Industry Overview - The Zacks Manufacturing - Electronics industry is experiencing stable demand due to the electronic services end market, increased adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies, and product innovation efforts [1] - A surge in e-commerce activities is expected to further support the industry's growth [1] Industry Challenges - A slowdown in the manufacturing sector and supply-chain issues are negatively impacting the performance of some industry participants [2] - The manufacturing sector has contracted for ten consecutive months, with the Manufacturing PMI at 47.9% in December, indicating a contraction in manufacturing activity [6] Industry Trends - Demand across key end markets remains stable despite manufacturing slowdowns, with electronics manufacturers benefiting from the integration of advanced electronic components [4] - Companies are increasingly investing in digitization to enhance operational productivity, product quality, and reduce costs [5] Industry Performance - The Zacks Manufacturing - Electronics industry has underperformed compared to the broader sector and the S&P 500, growing 5.4% over the past year, while the sector rose 10.3% and the S&P 500 increased by 19.4% [10] Current Valuation - The industry is currently trading at a forward 12-month Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of 22.27X, which is above the sector's P/E of 21.68X but below the S&P 500's P/E of 23.38X [13] Notable Companies - **Powell Industries, Inc. (POWL)**: Engaged in manufacturing custom-engineered equipment, benefiting from strong project activity in electric utility and industrial markets, with shares up 55.2% in the past year [18][19] - **Emerson Electric Co. (EMR)**: Offers a range of products and services, experiencing solid momentum in the Final Control business, with shares gaining 18.9% in the past year [22][23] - **Eaton Corporation plc (ETN)**: A diversified power management company benefiting from rising demand in AI-data centers, with shares down 3.7% over the past year but up 5.6% in the past month [26][27] - **EnerSys (ENS)**: Focused on industrial batteries, well-positioned due to strong momentum in aerospace and defense markets, with shares rising 19.2% in the past year [30][31]

Core Viewpoint - EnerSys, a global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, is set to release its third quarter fiscal 2026 financial results on February 4, 2026, after market close [1] Financial Results Announcement - The financial results will cover the period ended December 28, 2025 [1] - A press release and slide presentation will be made available in the Investor Relations section of the company's website [1] - The company will also host a conference call following the release of the financial results [1]

Core Viewpoint - EnerSys (ENS) has shown strong stock performance, with a 5.3% increase over the past month and reaching a 52-week high of $156.21, outperforming the Zacks Industrial Products sector and the Zacks Manufacturing - Electronics industry year-to-date [1] Financial Performance - EnerSys has consistently beaten earnings estimates, reporting an EPS of $2.56 against a consensus estimate of $2.36 in its last earnings report [2] - For the current fiscal year, EnerSys is projected to achieve earnings of $10.28 per share on revenues of $3.76 billion, reflecting a 1.28% increase in EPS and a 3.96% increase in revenues [3] - The next fiscal year forecasts earnings of $12.41 per share on revenues of $3.88 billion, indicating a year-over-year growth of 20.72% in EPS and 3.03% in revenues [3] Valuation Metrics - EnerSys has a Value Score of B, with Growth and Momentum Scores of C and F respectively, resulting in a combined VGM Score of B [6] - The stock trades at 15.1 times the current fiscal year EPS estimates, below the peer industry average of 23.5 times, and at 11.9 times trailing cash flow compared to the peer group's average of 23.2 times [7] - The PEG ratio stands at 1, which does not position the company among the top value stocks [7] Zacks Rank - EnerSys holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), supported by a favorable earnings estimate revision trend [8] - The combination of a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B suggests that EnerSys shares may have further upside potential in the near term [8]

