual size or terms of the offering. In connection with the offering, AZZ intends to grant t ...

Here are three stocks with buy ranks and strong growth characteristics for investors to consider today, April 23rd: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 2.8% over the last 60 days.AZZ has a PEG ratio of 1.14 compared with 3.49 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score  of A.Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (PPC) : This producer of fresh and frozen meat products ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for fiscal year 2024 increased by 16.2% to a record $1.54 billion, with adjusted EBITDA rising to $334 million, and adjusted earnings per share growing to $4.53, up almost 35% compared to the previous year [9][19][29] - For the fourth quarter, total sales were $366 million, an increase of 8.9%, with adjusted earnings per share rising by 210% to $0.93 and adjusted EBITDA growing by 29% to $74 million [10][17][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Metal Coatings segment sales for the full year were $656 million, up 3% year-over-year, while Precoat Metals sales reached $881 million, up 28.4% [9][19] - In the fourth quarter, Metal Coatings sales increased by 3.3%, and Precoat Metals sales rose by 13.4%, driven entirely by organic expansion [10][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Metal Coatings segment benefited from robust transmission and distribution activity and ongoing infrastructure projects, while the Precoat Metals segment saw volume gains in construction and appliances [24][27] - The company is positioned to benefit from significant federal funding for infrastructure projects, including $3.5 billion for grid resilience and $4.9 billion for various infrastructure projects [25][26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue scaling its business through both organic and inorganic growth, focusing on sustainable solutions and enhancing customer service [12][13] - AZZ is committed to strengthening its balance sheet, having reduced debt by $115 million and maintaining a net leverage ratio below 3 [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term outlook for manufacturing and infrastructure spending, anticipating a ramp-up in construction activity as warmer weather approaches [30] - The company is focused on operational excellence and expects to generate significant cash flow while maximizing shareholder value in fiscal 2025 [29][32] Other Important Information - The company has a strong liquidity position with no debt maturities until 2027 and has received credit rating upgrades from S&P Global and Fitch Ratings [22] - Capital expenditures for fiscal 2025 are expected to be in the range of $100 million to $120 million, including significant investment in the new aluminum coil coating facility [20][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Plans for balance sheet and acquisitions - Management indicated that they typically operate with low cash balances and would use excess cash to reduce borrowings, with potential for small bolt-on acquisitions funded through the revolving credit facility [34][35][36] Question: Revenue profile and guidance maintenance - Management acknowledged that some business may have been pulled from the first quarter into the fourth quarter due to warmer weather, but they feel confident in maintaining guidance [44][45] Question: Market share gains - Management noted that market share gains were observed in the construction and appliance segments, outperforming the market [46][47] Question: Pricing initiatives in Metal Coatings - Management explained that pricing initiatives are supported by rising zinc prices and improved service offerings, which have positively impacted revenue [48][49] Question: Gross margins and fiscal 2025 trends - Management expressed confidence in maintaining margin improvements due to operational efficiencies and volume stability [50][51] Question: Washington facility production commitments - Management reported that 75% of production at the new facility is contractually committed, allowing for potential upside [57][59]

AZZ (AZZ) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.93 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.70 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.30 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 32.86%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this electrical equipment maker would post earnings of $0.99 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.19, delivering a surprise of 20.20%.Over the last four quarters, the co ...