Core Insights - Five stocks have been added to the Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) List, indicating strong potential for investment returns Group 1: Company Performance - HudBay Minerals (HBM) has seen a 9.1% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - GigaCloud Technology Inc. (GCT) has experienced a 6.5% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Weatherford International (WFRD) has reported a 6% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Maximus (MMS) has seen a 6% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3] - Jackson Financial (JXN) has experienced a 4.8% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3]

Maximus is up significantly the past three months, up almost 30% and 20% YTD. The momentum can be explained by consistent growth and profitability. It is clear that Maximus have cosistent top-and bottom line growth. Maximus's business model is resilientHi, my name is Sander Pettersen Heio, I am from Norway. My primary focus is on foreign stocks, particularly within the Nordic market, where I analyze companies across various industries, from stable blue-chip firms to emerging market leaders. In addition to N ...

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of sales growth over traditional earnings metrics for evaluating stocks, especially in volatile market conditions [2][3][10] - A selection of stocks with strong sales growth and cash flow is recommended, including Universal Health Services, Methanex, Arista Networks, Voya Financial, and Maximus [2][10][12] Sales Growth as a Metric - Sales growth is preferred as it reflects actual demand for a company's products or services, providing better visibility into the durability of the business model [3][5] - Companies that can expand their sales during economic stress demonstrate pricing power and competitive advantages [3][5] Earnings Limitations - Earnings can be misleading due to one-off charges, cost-cutting, and accounting adjustments, making them less reliable indicators of a company's trajectory [4] Cash Flow and Financial Flexibility - Sustained sales growth leads to stronger cash flows, allowing companies to reinvest in innovation, expand markets, or return capital to shareholders without excessive debt reliance [5] Stock Selection Criteria - Stocks are shortlisted based on criteria such as 5-Year Historical Sales Growth greater than industry average and Cash Flow exceeding $500 million [6] - Additional metrics include P/S Ratio, % Change in Sales Estimate Revisions, Operating Margin, Return on Equity, and Zacks Rank [7][8][9] Recommended Stocks - Universal Health Services (UHS) is expected to have a sales growth rate of 8.5% in 2025 and holds a Zacks Rank of 2 [11][12] - Methanex (MEOH) anticipates a sales growth rate of 5.6% in 2025 with a Zacks Rank of 1 [12] - Arista Networks (ANET) is projected to achieve a sales growth of 25.4% in 2025 and has a Zacks Rank of 2 [13] - Voya Financial (VOYA) expects a sales growth of 16.1% in 2025, also holding a Zacks Rank of 2 [14] - Maximus (MMS) forecasts a sales growth of 2.7% in fiscal 2025 and has a Zacks Rank of 1 [15]

Core Viewpoint - Maximus (MMS) has shown strong performance year-to-date and is positioned to maintain this momentum, making it a compelling addition to investment portfolios [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - MMS shares have increased by 17.5% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the Government Services industry, which has seen a decline of 5% [2][8] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong market confidence [3] Group 2: Earnings and Growth Prospects - Maximus has a positive earnings surprise history, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 29.3% [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Maximus's 2025 revenues is $5.45 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 2.74%, while the earnings estimate is $7.41, indicating a 21.28% increase [4][8] Group 3: Competitive Edge and Financial Health - The company achieved CMMC Level 2 certification in August 2025, enhancing its credibility in defense and national security sectors by meeting stringent cybersecurity standards [5] - MMS's current ratio at the end of Q3 fiscal 2025 was 2.27, well above the industry average of 1.35, suggesting strong liquidity and ability to meet short-term obligations [6] Group 4: Dividend History - Maximus has consistently paid dividends over the past four fiscal years, with payouts of $68.8 million, $68.7 million, $68 million, and $72.9 million, reflecting the company's commitment to shareholder value [9]

Group 1 - The company Maximus has announced an expansion of its common stock repurchase program, now authorized to buy back up to a total of $400 million in shares [1] - This new authorization includes the remaining $32.7 million from its previous repurchase program [1]

