Key Takeaways LPL Financial posts Q2 EPS of $4.51, beating estimates and rising 16% year over year.Revenues surged 31% to $3.84B, aided by brokerage and advisory asset growth.Total client cash balances rose 15% to $50.6B, while total assets hit $17.47B.Shares of LPL Financial (LPLA) gained 3.1% in after-hours trading following the release of better-than-expected second-quarter results. Adjusted earnings of $4.51 per share handily outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.21. The bottom line also grew 16% ...

Investors with an interest in Computer - Peripheral Equipment stocks have likely encountered both LG Display (LPL) and Logitech (LOGI) . But which of these two stocks presents investors with the better value opportunity right now? Let's take a closer look.We have found that the best way to discover great value opportunities is to pair a strong Zacks Rank with a great grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system. The proven Zacks Rank puts an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions, w ...

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on "buying high and selling higher" rather than traditional strategies of "buying low and selling high" [1] Group 1: Momentum Investing Strategy - Momentum investors often face challenges in determining the right entry point, as stocks may lose momentum when their valuations exceed future growth potential [2] - Investing in bargain stocks that exhibit recent price momentum can be a safer strategy, utilizing tools like the Zacks Momentum Style Score to identify potential opportunities [3] Group 2: LG Display (LPL) Analysis - LG Display (LPL) has shown a four-week price change of 10.1%, indicating strong investor interest [4] - Over the past 12 weeks, LPL's stock has gained 26.8%, with a beta of 1.44, suggesting it moves 44% more than the market [5] - LPL has a Momentum Score of A, indicating a favorable time to invest based on momentum [6] Group 3: Earnings Estimates and Valuation - LPL has received upward revisions in earnings estimates, earning a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), which is associated with strong momentum effects [7] - The stock is currently trading at a Price-to-Sales ratio of 0.19, suggesting it is undervalued, as investors pay only 19 cents for each dollar of sales [7] Group 4: Additional Investment Opportunities - Besides LPL, there are other stocks that meet the criteria of the 'Fast-Paced Momentum at a Bargain' screen, presenting further investment opportunities [8] - The Zacks Premium Screens offer over 45 different strategies tailored to help investors find winning stock picks [9]

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Financial Data and Key Indicators Changes - In Q2 2025, sales declined by 8% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) to KRW 87 trillion, representing a 17% year-over-year (YoY) decline due to the seasonal off-peak period for smartphones and the termination of the LCD TV business [3][4] - Operating profit posted a loss of KRW 116 billion, influenced by the stronger Korean won and the end of the LCD TV business [3] - Cumulative sales for the first half of the year amounted to KRW 11.652 trillion, with an operating loss of KRW 82.6 billion, although operating loss improved by KRW 480.5 billion YoY [4] - Net income turned positive at KRW 89.8 billion, driven by improved foreign exchange gains and non-operating income [4] - EBITDA for Q2 stood at KRW 1.054 trillion, maintaining an EBITDA margin of approximately 19% for the seventh consecutive quarter [4] Business Line Data and Key Indicators Changes - Q2 shipment area decreased by 26% QoQ due to the termination of the LCD TV business, aligning with guidance of a mid-twenty percent decrease [5] - Average Selling Price (ASP) per square meter increased by 32% QoQ to $10.56, attributed to the exit from the LCD TV business [5] - TV revenue accounted for 20% of total sales, down two percentage points QoQ, while mobile and others declined to 28% due to weak panel shipments [6] - The automotive segment grew to 10% of total revenue, with the OLED portion increasing to 56% [7] Market Data and Key Indicators Changes - The smartphone business showed a meaningful shipment growth of over 20% YoY, with expectations to outperform last year's full-year performance [26] - The medium panel IT OLED segment is expected to address new high-end market demand, while the demand for medium-sized panel products is projected to grow slightly [30] - Large OLED panel shipments are expected to reach the mid-six million range, an increase over the previous year, with continuous growth in both panel shipments and set sales [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to restructuring around OLED technology, focusing on technological differentiation, product quality enhancement, and cost innovation [10][11] - Investment in new OLED technology is planned, with a total investment amount of KRW 1.26 trillion over the next two years [19] - The company aims to solidify its leadership in the premium market with a diverse OLED panel lineup and improve profitability through cost improvements [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties but expressed confidence in performance improvement in the second half of the year [11][22] - The company expects a steep rebound in performance driven by expansion across both large and small OLED panel businesses [11] - Management emphasized the importance of establishing a cost structure that ensures stable profitability despite external changes [35] Other Important Information - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q2 amounted to KRW 1.666 trillion, with a debt ratio of 268% and net debt to equity ratio at 155%, both showing significant decreases [7][8] - CapEx for the year is expected to be in the low KRW 2 trillion range, similar to last year, with a focus on investment efficiency [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: OLED technology investment and future performance - The company is shifting focus from LCD to OLED, with a KRW 1.26 trillion investment planned for new OLED technology over two years [19][20] - Performance improvement is expected to continue, with a commitment to turning a profit for the full year of 2025 [22][23] Question: Smartphone business outlook and tablet OLED panel shipments - The smartphone business is expected to grow, with a meaningful shipment increase planned for the second half [26] - Tablet OLED shipments are anticipated to increase YoY, despite a sluggish global IT market [27][28] Question: Medium panel LCD business strategy and profitability - Demand for medium-sized panels is expected to grow slightly, with a focus on B2B and high-end areas to improve profitability [30][31] Question: Large OLED panel sales outlook and monitor opportunities - Large OLED panel shipments are on track to meet original plans, with expected growth in both panel shipments and set sales [34][35]

