Core Insights - Investors should conduct a thorough analysis of a company's financial background rather than relying solely on real-time stock numbers to make informed investment decisions [1] - The interest coverage ratio is a critical metric that indicates a company's ability to meet its interest obligations, with a higher ratio suggesting better financial health [4][5] Company Performance - Urban Outfitters, Inc. (URBN) has an impressive interest coverage ratio and has gained 56.2% over the past year, with a projected EPS growth of 22.2% [10][12] - Ingredion Incorporated (INGR) also shows strong performance with a Zacks Rank of 2, a VGM Score of A, and a projected EPS growth of 6.8%, having risen 11% in the past year [10][12] - The Walt Disney Company (DIS) carries a Zacks Rank of 2 and has a projected EPS growth of 16.3%, with a stock increase of 29% in the past year [10][13] - Hudbay Minerals Inc. (HBM) has a robust interest coverage ratio and is projected to have an EPS growth of 43.8%, with shares rising 20.4% in the past year [10][15] Investment Strategy - A favorable investment strategy includes selecting stocks with an interest coverage ratio above the industry average, a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2, and a VGM Score of A or B for optimal results [8][11] - Additional criteria for stock selection include a minimum price of $5, strong historical and projected EPS growth compared to the industry median, and substantial trading volume [9][10]

Core Insights - All three major U.S. stock indices rose on July 17, 2025, driven by positive retail sales data and a decline in unemployment claims [1][2][11] - Better-than-expected earnings from major tech companies like Netflix contributed to investor confidence [2] - The current market environment suggests a favorable outlook for investing in U.S. stocks, particularly in low-leverage companies [3] Economic Indicators - U.S. retail sales increased by 0.6% in June 2025, following a 0.9% decline in May, exceeding market expectations [1][11] - Labor data indicated a decline in unemployment claims, further supporting market optimism [1] Investment Recommendations - Recommended stocks include Novartis (NVS), ResMed Inc. (RMD), Wabtec (WAB), Elbit Systems (ESLT), and Ingredion Inc. (INGR), all of which are characterized by low leverage and strong earnings growth [3][11] - Each of these stocks holds a Zacks Rank 2, indicating a favorable investment outlook [11] Stock Analysis - Novartis reported a 12% year-over-year increase in net sales and a 29% improvement in earnings per share for Q2 2025 [15][16] - ResMed anticipates an 8.1% year-over-year increase in fiscal fourth-quarter sales, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 15.3% [17][18] - Wabtec's sales are expected to grow by 5.3% year-over-year, supported by a long-term earnings growth rate of 16% [19][20] - Elbit Systems forecasts a 13.8% increase in 2025 sales, with a four-quarter average earnings surprise of 21.12% [21] - Ingredion expects a 1% improvement in 2025 sales, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 11% [22][23]

Company Overview - Ingredion Incorporated is a leading global provider of ingredient solutions serving customers in over 120 countries [3] - The company reported annual net sales of approximately $7.4 billion for 2024, focusing on turning grains, fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based materials into value-added ingredient solutions [3] - Ingredion operates innovation centers known as Idea Labs and employs more than 11,000 people to co-create with customers [3] Financial Results Announcement - Ingredion will release its second quarter 2025 financial results on August 1, 2025, before the market opens [1] - A conference call to discuss the financial performance will be hosted by the CEO and CFO on August 1 at 8 a.m. CT [2] - The conference call will be webcast live, and a replay will be available on the company's website [2]

Core Viewpoint - The comparison between Ingredion (INGR) and Celsius Holdings Inc. (CELH) indicates that Ingredion presents a better value opportunity for investors at this time [1]. Group 1: Zacks Rank and Earnings Outlook - Ingredion has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), while Celsius Holdings Inc. has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3]. - Ingredion is likely to have seen a stronger improvement in its earnings outlook compared to Celsius Holdings Inc. recently [3]. Group 2: Valuation Metrics - Ingredion has a forward P/E ratio of 12.00, whereas Celsius Holdings Inc. has a forward P/E of 57.15 [5]. - The PEG ratio for Ingredion is 1.09, while Celsius Holdings Inc. has a PEG ratio of 1.67 [5]. - Ingredion's P/B ratio is 2.18, in contrast to Celsius Holdings Inc.'s P/B of 26.98 [6]. Group 3: Value Grades - Based on various valuation metrics, Ingredion holds a Value grade of A, while Celsius Holdings Inc. has a Value grade of D [6]. - The solid earnings outlook for Ingredion further supports its position as the superior value option compared to Celsius Holdings Inc. [6].