Core Viewpoint - Maximus has authorized an expansion of its stock purchase program to a total of $400 million, indicating confidence in its financial position and commitment to returning value to shareholders [1] Company Summary - The new stock purchase program includes approximately $32.7 million of remaining availability from the existing program, suggesting a strategic approach to capital allocation [1] - Maximus plans to purchase shares opportunistically at prevailing market prices, utilizing methods such as open market transactions and 10b5-1 plans, which allows for systematic buying [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group normalized revenue increased by 3% to AUD 541.6 million, with a notable 8% growth in the second half compared to the first half [4][13] - Normalized net profit after tax (NPATA) was AUD 103.2 million, down 4.1% year-on-year, while statutory net profit after tax rose by 6.4% to AUD 95.8 million [14][26] - The cost-to-income ratio improved by 230 basis points in the second half compared to the first half, with a full-year ratio of approximately 58.7% [5][42] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group Remuneration Services (GRS) revenue was slightly up at AUD 293.4 million, with novated lease sales growing by 4.1% [16] - Asset Management Services (AMS) revenue increased by 4.3% to AUD 185.5 million, with written down value rising by 6.4% [21] - Participant numbers in the PSS segment grew by 10.5%, with revenue up 11.5% to AUD 56.5 million [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The EV percentage of new novated sales peaked at 56% in Q3 before stabilizing around 45% in Q4 [17] - The number of employees in the SME and corporate segments increased by 15.8%, contributing to 29% of total novated sales in FY 2025 [19] - NDIS participant growth was strong at 11.8%, with the government focusing on managing cost growth [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be a trusted partner providing simple solutions across its segments, focusing on customer experience, technology enablement, and process simplification [7][10] - Key investment areas include digital and service excellence, data-driven insights, AI and automation, process simplification, and expanding the partner ecosystem [9][10] - The company is committed to sustainability, supporting the transition to a low carbon economy through initiatives like the On the Go EV charge card [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The company enters FY 2026 with strong business momentum and expects stable auto supply and used car values [33] - Cash rates are anticipated to decrease as inflation moderates, which should support customer confidence [34] - The company expects continued growth from new client wins and buoyant novated orders, alongside benefits from strategic investments [34] Other Important Information - The company invested AUD 20.8 million in growth and productivity, with AUD 6.1 million classified as nonrecurring costs [13][26] - The company maintained a strong balance sheet with no debt maturities due in the next twelve months, following a successful AUD 300 million private placement [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you unpack the drivers for the improvement in novated yield? - The improvement was largely due to a higher proportion of plug-in hybrids at higher price points and a larger proportion of new vehicles being financed [37] Question: Is the 4.7% of novated leases in Olli incremental business? - Most of the new customers acquired through Olli are in employee brackets of 20 to 200, which was not previously targeted [40] Question: What should be expected for the cost-to-income ratio in FY 2026? - A fair assessment for FY 2026 would be around the 57% mark, with expectations for further benefits from productivity investments [42][44] Question: Will onboard finance be a positive contributor to NPATA for FY 2026? - It is expected to be neutral for FY 2026 but positive thereafter [45][46] Question: How will the removal of setup fees impact margins in PSS? - There will be a downward movement in margins in 2026 due to the removal of setup fees, but automation investments are expected to improve margins over time [52] Question: What is the outlook for GRS contract renewals? - Approximately 10% of the portfolio is up for renewal in the next eighteen months, with a strong pipeline for new opportunities [83]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group normalized revenue increased by 3% to AUD 541.6 million, with normalized unpata at AUD 103.2 million, down 4.1% year-on-year [4][14][26] - Statutory net profit after tax rose by 6.4% to AUD 95.8 million, while normalized return on capital employed increased to 63.4% [6][14][26] - The cost to income ratio improved by 230 basis points in the second half compared to the first half, with a full-year ratio of approximately 58.7% [5][44][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group Remuneration Services (GRS) segment saw normalized revenue slightly up to AUD 293.4 million, with novated lease sales growing by 4.1% [16][17] - Asset Management Services (AMS) revenue increased by 4.3% to AUD 185.5 million, with written down value up 6.4% [22] - Participant numbers in the Plan and Support Services (PSS) segment grew by 10.5% organically, with total customers increasing by 21.5% to over 42,600 [23][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The EV percentage of new novated sales reached 56% in Q3 before returning to around 45% in Q4, consistent with previous periods [18][19] - Demand and momentum remained strong, with order growth of 11.3% in June and July compared to the same period last year [18] - The company reported a strong customer growth across all segments, particularly in the SME segment [4][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be a trusted partner providing solutions that simplify processes, focusing on customer experience, technology enablement, and broadening its ecosystem of partners [7][10] - Investments in digital solutions, AI, and automation are central to enhancing customer experience and operational productivity [8][10] - The Simply Stronger program has been completed, with expectations of improved customer experiences and productivity gains [13][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The company expects auto supply and used car values to remain stable, with continued growth in new client wins and NDIS participant growth supporting customer growth across all segments [33][35] - Management anticipates benefits from strategic investments and the removal of non-recurring costs in FY 2026 [35][36] - The company remains optimistic about growth opportunities despite the removal of setup fees impacting margins in the PSS segment [56][72] Other Important Information - The company executed a successful AUD 300 million private placement, enhancing investor diversity and lowering funding costs [6][21] - The Onboard Finance segment's normalization concluded in FY 2025, with expectations of neutral contributions in FY 2026 [47][52] - The company maintained a strong balance sheet with no maturities due in the next twelve months, providing flexibility for growth [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you unpack the drivers for the improvement in novated yield? - The improvement was largely due to a higher proportion of plug-in hybrids at higher price points and improvements in insurance related to residual risk [39][40] Question: Is the 4.7% of novated leases through Olli incremental business? - Most of the new customers acquired through Olli are in employee brackets of 20 to 200, which was not previously targeted [41][42] Question: What should be expected for the cost to income ratio in FY 2026? - A fair assessment for FY 2026 would be around the 57% mark, with further benefits expected from productivity investments [44][46] Question: Will onboard finance be a positive contributor to NPATA for FY 2026? - It is expected to be neutral for FY 2026, with positive contributions anticipated thereafter [47][48] Question: How do you view margin within PSS with the new acquisition? - There will be a bit of downward movement on the margin in 2026, but automation and process improvements are expected to help recover margins over time [55][56] Question: What is the outlook for GRS contract renewals? - Approximately 10% of the portfolio is up for renewal over the next eighteen months, with a strong pipeline for new opportunities [86][87]

