Core Insights - The Zacks Instruments – Control industry is poised for growth driven by a focus on energy-efficient production processes and the integration of advanced software systems, alongside a rising demand for modern technology to replace outdated industrial controls with automated solutions [1][4]. Industry Overview - The industry includes manufacturers of precision and specialty motion-control components and systems, providing sophisticated flow measurement, control, and communication solutions for various gases and liquids used in commercial and residential applications [3]. - Key products include those for fuel, combustion, fluid actuation, electronic applications, and energy control, with some companies also offering HVAC products and water reuse solutions [3]. Growth Drivers - Increased adoption of industrial automation and higher investments in new technologies are expected to drive growth, particularly in North America, supported by rising infrastructural investments in energy and power sectors, and favorable government policies [4]. - The pharmaceutical industry's process automation market is also expanding due to cost factors and evolving regulations, indicating a mature buyer base willing to partner with process control industry players [4]. Challenges - Elevated customer inventory levels, high capital expenditures for infrastructure upgrades, and inflationary pressures are potential hindrances to the process automation and instrumentation market [2]. - Material cost inflation and rising transportation costs, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and economic sanctions, are negatively impacting industry margins, with companies struggling to pass on costs to customers due to competitive pressures [5]. Technological Trends - The industry's growth is significantly influenced by the emphasis on digitized technologies, such as the Industrial Internet of Things, which enhances manufacturing processes and compliance with regulations [6]. - The demand for process automation and instrumentation products is expected to grow, driven by the need for improved product quality and emission reductions [6]. Market Performance - The Zacks Instruments – Control industry currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 12, placing it in the top 5% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating positive near-term prospects [7][8]. - However, the industry has underperformed compared to the S&P 500 and the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector over the past year, with a gain of only 3.3% compared to 18.8% and 28.7% for the S&P 500 and sector, respectively [9]. Valuation Metrics - The industry has a trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA ratio of 14.1X, which is lower than the S&P 500's 18.59X and the sector's 19.48X, suggesting potential undervaluation [12]. Notable Companies - **Watts Water Technologies, Inc. (WTS)**: Focuses on water safety and flow control products, benefiting from cost-reduction actions and a strong balance sheet, with a long-term earnings growth expectation of 8.5% and a stock gain of 39% over the past year [15]. - **Badger Meter, Inc. (BMI)**: Provides flow measurement and control solutions, emphasizing digital solutions and operationalizing real-time data, with a long-term earnings growth expectation of 12% [18][19]. - **Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. (THR)**: Offers engineered industrial process heating solutions, expanding its market reach through strategic acquisitions, with a consistent earnings surprise of 5.4% [22].

I have a masters degree in Analytics from Northwestern University and a bachelors degree in Accounting. I have worked in the investment arena for over 10 years starting as an analyst and working my way up to a management role. Dividend investing is a personal hobby and I look forward to sharing my thoughts with the Seeking Alpha community.Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a pur ...

I have a masters degree in Analytics from Northwestern University and a bachelors degree in Accounting. I have worked in the investment arena for over 10 years starting as an analyst and working my way up to a management role. Dividend investing is a personal hobby and I look forward to sharing my thoughts with the Seeking Alpha community.Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a pur ...

MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE: BMI) today announced that it will issue its third quarter 2025 earnings release before the market opens on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Following the release, Badger Meter will hold its earnings conference call at 10:00am CT. A live listen-only webcast will be accessible the day of the call from the Investor section of the Company's website. Those wishing to actively participate in the conference call can pre-register utilizing the following l. ...

Core Insights - Amber International Holding Limited, operating as Amber Premium, has been included in the S&P Global Broad Market Index (BMI), effective September 22, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the company [1][2]. Company Overview - Amber Premium is recognized as Asia's leading digital wealth management platform, providing advanced technology and exclusive digital asset opportunities for institutions and high-net-worth clients [1][5]. - The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including OTC trading, digital asset management, crypto payment solutions, and investment advisory services [5]. Market Impact - Inclusion in the S&P Global BMI is expected to enhance visibility among institutional investors, improve liquidity, and increase market recognition, as index-tracking funds may gain exposure to the company through passive investment strategies [2][3]. - The S&P Global BMI comprises over 14,000 companies from both developed and emerging markets, serving as a foundational index for institutional investors and ETFs [2]. Recent Performance - Amber Premium reported record quarterly revenue of US$21 million in Q2 2025 and client assets on the platform totaling US$1.54 billion as of June 30, 2025 [4]. - The company successfully completed a US$25.5 million private placement with notable investors, including CMAG Funds and Pantera Capital [4]. - Amber Premium has launched institutional-grade digital asset treasury management services, expanding its offerings in the digital assets treasury sector [4].