Core Insights - The reshoring trend and the push for supply-chain independence are significantly transforming U.S. manufacturing, driven by factors such as post-pandemic vulnerabilities, trade disputes, and recent tariff policies [1][2]. Industry Overview - The imposition of import tariffs on various products has made offshore production costly, prompting companies to relocate manufacturing back to the U.S. to stabilize supply chains and avoid tariffs [2]. - Favorable U.S. government policies, including the CHIPS & Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), are encouraging investments in sectors like semiconductors and clean energy, which in turn is boosting demand for related industries [3]. Company Focus: Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) - Caterpillar has shifted its construction equipment production from Japan to Georgia and Texas, enhancing its supply chain efficiency and reducing transit times [6]. - The company plans to invest $725 million in its engine manufacturing facility in Lafayette, IN, to improve workforce skills and meet rising demand for power generation engines [6]. - CAT's shares have increased by 60.6% over the past year, with earnings growth expected to be 19% in 2026 [8]. Company Focus: EnerSys (ENS) - EnerSys is relocating battery production to Kentucky to avoid tariffs and leverage IRA tax credits, ceasing operations in its Mexican facility [10]. - The company anticipates benefiting from the IRA, expecting its products to qualify for tax credits, which will support its high-density battery portfolio expansion [11]. - ENS shares have risen 62.6% in the past year, with projected earnings growth of 20.7% for fiscal 2027 [12]. Company Focus: GE Aerospace - GE Aerospace is investing $1 billion in U.S. manufacturing to enhance production capabilities and meet growing demand for engines and services [13][16]. - This investment is expected to create approximately 5,000 jobs in the U.S. and focuses on improving engine quality and delivery [16]. - GE's shares have surged 87.5% over the past year, with earnings growth projected at 13.1% for 2026 [17].

Group 1 - EnerSys (ENS) has shown strong year-to-date performance, returning approximately 63.4% since the start of the calendar year, significantly outperforming the average gain of 7.3% in the Industrial Products sector [4] - The Zacks Rank for EnerSys is currently 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on earnings estimates and revisions [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EnerSys' full-year earnings has increased by 5.3% over the past quarter, reflecting improving analyst sentiment [3] Group 2 - EnerSys is part of the Manufacturing - Electronics industry, which consists of 15 companies and is currently ranked 34 in the Zacks Industry Rank, with stocks in this group gaining about 2.6% year-to-date [5] - Another company in the Industrial Products sector, Flowserve (FLS), has also performed well, with a year-to-date return of 23.5% and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [4][5] - The Manufacturing - General Industrial industry, which includes Flowserve, has 41 stocks and is ranked 98, with an average gain of 9.8% since the beginning of the year [6]

Market Overview - The U.S. stock market experienced a slight decline on December 26, 2025, primarily due to low trading volume following the Christmas holiday, with many institutional investors absent for the year [1] - Major indexes such as the S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq saw small dips, ending short winning streaks observed earlier in the week [1][9] Investment Strategy - During the holiday season, equity investors may favor dividend-growth stocks over high price-growth stocks, as companies with a consistent history of dividend increases often exhibit strong financial health [2] - Dividend-growth stocks provide a defensive hedge against economic uncertainty and market volatility, making them attractive during periods of low market activity [4] Dividend Growth Stocks - Stocks with a strong history of year-over-year dividend growth are considered healthier investments, offering greater potential for capital appreciation compared to simple dividend-paying stocks [3][6] - Five selected dividend-growth stocks include: - Woodward Inc. (WWD): Expected revenue growth of 11.1% for fiscal 2026, long-term earnings growth rate of 15.20%, and an annual dividend yield of 0.36% [10] - Enersys (ENS): Projected revenue growth of 4% for fiscal 2026, long-term earnings growth rate of 15%, and an annual dividend yield of 0.70% [11] - Donaldson (DCI): Anticipated revenue growth of 3.5% for fiscal 2026, long-term earnings growth rate of 10%, and an annual dividend yield of 1.31% [12] - Rockwell Automation (ROK): Expected revenue growth of 5.8% for fiscal 2026, long-term earnings growth rate of 12.4%, and an annual dividend yield of 1.38% [13] - Vertiv Holdings (VRT): Projected revenue growth of 27.5% for fiscal 2025, long-term earnings growth rate of 30.2%, and an annual dividend yield of 0.15% [14] Stock Selection Criteria - Stocks selected for their strong fundamentals include criteria such as: - 5-Year Historical Dividend Growth Greater Than Zero [6] - 5-Year Historical Sales Growth Greater Than Zero [7] - 5-Year Historical EPS Growth Greater Than Zero [7] - Next 3-5 Year EPS Growth Rate Greater Than Zero [7] - Price/Cash Flow Less Than Industry Median [8] - 52-Week Price Change Greater Than S&P 500 [8]