For personal use only Disclaimer and important information Disclaimer and important notice This presentation has been prepared by McMillan Shakespeare Limited ABN 74 107 233 983 ("MMS"). It contains summary information about MMS and its subsidiaries and their activities current as at the date of this presentation. The presentation contains selected information and does not purport to be all inclusive or to contain information that may be relevant to a prospective investor. No reliance may be placed on MMS f ...

Core Viewpoint - Maximus, Inc. (MMS) shows potential as a stock pick due to a recent "golden cross" event, indicating a bullish trend reversal [1][4]. Technical Analysis - A "golden cross" occurs when a short-term moving average (50-day) crosses above a long-term moving average (200-day), suggesting a potential bullish breakout [2]. - The successful formation of a golden cross involves three stages: a price bottom, the crossover of moving averages, and the maintenance of upward momentum [3]. Stock Performance - MMS shares have increased by 20.4% over the past four weeks, indicating strong upward movement [4]. - The company currently holds a 1 (Strong Buy) rating on the Zacks Rank, suggesting further breakout potential [4]. Earnings Outlook - There have been no cuts to earnings estimates for the current quarter, with one revision higher in the past 60 days, indicating a positive earnings outlook [4]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MMS has also increased, reinforcing the bullish sentiment [4][6]. Investment Consideration - The combination of positive earnings estimate revisions and the recent technical breakout positions MMS as a stock to watch for potential gains in the near future [6].