Market Overview - Wall Street experienced a decline on October 9, 2025, as major stock indices fell due to investor uncertainty regarding AI-led growth and recession fears, despite Delta Air Lines exceeding expectations [1][10] Investment Recommendations - Recommended low-leverage stocks include ResMed Inc. (RMD), Safran (SAFRY), Pentair (PNR), Casey's General Stores (CASY), and Leonardo DRS, Inc. (DRS), which are considered safer options during market volatility [2][10] Significance of Low-Leverage Stocks - Low-leverage stocks are preferred as they are less risky, especially in volatile markets, and are characterized by lower debt-to-equity ratios [4][6] Debt-to-Equity Ratio Analysis - The debt-to-equity ratio is a key metric indicating a company's financial risk, with lower ratios reflecting better solvency [7] Company Profiles - **ResMed**: Focuses on sleep-disordered breathing and respiratory disorders, with a projected revenue increase of 7.8% for 2025 and a long-term earnings growth rate of 13.8% [15][16] - **Safran**: Engaged in aerospace and defense, with a sales growth estimate of 36.3% for 2025, supported by a recent contract with Singapore Airlines [17][18] - **Pentair**: Provides sustainable water solutions, with a sales growth estimate of 1.5% for 2025 following a strategic acquisition for $290 million [19][20] - **Casey's General Stores**: Reports a 4.3% increase in same-store sales and a 19.5% growth in earnings, with a sales improvement estimate of 10.6% for fiscal 2026 [20][21] - **Leonardo DRS**: Develops advanced defense products, with a sales growth estimate of 10.9% for 2025 and a long-term earnings growth rate of 17.3% [22][23]

Market Overview - Mid cap growth equities experienced modest gains in Q3, with the Russell Midcap Growth Index returning 2.8%, lagging behind the Russell Midcap Value Index at 6.2% and the Russell Midcap Index at 5.3% [3] - The U.S. Federal Reserve's rate cut in September contributed to easing monetary policy, benefiting rate-sensitive sectors and renewing interest in cyclical and innovation-led areas [3] Investor Sentiment - Investor sentiment improved due to the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill and progress on trade agreements, reducing policy uncertainty and enabling companies to execute delayed strategic decisions [4] - Earnings estimates stabilized, particularly in technology and AI-related sectors, despite ongoing challenges in non-residential construction and discretionary segments [4] Portfolio Performance - The ClearBridge Mid Cap Growth Strategy outperformed its benchmark in Q3, driven by stock selection in IT, consumer staples, and healthcare sectors, while consumer discretionary and financials sectors slightly detracted from performance [5] Sector Contributions - In the IT sector, AppLovin (APP) and Monolithic Power Systems (MPWR) were standout performers, with AppLovin benefiting from strong earnings and optimism around its e-commerce business [6] - Consumer staples saw positive contributions from Performance Food Group (PFGC) and Casey's General Stores (CASY), both benefiting from strong operational performance [7] - The consumer discretionary sector faced challenges, particularly with Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) and Wingstop (WING) experiencing declines due to competitive pressures and softer spending trends [8] - Financials sector was a modest drag on performance, with Tradeweb Markets (TW) and Corpay facing challenges from macro volatility and company-specific issues [9] Portfolio Positioning - New positions were initiated in Roblox, benefiting from improved growth dynamics and advertising opportunities, and APi Group, which is well-positioned in safety and industrial services [10][11] - Exited position in Deckers Outdoor (DECK) due to increasing competitive pressures in the sneaker market [12] Outlook - Leadership within mid growth stocks remains selective, with a few companies rewarded for differentiated technology and strong pipelines, while others struggle with demand and competition [13] - Focus remains on identifying businesses with secular growth drivers across technology, healthcare, and industrials sectors [14] - Near-term market uncertainty is expected to persist, but the strategy is positioned to benefit from companies sustaining durable growth in earnings and cash flow [15] Portfolio Highlights - The ClearBridge Mid Cap Growth Strategy had positive contributions across seven of the 11 sectors, with IT and healthcare being the leading contributors [16] - Stock selection in IT, consumer staples, healthcare, and energy sectors contributed positively, while consumer discretionary and financials sectors weighed on performance [17] - Individual stock contributions included AppLovin, United Rentals (URI), and Performance Food, while detractors included Chipotle Mexican Grill and Tradeweb Markets [18]

Company Performance - Casey's General Stores (CASY) has shown a year-to-date performance increase of approximately 38.2%, significantly outperforming the average gain of 8.1% in the Retail-Wholesale sector [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CASY's full-year earnings has increased by 1.9% over the past 90 days, indicating improved analyst sentiment and earnings outlook [3] Industry Ranking - Casey's General Stores is part of the Retail - Convenience Stores industry, which currently ranks 19 in the Zacks Industry Rank, with an average gain of 14.1% year-to-date [5] - The Retail-Wholesale sector, which includes 200 individual stocks, is ranked 9 in the Zacks Sector Rank [2] Comparison with Peers - Another stock in the Retail-Wholesale sector, SharkNinja, Inc. (SN), has returned 8.8% year-to-date and also holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [4][5] - Both Casey's General Stores and SharkNinja, Inc. are highlighted as strong performers within their respective industries, suggesting potential for continued solid performance [6]