Core Insights - The global supply chain is anticipated to undergo significant changes by 2026 due to geopolitical tensions, regulatory shifts, and rising cost pressures that have disrupted international trade and increased uncertainty for businesses worldwide [1][2] Group 1: Industry Trends - Manufacturing companies are increasingly focusing on domestic manufacturing, technological advancements, and building resilient supply-chain networks as they prepare for 2026 [2] - This strategic shift is leading to heightened investments in U.S.-based facilities, productivity-enhancing technologies, and regional suppliers [2] Group 2: Key Manufacturing Stocks - Caterpillar Inc. (CAT), EnerSys (ENS), and Honeywell International Inc. (HON) are identified as potential investment opportunities due to their strong positioning for supply-chain diversification into 2026 [3][8] Group 3: Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) - Caterpillar is the largest global construction and mining equipment manufacturer, providing products and services across various sectors [4] - The company is diversifying its supply chain by building a reliable network of suppliers and reducing dependence on a limited number of suppliers [5] - Caterpillar is expanding its U.S. operations, including new facilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and investments in Indiana to enhance workforce skills and engine production [6] - The stock has surged 54.6% in the past year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings revised 3.5% upward over the past 60 days [7] Group 4: EnerSys (ENS) - EnerSys specializes in manufacturing industrial batteries and is realigning its manufacturing footprint by relocating production to the U.S. to reduce tariff exposure [10][11] - The company is engaging minority and veteran-owned suppliers and implementing sustainability initiatives to enhance supply-chain resilience [11] - EnerSys has seen a 56.2% increase in shares over the past year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 earnings revised 5.3% upward [12] Group 5: Honeywell International Inc. (HON) - Honeywell is a diversified technology and manufacturing company with a wide range of products and services [14][15] - The company is diversifying its supply chain by reducing reliance on single suppliers and regions, and implementing dual-sourcing strategies [16] - Despite a 13.2% decline in shares over the past year, Honeywell has rebounded 5.3% in the past month, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings revised 1.4% upward [17]

Core Viewpoint - EnerSys (ENS) is well-positioned to capitalize on robust business across diverse end markets and strategic acquisitions, with shareholder-friendly initiatives enhancing its appeal [1] Business Strength - EnerSys is experiencing growth in its Specialty segment, particularly in aerospace and defense, with a 16% year-over-year revenue increase in Q2 of fiscal 2026 [5] - The Energy Systems segment benefits from the expansion of U.S. communications networks driven by AI data demand, alongside increased industrial customer demand [5] - Global megatrends such as 5G expansion, rural broadband development, energy grid modernization, electrification, automation, and decarbonization are favorable for ENS [5] Solid Product Offerings - The company boasts a strong product portfolio and ongoing innovation, including lithium and fast-charge solutions, with maintenance-free product sales rising 14% year-over-year in Q2 of fiscal 2025 [6] - EnerSys has reinforced its leadership in NexSys Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) products and launched a New Ventures product line for energy storage and management [6] Expansion Initiatives - EnerSys enhanced its product portfolio through acquisitions, notably acquiring Bren-Tronics, Inc. for $208 million in July 2024, which bolstered its position in the military and defense market and expanded its lithium offerings [7] - Acquisitions contributed a 1% increase in sales for ENS in Q2 of fiscal 2026 [7] Rewards to Shareholders - The company is committed to returning value to shareholders, having paid $18.9 million in dividends and repurchased $217.8 million in shares in the first half of fiscal 2026 [8] - EnerSys increased its quarterly dividend by 9% to 26.25 cents per share in August 2025 [8]