Core Insights - Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc. has been included in the S&P Global Broad Market Index (BMI) as of September 22, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the company [1][3] - The S&P Global BMI encompasses over 14,000 companies across 48 developed and emerging market countries, representing more than 99% of global market capitalization [2] - The inclusion in the S&P Global BMI is expected to enhance investor interest, liquidity, and market recognition for Mercurity Fintech, as it becomes accessible to index-tracking funds and institutional portfolios [3] Company Overview - Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc. operates as a blockchain-powered fintech group, providing technology and financial services through its subsidiaries, including Chaince Securities, LLC [4] - The company's strategic focus is on bridging traditional finance with digital innovation, offering services related to digital assets, financial advisory, and capital markets solutions [4] Institutional Interest - As of September 2025, approximately 80 institutional investors, including major index funds and ETFs, hold shares in Mercurity Fintech, indicating its growing visibility among institutional investors [3]

Core Insights - Badger Meter has demonstrated significant long-term growth, with a hypothetical $1,000 investment in 1990 now worth $288,000, despite a current market cap of $5 billion [1] - The company is positioned for continued growth, especially as its shares are down 32% from their highs, making it an attractive dividend growth stock [2] Financial Performance - Over the past five years, Badger Meter has achieved sales growth of 15% and free cash flow (FCF) growth of 16%, while increasing its dividend by 14% [3] - The company's FCF margin has improved from 6% in 2015 to 18% today, driven by the expansion of its software-as-a-service (SaaS) sales [6] Market Position and Strategy - Badger Meter's BlueEdge solution aims to modernize outdated water and sewer utilities in the U.S., addressing the need for advanced technology in this sector [4] - The company has a strong acquisition track record, having acquired 14 companies since 2010, which has reinforced its leadership position and expanded its technology offerings [5] Dividend Growth Potential - Badger Meter's current dividend yield is 0.8%, with only 25% of its FCF allocated to dividend payments, indicating substantial room for future dividend increases as FCF margins improve [8]

Core Insights - NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. has been included in the S&P Global Broad Market Index (BMI), which enhances its visibility to institutional investors globally [2][4][5] - The S&P Global BMI captures over 99% of available market capitalization worldwide, including more than 14,000 companies [3] - NANO Nuclear's inclusion in the S&P Total Market Index (TMI) and the SPX Completion Index further broadens its exposure within the U.S. equity market [4][5] Company Overview - NANO Nuclear is focused on developing advanced nuclear energy solutions and aims to be a diversified, vertically integrated company across five business lines, including microreactor technologies and nuclear fuel fabrication [6] - The company is recognized as the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be publicly listed in the U.S. [6] Technology and Development - NANO Nuclear is developing several reactor products, including the KRONOS MMR™ Energy System, a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, and the portable LOKI MMR™ for space applications [7][10] - The company has a subsidiary, Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), which aims to provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to various sectors, including small modular reactors and military applications [8] Strategic Goals - The company aims to leverage its inclusion in the S&P indices to enhance its visibility and attract more institutional investor support [5] - NANO Nuclear is focused on advancing its technologies towards construction, demonstration, regulatory licensing, and commercialization of its micro nuclear reactor programs [5]

Core Insights - Marti Technologies, Inc. has been added to the S&P Global Broad Market Index, effective September 22, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the company [1][2]. Company Overview - Founded in 2018, Marti is Türkiye's leading mobility app, providing a range of transportation services including ride-hailing, e-mopeds, e-bikes, and e-scooters, all supported by proprietary software and IoT infrastructure [3]. Business Growth - The company has experienced rapid growth in its ride-hailing service, achieving 2.28 million unique riders, a 107% year-over-year increase, and 327 thousand registered drivers, a 92% increase [6]. - As of August 12, 2025, Marti's ride-hailing service reached 2.52 million riders and 357 thousand registered drivers, surpassing its targets for September 30, 2025, by achieving these numbers a month and a half early [9]. Market Position - Marti's inclusion in the S&P Global BMI will enhance its visibility among index-tracking and new investors, aiding in the expansion of its ride-hailing operations to capture long-term mobility market opportunities in Türkiye [2]. - The S&P Global BMI encompasses over 14,000 companies across developed and emerging markets, employing a transparent methodology [2].

Core Idea - The article emphasizes the investment philosophy of Thomas W. Phelps, particularly his book "100 to 1 in the Stock Market," which advocates for buying exceptional companies early, holding them with discipline, and allowing compounding to generate wealth [1][4][6]. Phelps's Investment Framework - Phelps's framework focuses on identifying companies with durable advantages, such as network effects, proprietary know-how, and advantageous cost structures [8]. - The importance of verifying a large addressable market that allows for long-term compounding without hitting a wall is highlighted [8]. - Present-tense profitability is essential; Phelps preferred companies that generate cash rather than speculative ventures [8]. - The article suggests buying companies when their narratives are still forming, favoring modest valuations over those priced for perfection [8]. - A strategy of doing less is recommended, as holding onto winning investments can lead to tax deferral and reduced errors [8]. Current Investment Candidates - The article lists 25 companies that fit Phelps's criteria, categorized by how they create competitive advantages rather than by index labels [9]. - Companies in the construction and infrastructure sector, such as EMCOR Group and Quanta Services, are noted for their execution capabilities and ability to convert backlog into cash [10][11]. - Precision manufacturers like Celestica and Fabrinet are recognized for their high returns on capital and asset-light models [12]. - In network infrastructure, Arista Networks and Super Micro Computer are highlighted for their strong positions in high-speed switching and AI hardware, respectively [13]. - Companies in the materials sector, such as Martin Marietta Materials, are noted for their pricing power and local monopolies [14]. - Engineering firms like WSP Global are recognized for their expertise and customer relationships in regulated markets [15]. - Consumer brands like e.l.f. Beauty and Academy Sports are mentioned for their market share growth and operational efficiency [16]. - Specialty finance companies like FirstCash and software firms like Agilysys are noted for their cash generation and growth potential [17]. - Internationally, utilities like Sabesp and fintechs like StoneCo are highlighted for their governance and profitability improvements [18]. - UK companies like Spectris and Halma are recognized for their consistent acquisition strategies and operational excellence [19]. Conclusion - The article concludes that the focus should be on finding real engines of growth and sizing investments appropriately to endure market volatility, allowing time to enhance value [22].