This audio is auto-generated. Please let us know if you have feedback Dive Brief:Casey’s General Stores has partnered with digital network service GSTV to bolster its Casey’s Access retail media network, the companies announced this week.Through the partnership, GSTV will provide Casey’s with branded video content to play on fuel dispensers at the retailer’s 2,900 locations across 19 states. The rollout will begin this fall.The partnership marks a significant step for Casey’s retail media network, which wi ...

Company Overview - Casey's General Stores was founded in 1959 and went public in 1983, operating primarily in the Midwest with 2,895 stores as of July [3][4] - The company has achieved significant stock appreciation, with a 289 times return since 1990, outperforming the S&P 500's 37 times return [4] Business Model - Casey's combines gas stations, convenience stores, and quick-service food effectively, focusing on fresh food offerings, particularly pizza, which has made it the fifth-largest pizza chain in the U.S. [7][8] - Inside store sales accounted for 27% of total revenues and 63% of total gross profits in the last quarter, highlighting the profitability of its business model [9] Competitive Advantages - The ability to sell fresh food allows Casey's to offer competitive gasoline prices, driving traffic to its stores [10] - The company has vertically integrated its operations, owning major distribution centers and a significant portion of its fuel delivery tankers, which helps streamline costs [11] - Casey's has achieved 6.7% operating margins and a 17.1% return on equity, which are impressive figures for a convenience store business [12] Growth Potential - Despite its past success, Casey's still has growth opportunities, with 75% of towns between 500 and 20,000 residents within 500 miles of its distribution centers lacking a Casey's store [16] - The convenience store industry remains fragmented, allowing Casey's to acquire smaller stores and expand its market share [17] Investment Perspective - Casey's stock is currently trading at 36 times earnings, but long-term investors may find value in its growth potential, with a market cap of over $20 billion [18]

Market Overview - The market is experiencing new all-time highs, driven by positive news from Nvidia and Intel, contributing to a strong sentiment across the NASDAQ and broader market [2][3] - Manufacturing data shows signs of improvement, with yields ticking higher, indicating a balanced labor market and supporting upward market momentum [3] Valero Energy - Valero Energy has reached a new 52-week high, trading around 165, despite crude oil prices being relatively stable [4][5] - The recommended trade involves buying an October call spread (165-175) for approximately $2.95, aiming for a 2:1 risk-reward ratio while defining downside risk [5] - Technical analysis indicates a breakout above previous resistance at 155, with the old resistance now acting as support [6][9] Workday - Workday has gained attention following Elliot Investment Management's $2 billion stake and subsequent analyst upgrades, suggesting a potential breakout from its recent trading range [12][18] - The proposed trade is to buy an October call spread (240-260) while selling a 220 put, allowing for upside capture and potential stock acquisition at a lower price if weakness occurs [13][21] - Technical indicators suggest a breakout is imminent, with key levels at 240 and 260 aligning with moving averages and volume profiles [17][18] Casey's General Stores - Casey's has received a price target increase from Evercore ISI, now set at 580, with current trading around 552 [18][19] - The trade strategy involves buying the stock and selling a February 600 call to manage long-term exposure and defer tax consequences [21] - Chart analysis shows a strong upward trend following earnings, with significant resistance levels around 527 and 571, indicating potential volatility [23][25]

Industry Overview - The holiday shopping season is crucial for retailers, with economic factors like persistent inflation and trade policies impacting revenues [1] - Deloitte projects U.S. holiday retail sales to increase by 2.9% to 3.4%, totaling approximately $1.61 trillion to $1.62 trillion, indicating a slower growth rate compared to the previous year's 4.2% [2][9] - E-commerce is expected to grow significantly, with a forecasted increase of 7% to 9%, leading to total online sales between $305 billion and $310.7 billion [4][9] Company Insights - **SharkNinja, Inc. (SN)**: Anticipated to benefit from consumer demand for value-driven deals, with a growth model focused on product innovation and a diversified supply chain. The Zacks Consensus Estimate suggests sales and EPS growth of 14.4% and 15.6%, respectively [3][10][11] - **Genesco Inc. (GCO)**: Experiencing strong momentum at Journeys, with a refreshed product mix and brand storytelling. The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates sales and EPS growth of 3% and 67%, respectively [12][13] - **Casey's General Stores, Inc. (CASY)**: Leveraging scale and digital engagement to enhance its position in convenience retail, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate forecasting sales and EPS growth of 10.7% and 8.7%, respectively [14][15] - **Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM)**: Focused on organic products and customer engagement through loyalty programs, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate suggesting sales and EPS growth of 15.7% and 40.8%, respectively [16][17]