Financial Data and Key Indicators Changes - In Q2 2025, sales declined by 8% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) to KRW 87 trillion, representing a 17% year-over-year (YoY) decline due to the seasonal off-peak period for smartphones and the termination of the LCD TV business [5][6] - Operating profit posted a loss of KRW 116 billion, influenced by the stronger Korean won exchange rate and the end of the LCD TV business [5] - Cumulative sales for the first half of the year amounted to KRW 11.652 trillion, with an operating loss of KRW 82.6 billion, although operating loss improved by KRW 480.5 billion YoY [6] - Net income turned positive at KRW 89.8 billion, driven by improved foreign exchange gains and non-operating income [6] - EBITDA for Q2 stood at KRW 1.054 trillion, maintaining an EBITDA margin of approximately 19% for the seventh consecutive quarter [6] Business Line Data and Key Indicators Changes - Q2 shipment area decreased by 26% QoQ due to the termination of the LCD TV business, aligning with guidance of a mid-twenty percent decrease [7] - Average selling price (ASP) per square meter increased by 32% QoQ to $10.56, attributed to the exit from the LCD TV business [7] - TV revenue accounted for 20% of total sales, down two percentage points QoQ, while mobile and others declined to 28% due to weak panel shipments [8] - The IT segment recorded 42% of total sales, reflecting an increase driven by higher LCD IT panel shipments [8] - The automotive segment grew to 10% of total revenue, with the OLED portion of total revenue increasing to 56% [9] Market Data and Key Indicators Changes - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q2 amounted to KRW 1.666 trillion, with a significant decrease in essential operating capital [9] - The debt ratio stood at 268%, with net debt to equity ratio at 155%, representing significant decreases of 40 percentage points and 19 percentage points QoQ, respectively [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to restructuring around OLED technology, enhancing product quality, and reducing costs to strengthen core competitiveness [12][13] - Plans include expanding performance across both large and small/medium OLED panel businesses, with a focus on technological differentiation [13] - The company aims to solidify its leadership in the premium market with a diverse OLED panel lineup and improve profitability through cost innovations [15][16] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties and trade environment volatility but expressed confidence in performance improvement in the second half of the year [12][13] - The company expects a steep rebound in performance driven by broader profit improvements across OLED panel businesses [13] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong financial structure and achieving debt reduction targets ahead of schedule [13] Other Important Information - The company announced a KRW 1.26 trillion investment in new OLED technology, to be executed over the next two years [21][22] - CapEx for the year is expected to be in the low KRW 2 trillion range, similar to last year, with a focus on investment efficiency [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Future business performance related to OLED technology - The company is shifting away from LCD to focus on OLED, with a significant investment in new OLED technology to maintain a technological gap with competitors [20][21] Question: Outlook for smartphone business and panel shipments - The smartphone business is expected to show expanded performance, with a meaningful shipment growth of over 20% YoY [28] Question: Recovery in IT demand and operational plans for medium panel LCD business - Demand for medium-sized panel products is expected to grow slightly, with a focus on B2B and high-end areas to improve profitability [31][33] Question: Full year outlook for large OLED panel sales - Large OLED panel shipments are expected to reach the mid-six million range, with continuous growth in both panel shipments and set sales [35][36]