Economic Overview - Consumer confidence index declined to 93 in June, a 5.4-point drop from May's 98.4, and significantly lower than the expected rise to 100 [4][10] - Concerns over job availability and uncertainty regarding President Trump's tariffs contributed to the decline in consumer confidence [5][10] - The labor market differential fell to 11.1 in June from 12.7 in May, marking its lowest point in four years [5] Investment Recommendations - It is advisable to invest in safe-haven defensive stocks from the utility and consumer staples sectors, including Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO), NiSource Inc. (NI), Fortis, Inc. (FTS), Ingredion Incorporated (INGR), and Altria Group, Inc. (MO) [2][10] - These stocks are categorized as low-beta (beta greater than 0 but less than 1) and are expected to provide high dividend yields along with favorable Zacks Ranks [3][10] Company Profiles Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) - Engaged in regulated natural gas distribution and storage, serving approximately 3.3 million customers across eight states [9] - Expected earnings growth rate of 6% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 2.22% [11] NiSource Inc. (NI) - Provides natural gas and electricity to around 3.7 million customers in six states, with one of the largest natural gas distribution networks in the U.S. [12] - Expected earnings growth rate of 7.4% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 2.76% [13] Fortis, Inc. (FTS) - Operates in the electric and gas utility business, primarily in Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean [14] - Expected earnings growth rate of 3.4% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 3.76% [15] Ingredion Incorporated (INGR) - Specializes in nature-based sweeteners, starches, and nutrition ingredients, serving various sectors [16] - Expected earnings growth rate of 6.1% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 2.33% [17] Altria Group, Inc. (MO) - Evolving beyond traditional cigarettes into the smokeless category due to rising health consciousness and regulatory pressures [18] - Expected earnings growth rate of 4.9% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 6.81% [19]

Core Viewpoint - Geopolitical tensions, delayed interest rate cuts, and tariff uncertainties are causing market volatility, despite a slight rebound in consumer confidence [1][4][5] Group 1: Market Conditions - The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates at 4.25% to 4.5%, indicating a cautious approach to rate cuts while monitoring the impact of tariffs on inflation [4] - Policymakers have lowered the 2025 economic growth forecast to 1.4% and increased the core inflation outlook to 3.1% due to tariff-related uncertainties [5] - Ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly between Iran and Israel, are contributing to market volatility, with potential U.S. involvement raising further concerns [6][7] Group 2: Investment Recommendations - In light of market volatility, investing in low-beta defensive stocks from the consumer staples sector is recommended, including Philip Morris International Inc. (PM), Nomad Foods Limited (NOMD), Altria Group, Inc. (MO), The Coca-Cola Company (KO), and Ingredion Incorporated (INGR) [2][11] - These stocks are characterized by low beta (greater than 0 but less than 1), high dividend yields, and favorable Zacks Ranks [3] Group 3: Company Profiles - **Philip Morris International Inc. (PM)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 13.7% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank of 2 and a dividend yield of 2.96% [9] - **Nomad Foods Limited (NOMD)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 7.3% for the current year, Zacks Rank 1, and a dividend yield of 3.96% [13] - **Altria Group, Inc. (MO)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 5.3% for the current year, Zacks Rank 2, and a dividend yield of 6.86% [15] - **The Coca-Cola Company (KO)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 3.1% for the current year, Zacks Rank 2, and a dividend yield of 2.95% [17] - **Ingredion Incorporated (INGR)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 6.1% for the current year, Zacks Rank 2, and a dividend yield of 2.34% [19]

Group 1 - The distribution expansion effective from October 1, 2025, will introduce a variety of plant-based and clean label products, including Novation® functional native starches, plant-based proteins, and stevia sweeteners developed by PureCircle by Ingredion to meet consumer demand for clean label ingredients and sugar reduction [1] - Univar Solutions and Ingredion have a longstanding partnership of over 30 years in manufacturing and distributing functional ingredients, which will now expand to 20 countries across the EMEA region [2][3] - The collaboration aims to enhance customer reach and provide consumer-focused innovations across various sectors, including bakery, snacks, dairy, savory, and beverages, leveraging digital capabilities for better service and order management [2] Group 2 - Univar Solutions is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor with a strong logistics network and technical sales force, committed to providing tailored solutions and value-added services across multiple markets [4] - Ingredion Incorporated, headquartered in Chicago, serves nearly 120 countries with annual net sales of approximately $7.4 billion in 2024, focusing on turning plant-based materials into value-added ingredient solutions for various industries [5]

