Core Points - Carriage Services, Inc. plans to release its 2024 annual results on February 26, 2025, after market close [1] - A conference call to discuss the results is scheduled for February 27, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. Central Time, available via phone and webcast [2] - Carriage Services operates 162 funeral homes across 26 states and 31 cemeteries in 11 states, focusing on delivering premier experiences through innovation and elevated service [3]

Investment Philosophy - The investment philosophy focuses on identifying mispriced securities by understanding the drivers behind a company's financials, often revealed through a DCF model valuation [1] - This approach does not limit the investor to traditional value, dividend, or growth investing but considers all prospects of a stock to determine the risk-to-reward ratio [1] Market Focus - The investor has experience in US, Canadian, and European markets with a major focus on small-cap companies [1] Methodology - The methodology involves a comprehensive analysis of a company's financials and prospects to identify mispriced securities [1] - The DCF model valuation is a key tool in this investment strategy [1]

Market Overview - U.S. stock markets have experienced a significant rally in 2023, with the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite increasing by 13.8%, 26%, and 33.9% respectively [1] Stock Screening Criteria - Stocks with a percentage change in price over the last 12 weeks greater than 10% indicate momentum and reduce the risk of selecting stocks that may have gained attention due to overall market performance [4] - An average broker rating of 1 suggests strong optimism regarding the stock's future performance [5] - Stocks trading at more than 85% of their 52-week high indicate strong price resilience [6] - A percentage change in price over the last 4 weeks greater than zero shows recent upward movement [16] - Stocks must have a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) to demonstrate a history of outperformance [17] - Stocks must be trading at a minimum price of $5 [18] Selected Stocks - **Private Bancorp of America Inc. (PBAM)**: Offers a range of banking products and services in California, including checking and savings accounts, loans, and online banking services. The stock price surged by 15% in the past four weeks, with expected earnings growth of 5.6% for next year [7][25] - **DXP Enterprises Inc. (DXPE)**: Provides innovative pumping solutions and supply-chain services. The stock price appreciated by 12% in the past four weeks, with expected earnings growth of 5.9% for next year [8][26] - **Qifu Technology Inc. (QFIN)**: Operates as a credit-tech platform in China, providing credit-driven services. The stock price advanced by 10.6% in the past four weeks, with expected earnings growth of 12% for next year [9][20] - **Carriage Services Inc. (CSV)**: A leading provider of death care services in the U.S., offering a range of funeral and burial services. The stock price gained 2.3% in the past four weeks, with expected earnings growth of 12.9% for next year [21][27] - **Universal Technical Institute Inc. (UTI)**: Provides education programs in transportation, skilled trades, and healthcare. The stock price was up 0.2% in the past four weeks, with an expected earnings growth rate of 29.3% for the current year [10][22]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of identifying and sustaining trends in short-term investing, highlighting that successful trades require confirmation of strong fundamentals and positive earnings estimates to maintain momentum [1]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - Investors can utilize the "Recent Price Strength" screen to identify stocks that are trending upwards, supported by strong fundamentals and trading near their 52-week high-low range, indicating bullish sentiment [2]. - Carriage Services (CSV) is identified as a strong candidate for trend investors, having experienced a price increase of 23.3% over the past 12 weeks, reflecting investor confidence in its potential upside [3]. - A recent price increase of 3.2% over the last four weeks suggests that the upward trend for CSV is still intact, which is crucial for potential winners [4]. Group 2: Company Fundamentals - CSV is currently trading at 91.5% of its 52-week high-low range, indicating it may be on the verge of a breakout [5]. - The stock holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), placing it in the top 5% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises, which are key indicators of near-term price movements [5][6]. - An Average Broker Recommendation of 1 (Strong Buy) further confirms the stock's fundamental strength, reflecting high optimism from the brokerage community regarding its near-term performance [6]. Group 3: Market Performance - Historically, Zacks Rank 1 stocks have generated an average annual return of +25% since 1988, showcasing the effectiveness of the ranking system in identifying profitable investment opportunities [6]. - The article suggests that the price trend for CSV is unlikely to reverse soon, indicating a favorable outlook for investors [7].