Financial Performance - Revenues decreased by 8% QoQ to KRW 5,587 billion[4, 13] and 17% YoY[4] - Operating income turned to a deficit of KRW -116 billion[4, 13] - EBITDA decreased by 14% QoQ to KRW 1,054 billion[4, 13] and 18% YoY[4] - Net income turned to profit of KRW 891 billion[4, 13] Shipment and Pricing - Area shipment decreased by 26% QoQ to 4.0 Mm2[7] - ASP per m2 increased by 32% QoQ to USD 1,056[7] Financial Position - Cash and cash equivalents increased to KRW 1,666 billion[10, 15] - Liabilities to Equity Ratio decreased to 268%[10] - Net Debt to Equity Ratio decreased to 155%[10, 15] Cash Flow - Cash flow from operating activities was negative KRW -480 billion[10, 17] - Net change in cash increased by KRW 684 billion[10, 17]

Core Insights - Copper prices have reached new record highs, driven by the impact of U.S. tariffs on imports [1][4] Group 1: Price Trends - The recent surge in copper prices is attributed to increased demand and supply chain disruptions caused by tariffs [1][4] - Record highs in copper prices indicate a significant shift in market dynamics, reflecting broader economic trends [1][4] Group 2: Market Implications - The rise in copper prices may influence various sectors, particularly construction and manufacturing, which rely heavily on copper [1][4] - Investors are closely monitoring these price changes as they could signal potential investment opportunities in related industries [1][4]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Computer-Peripheral Equipment industry includes companies that provide input, output, and storage devices, such as keyboards, mice, LCD panels, smart glasses, and gaming accessories [3] - The industry is characterized by intense competition, driving innovation and product relevance among participants [3] Current Trends - There is a shift in consumer preference from mobile gaming to professional gaming, which is expected to drive growth in the gaming peripherals market [4] - The 3D printing market is seen as a long-term investment opportunity, with increasing adoption across various sectors, including medical and automotive [4] - The expansion into price-sensitive regions like Asia Pacific and the Middle East & Africa is anticipated to enhance growth prospects [5] Demand and Market Dynamics - Improving commercial PC demand is likely to benefit the computer peripherals industry, particularly with the upcoming end of Microsoft's Windows 10 support in October 2025 [6] - The industry is currently facing macroeconomic challenges, including high inflation and interest rates, which are dampening IT spending and consumer demand [2][7] Financial Performance - The Zacks Computer-Peripheral Equipment industry has underperformed the S&P 500 and the broader technology sector, declining by 7.1% over the past 12 months [13] - The industry is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 0.62X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 5.28X and the technology sector's 6.65X [16] Company Highlights - **TransAct Technologies**: Focuses on transaction-based printers and is benefiting from increased demand amid digital transformation. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 indicates a loss of 19 cents per share, an improvement from previous estimates [20][22] - **Immersion**: A leader in haptic technology with a strong patent portfolio, integrated into over three billion devices. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 earnings is 42 cents per share, unchanged over the past 60 days [25][27] - **LG Display**: Manufactures display panels with healthy demand from PC vendors. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings is 25 cents per share, remaining stable over the past 60 days [30][32]

Group 1 - The People's Bank of China has increased its gold reserves for eight consecutive months, with the latest figures showing a rise of 70,000 ounces to a total of 73.9 million ounces as of the end of June [2] - By the end of 2027, China aims to have over 100,000 high-power charging facilities nationwide, focusing on local economic development and the promotion of new energy vehicles [2] - The Shanghai Stock Exchange and the China Securities Index Company will launch several specialized indices on July 21, including the Shanghai Stock Exchange Specialized New Index and the China Securities Specialized New 100 Index [3] Group 2 - A new mandatory national standard for passenger car braking systems will take effect on January 1, 2026, introducing requirements for electric transmission braking systems and emergency braking signals [3] - An international standard for testing scenarios of autonomous vehicle systems has been officially released, detailing evaluation processes and testing methods [4] - The U.S. President has signed an executive order extending the delay for "reciprocal tariffs" until August 1, affecting imports from 14 countries with varying tariff rates [8][5] Group 3 - The U.S. stock market saw declines across major indices, with the Dow Jones down 0.94%, the Nasdaq down 0.92%, and the S&P 500 down 0.79%, impacting stocks of Japanese and Korean companies listed in the U.S. [5] - Companies such as Nissan and Toyota experienced significant stock drops, with Nissan down over 7% and Toyota down nearly 4% [5] - The market sentiment is shifting towards a balanced approach, with a focus on large-cap stocks and potential inflows of incremental capital in July [8][9]