Core Insights - Investors in the Food - Miscellaneous sector may consider Ingredion (INGR) and Danone (DANOY) as potential undervalued stocks [1] Valuation Metrics - Both INGR and DANOY currently have a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating positive earnings estimate revisions and improving earnings outlooks [3] - INGR has a forward P/E ratio of 12.34, while DANOY has a forward P/E of 20.04, suggesting INGR is more attractively priced [5] - The PEG ratio for INGR is 1.12, compared to DANOY's PEG ratio of 6.49, indicating INGR's better valuation relative to its expected earnings growth [5] - INGR's P/B ratio is 2.24, while DANOY's P/B ratio is 2.98, further supporting the argument that INGR is the superior value option [6] - Based on these valuation metrics, INGR holds a Value grade of A, while DANOY has a Value grade of C, highlighting INGR's stronger position in terms of value [6]

Core Viewpoint - Ingredion (INGR) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), reflecting an upward trend in earnings estimates, which significantly influences stock prices [1][2]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in a company's earnings picture, which is a strong indicator of near-term stock price movements [2][3]. - Rising earnings estimates for Ingredion indicate an improvement in the company's underlying business, likely leading to an increase in stock price [4]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with a strong historical performance, particularly for Zacks Rank 1 stocks, which have averaged a +25% annual return since 1988 [6]. - The system maintains a balanced distribution of "buy" and "sell" ratings, ensuring that only the top 20% of stocks receive a "Strong Buy" or "Buy" rating, indicating superior earnings estimate revisions [8][9]. Recent Earnings Estimate Revisions for Ingredion - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Ingredion is expected to earn $11.30 per share, unchanged from the previous year, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 1.6% over the past three months [7].

Core Insights - Wall Street has rebounded from early April lows and is near record highs, driven by optimism in U.S.-China trade negotiations, easing inflation, and strong corporate earnings, although uncertainty regarding Trump's policies remains [2]. Dividend Investing - Investors are increasingly turning to dividend investing for stable returns, as dividends provide consistent income and can mitigate portfolio volatility during uncertain market conditions [3]. - Stocks with a history of dividend growth are preferred, as they belong to mature companies that are less volatile and offer downside protection through consistent payout increases [5]. Selected Dividend Growth Stocks - Five dividend growth stocks identified as compelling investment options are Intuit Inc. (INTU), Fox Corporation (FOX), Qifu Technology Inc. (QFIN), UGI Corporation (UGI), and Ingredion Incorporated (INGR) [4][10]. - These stocks exhibit consistent dividend growth and strong long-term earnings potential, with positive earnings estimate revisions and solid expected earnings growth for the current fiscal year [10]. Stock Selection Criteria - Criteria for selecting dividend growth stocks include: - 5-Year Historical Dividend Growth greater than zero, indicating a solid dividend growth history [7]. - 5-Year Historical Sales Growth greater than zero, reflecting strong revenue growth [8]. - 5-Year Historical EPS Growth greater than zero, showing solid earnings growth history [8]. - Next 3-5 Year EPS Growth Rate greater than zero, indicating expected earnings growth [8]. - Price/Cash Flow less than M-Industry, suggesting undervaluation [9]. - 52-Week Price Change greater than S&P 500, ensuring better performance than the broader market [9]. Company Profiles - **Intuit Inc. (INTU)**: A business and financial software company with an expected earnings growth rate of 18.4% and a Zacks Rank 1 [11]. - **Fox Corporation (FOX)**: A media company with an expected earnings growth rate of 32.4% and a Zacks Rank 2 [13]. - **Qifu Technology Inc. (QFIN)**: A Credit-Tech platform in China with an expected earnings growth rate of 25.3% and a Zacks Rank 2 [14]. - **UGI Corporation (UGI)**: An energy products distributor with an estimated growth rate of 2.29% and a Zacks Rank 2 [16]. - **Ingredion Incorporated (INGR)**: An ingredients solutions provider with an estimated earnings growth rate of 5.2% and a Zacks Rank 2 [17].