Core Insights - Casey's General Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:CASY) reported Q1 2026 results with revenue of $4.57 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $4.47 billion, and EPS exceeded consensus estimates by 15% [2] - The strong performance was driven by robust same-store sales growth and an increase of 200 stores compared to the previous year [2] - Following the positive quarter, analysts raised the price target for Casey's stock from $560 to $580, reflecting increased confidence in the company's growth prospects [3] Company Overview - Casey's General Stores, Inc. was founded in 1968 and is a major convenience store chain primarily located in the Midwestern and Southern United States [4] - The company is particularly recognized for its fresh, prepared food offerings, including its popular made-from-scratch pizzas [4] Market Sentiment - Jim Cramer labeled Casey's as his "absolute favorite under-the-radar growth stock," indicating strong market sentiment towards the company [3] - The Insider Monkey database noted that 47 hedge funds have invested in Casey's, showcasing significant confidence in its future growth [3]

Market Environment - The current market environment is challenging for investors, characterized by falling bond yields and mixed economic data, with the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield declining to 4.019% and the 30-year yield reaching 4.651% [2] - There is a 95% probability of a quarter-point reduction in interest rates at the Federal Reserve's upcoming meeting on September 16-17, indicating market anticipation for a potential interest rate cut [2] Economic Indicators - The Consumer Price Index in August increased by 0.4%, which is double the growth compared to the previous month, while annual inflation remains at 2.9% [3] - Weekly jobless claims reached 263,000, the highest level since October 2021, raising concerns about the labor market [3] - Analysts suggest these indicators support at least a 25-basis-point cut, with a possibility of a 50-point move [3] Jim Cramer's Stock Picks - The article presents 12 stock picks from Jim Cramer, host of CNBC's Mad Money, aimed at helping investors make informed decisions under current macroeconomic conditions [4] - The selection criteria for the stocks include recent mentions by Jim Cramer and the number of hedge funds holding these stocks as of Q2 2025 [6] Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) - Phillips 66 is included in the stock picks, with 47 hedge funds holding stakes in the company, indicating strong institutional interest [8][11] - The company reported a record-high refining utilization rate of 98% and an adjusted EBITDA of approximately $1 billion in its Midstream segment, moving towards a $4.5 billion annual EBITDA target by 2027 [9] - Phillips 66 is looking to purchase liquefied natural gas from the U.S. through long-term contracts, with Piper Sandler raising the stock's price target from $144 to $154 [10] Casey's General Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:CASY) - Casey's General Stores also has 47 hedge funds invested, reflecting strong confidence in its growth prospects [13][15] - The company reported Q1 2026 revenue of $4.57 billion, exceeding analyst expectations of $4.47 billion, with EPS beating consensus estimates by 15% [14] - Following a strong quarter, analysts raised the price target from $560 to $580, with Jim Cramer calling it his 'absolute favorite under-the-radar growth stock' [15] EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME) - EMCOR Group has 51 hedge funds holding its stock, and its price target has been significantly raised after reporting Q2 2025 revenue of $4.30 billion, a 17.4% year-over-year increase [17][18] - The company revised its revenue guidance for 2025 upwards, indicating a strong outlook supported by high remaining performance obligations [19] - Analysts have raised the price target for EMCOR Group, with DA Davidson increasing it from $515 to $725, suggesting potential growth ahead [19]

Core Insights - Fast-food restaurants are losing breakfast customers to convenience stores, with morning meal traffic to fast-food chains rising only 1% while visits to food-forward convenience stores increased by 9% in the three months ending in July [1][2] Industry Trends - Convenience stores have been gaining market share in the foodservice sector, particularly in the breakfast category, driven by "food-forward convenience stores" [2][4] - The overall foodservice sales for convenience stores reached $121 billion in 2024, indicating a significant growth in this segment [13] Competitive Landscape - Fast-food chains like McDonald's have seen a decline in breakfast traffic, with visits falling from 33.5% of total traffic in the first half of 2019 to 29.9% in the first half of 2025 [7] - Convenience store chains such as Wawa and Casey's General Store are expanding their foodservice options and have seen customer growth, with Wawa's customer base increasing by 11.5% since 2022 [15] Consumer Behavior - A survey indicated that 72% of consumers now view convenience stores as a viable alternative to fast-food chains, up from 56% a year ago [14] - 48% of respondents reported that when they choose breakfast from a convenience store, they are replacing a visit to a fast-food restaurant [16] Product Offerings - Convenience stores are diversifying their offerings beyond traditional items, providing a wider range of options such as breakfast sandwiches, energy drinks, and healthy snacks, which appeals to consumers [18] - Casey's breakfast pizza has gained popularity, contributing to the chain's same-store sales growth of 5.6% for prepared food and beverages for the three months ending July 31 [20]