Market Overview - Major U.S. stock indices experienced a significant decline on December 12, 2025, primarily driven by sell-offs in technology stocks due to concerns over an AI bubble narrative [1] - Investors reacted negatively to news from Broadcom, which indicated expected margin pressure in its AI business for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, despite exceeding fiscal fourth-quarter earnings estimates [1] Investment Strategy - In the current market environment, equity investors may favor dividend-growth stocks over high price-growth stocks, as companies with a history of raising dividends typically demonstrate strong financial health, providing a defensive hedge against economic uncertainty [2] - Stocks with a strong history of year-over-year dividend growth are suggested to form a healthier portfolio with greater potential for capital appreciation compared to simple dividend-paying stocks or those with high yields [2] Selected Dividend Growth Stocks - Five dividend growth stocks have been identified as potential solid choices for investment: TE Connectivity (TEL), Enersys (ENS), Donaldson (DCI), Lam Research (LRCX), and Leidos Holdings (LDOS) [3][9] - These stocks exhibit positive sales and earnings per share (EPS) growth histories, consistent dividend increases, solid fundamentals, and favorable valuation metrics [9] Characteristics of Dividend Growth Stocks - Stocks with a strong history of dividend growth are typically associated with mature companies that are less vulnerable to market volatility, thus providing a hedge against economic or political uncertainties [4] - These stocks are characterized by superior fundamentals, including sustainable business models, long-term profitability, rising cash flows, good liquidity, strong balance sheets, and value characteristics [5] - Although these stocks may not have the highest yields, they have historically outperformed the broader stock market and other dividend-paying stocks [6] Performance Metrics - Selected stocks must meet specific criteria, including: - 5-Year Historical Dividend Growth Greater Than Zero - 5-Year Historical Sales Growth Greater Than Zero - 5-Year Historical EPS Growth Greater Than Zero - Next 3-5 Year EPS Growth Rate Greater Than Zero [7] - Additional metrics include a Price/Cash Flow ratio less than the industry median and a 52-Week Price Change greater than the S&P 500 [8] Individual Stock Insights - **TE Connectivity (TEL)**: Expected fiscal 2026 revenue growth of 10.2%, long-term earnings growth rate of 12.3%, and an annual dividend yield of 1.23% [10][11] - **Enersys (ENS)**: Projected fiscal 2026 revenue growth of 4%, long-term earnings growth rate of 15%, and an annual dividend yield of 0.71% [11][12] - **Donaldson (DCI)**: Anticipated fiscal 2026 revenue growth of 3.4%, long-term earnings growth rate of 10%, and an annual dividend yield of 1.30% [12] - **Lam Research (LRCX)**: Expected fiscal 2026 revenue growth of 14.1%, long-term earnings growth rate of 20.3%, and an annual dividend yield of 0.65% [13] - **Leidos Holdings (LDOS)**: Projected fiscal 2025 revenue growth of 3.4%, long-term earnings growth rate of 11.6%, and an annual dividend yield of 0.84% [14]

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: EnerSys (ENS) - EnerSys currently holds a Momentum Style Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating strong potential for outperformance [2][3] - The stock has shown significant price appreciation, with a 36.4% increase over the past quarter and a 53.46% rise over the last year, compared to the S&P 500's 5.77% and 13.9% respectively [6] Price Performance - Over the past week, ENS shares increased by 3.6%, while the Zacks Manufacturing - Electronics industry rose by 4.22% [5] - The monthly price change for ENS is 13.33%, outperforming the industry's 1.58% [5] Trading Volume - The average 20-day trading volume for ENS is 513,163 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [7] Earnings Outlook - In the last two months, three earnings estimates for ENS have been revised upwards, raising the consensus estimate from $9.76 to $10.28 [9] - For the next fiscal year, three estimates have also moved higher, with no downward revisions [9] Conclusion - Considering the positive price trends, earnings revisions, and overall momentum, EnerSys is positioned as a solid momentum pick with a Momentum Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [11]