Core Insights - Carriage Services, Inc. has been recognized as 33 on Forbes' list of Most Successful Small Companies for 2025, highlighting its growth and commitment to innovation in the funeral and cemetery services industry [1][3] Company Overview - Carriage Services operates 162 funeral homes across 26 states and 31 cemeteries in 11 states, focusing on delivering premier experiences through innovation and elevated service [4] Team and Culture - The ranking reflects the contributions of Carriage's team members, who embody the company's purpose of creating exceptional experiences through innovation and partnership [2] - CEO Carlos Quezada emphasized that the recognition is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the team, which is committed to serving families and supporting one another [3] Recognition Criteria - Forbes selects its Most Successful Small Companies based on performance metrics such as revenue growth, profitability, and innovation, along with qualitative factors like leadership, impact, and culture [3]

Core Insights - Carriage Services, Inc. has been recognized as 33 on Forbes' list of Most Successful Small Companies for 2025, highlighting its growth, innovation, and commitment to serving families with compassion and care [1][3]. Company Performance - The ranking reflects the collective contributions of Carriage's team members, who embody the company's purpose of creating premier experiences through innovation and elevated service [2]. - Forbes evaluates companies based on performance metrics such as revenue growth, profitability, and innovation, along with qualitative factors like leadership, impact, and culture [3]. Company Overview - Carriage Services is a leading provider of funeral and cemetery services in the United States, operating 162 funeral homes across 26 states and 31 cemeteries in 11 states [4]. - The company is dedicated to delivering premier experiences through innovation and partnership [4].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights Carriage Services (CSV) as a strong value stock, supported by various valuation metrics and a favorable earnings outlook [4][8]. Valuation Metrics - Carriage Services has a Forward P/E ratio of 14.43, significantly lower than the industry average of 20.84, indicating potential undervaluation [4]. - The PEG ratio for CSV is 0.96, compared to the industry average of 2.03, suggesting that the stock is undervalued relative to its expected earnings growth [5]. - The P/B ratio for CSV stands at 3.11, which is lower than the industry average of 6.42, further supporting the notion of undervaluation [6]. - CSV's P/CF ratio is 10.52, compared to the industry average of 13.32, indicating a favorable cash flow outlook relative to its peers [7]. Investment Outlook - The combination of strong valuation metrics and a positive earnings outlook positions Carriage Services as an attractive investment opportunity in the current market [8].

Core Insights - Carriage Services, Inc. has appointed John Enwright as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer, effective January 2, 2025, highlighting the company's commitment to enhancing its leadership team [1][3]. Group 1: Leadership Appointment - John Enwright brings over 25 years of financial leadership experience in omnichannel retail, having previously served as CFO for Edible Brands and Vera Bradley, and spent 15 years at Tiffany & Company [2]. - His strategic insights and leadership experience are expected to support Carriage's focus on disciplined capital allocation, purposeful growth, and relentless improvement [3]. Group 2: Company Vision and Goals - The appointment of Mr. Enwright is seen as a critical step in elevating Carriage's financial sophistication and operational excellence, aiming to accelerate growth and enhance client experiences [4]. - The company is positioned for future growth, emphasizing excellence, innovation, and a commitment to delivering premier services [5]. Group 3: Company Overview - Carriage Services is a leading provider of funeral and cemetery services in the U.S., operating 162 funeral homes across 26 states and 31 cemeteries in 11 states [6].

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, aiming to buy high and sell higher, with the expectation that established trends will continue [1] Company Overview: Carriage Services (CSV) - Carriage Services currently holds a Momentum Style Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong potential for outperformance [3][4][12] - The company provides funeral and cemetery services and products, positioning it as a solid momentum pick [5] Price Performance - Over the past week, CSV shares increased by 2.91%, while the Zacks Funeral Services industry rose by 3.78% [7] - In the last quarter, CSV shares have risen by 22.62%, and over the past year, they have gained 81.64%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500, which increased by 6.59% and 32.84% respectively [8] Trading Volume - CSV's average 20-day trading volume is 102,649 shares, which is a useful indicator for assessing momentum; a rising stock with above-average volume is generally seen as bullish [9] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, two earnings estimates for CSV have been revised upwards, increasing the consensus estimate from $2.34 to $2.50 [11] - For the next fiscal year, three estimates have moved upwards with no downward revisions, indicating positive earnings momentum [11]

Have you been paying attention to shares of Carriage Services (CSV) ? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 24.5% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $40.83 in the previous session. Carriage Services has gained 62.5% since the start of the year compared to the 5% move for the Zacks Consumer Staples sector and the 25.9% return for the Zacks Funeral Services industry.What's Driving the Outperformance?The stock has an impressive record of positive earnings surprises, as it hasn't ...