NN Inc. (NNBR) could be a solid choice for investors given its recent upgrade to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). An upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices -- has triggered this rating change.The Zacks rating relies solely on a company's changing earnings picture. It tracks EPS estimates for the current and following years from the sell-side analysts covering the stock through a consensus measure -- the Zacks Consensus Estimate.The power of a changing earnings pic ...

Core Viewpoint - NN, Inc. is set to release its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results on March 4, 2026, after market close, followed by a conference call on March 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. E.T. [1] Financial Results Announcement - The financial results will cover the period ended December 31, 2025 [1] - A conference call will be held the day after the results are released, allowing for direct engagement with stakeholders [1] Conference Call Details - Participants are required to register five to ten minutes prior to the call by dialing the provided numbers [1] - The conference call will be webcast live on the NN, Inc. Investor Relations website, allowing broader participation [2] - A replay of the call will be available on the company's website until March 12, 2027, for those unable to attend live [2] Company Overview - NN, Inc. is a global diversified industrial company specializing in high-precision components and assemblies, leveraging advanced engineering and materials science [3] - The company is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, with facilities across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the effectiveness of value investing as a strategy to identify undervalued stocks, highlighting NN (NNBR) as a strong candidate based on its financial metrics and Zacks Rank [2][3][6] Company Metrics - NNBR has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and an "A" grade in the Value category, indicating it is among the strongest value stocks currently available [3] - The stock has a PEG ratio of 0.60, which is lower than the industry average of 0.68, suggesting it is undervalued relative to its expected earnings growth [4] - NNBR's P/B ratio stands at 1.9, significantly lower than the industry average of 3.39, further indicating its attractive valuation [5] Earnings Outlook - The earnings outlook for NNBR is strong, reinforcing its position as one of the market's strongest value stocks [6]

Group 1: Company Overview - Nordson (NDSN) is a member of the Industrial Products sector, which includes 180 individual stocks and currently holds a Zacks Sector Rank of 8 [2] - Nordson belongs to the Manufacturing - General Industrial industry, which consists of 43 individual stocks and is currently ranked 78 in the Zacks Industry Rank [5] Group 2: Performance Metrics - Nordson has returned approximately 17.5% since the beginning of the calendar year, outperforming the average gain of 13.1% for Industrial Products stocks [4] - The consensus EPS estimate for Nordson's full-year earnings has increased by 2.3% over the past three months, indicating improved analyst sentiment and a stronger earnings outlook [3] Group 3: Comparative Analysis - Another stock in the Industrial Products sector, NN Inc. (NNBR), has also outperformed the sector with a year-to-date increase of 20.3% [4] - The Metal Products - Procurement and Fabrication industry, to which NN Inc. belongs, is currently ranked 14 and has gained 7.4% year to date [6]

Core Viewpoint - The Zacks Metal Products - Procurement and Fabrication industry is well-positioned due to strong demand across various end markets and recent manufacturing sector expansion, with strategic pricing and cost-control initiatives expected to help maintain margins despite tariff impacts [1][4]. Industry Overview - The industry consists of metal processing and fabrication service providers that transform metal into parts and components used in various sectors, employing processes such as forging, stamping, and welding [3]. - Key raw materials include plate metal, formed metal, tube stock, and welding wire, serving markets like construction, aerospace, automotive, and electronics [3]. Current Trends - The manufacturing index returned to expansion with a reading of 52.6% in January 2026, and the New Orders Index showed growth at 57.1%, indicating a recovery in the industry [4]. - Companies are implementing strategic pricing adjustments and cost-reduction initiatives to counter rising labor, freight, and fuel costs, while diversifying supplier bases to mitigate tariff impacts [5]. Future Growth Catalysts - Emphasis on automation and cost-effective technical solutions is expected to drive future growth, supported by innovation and product development [6]. - Growth in end-use sectors like manufacturing and aerospace, along with industrialization in developing economies, presents long-term demand opportunities [6]. Industry Performance - The Zacks Metal Products - Procurement and Fabrication industry ranks 55, placing it in the top 23% of 244 Zacks industries, indicating positive near-term prospects [7]. - Over the past year, the industry has grown by 50%, outperforming its sector's 15.5% rise and lagging behind the Zacks S&P 500 composite's 17.3% increase [9][10]. Valuation Metrics - The industry currently trades at a trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA ratio of 10.79X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 19.05X and the Industrial Products sector's 19.78X [13]. - Historical trading ranges show the industry has fluctuated between 4.58X and 13.46X over the past five years, with a median of 7.76X [18]. Company Highlights - **TriMas Corp. (TRS)**: The company is focusing on its packaging segment, benefiting from strong demand and product innovation, with a projected 20.2% year-over-year earnings growth for fiscal 2026 [19][20]. - **GrafTech International (EAF)**: The company reported a 9% year-over-year sales volume increase, with a strong focus on the U.S. market and an expected 8-10% sales volume growth for 2025 [23][24]. - **NN Inc. (NNBR)**: The company is on track for record adjusted EBITDA and has a strong pipeline of new programs, with a projected long-term earnings growth of 45% [26][27].

Core Viewpoint - NN Inc. (NNBR) is currently viewed as a more attractive investment option compared to Esab (ESAB) for value investors due to its superior valuation metrics and earnings estimate revision activity [1][3][7]. Valuation Metrics - NNBR has a forward P/E ratio of 10.86, significantly lower than ESAB's forward P/E of 20.52 [5]. - The PEG ratio for NNBR is 0.24, indicating a more favorable valuation in relation to its expected earnings growth, while ESAB's PEG ratio stands at 2.10 [5]. - NNBR's P/B ratio is 1.54, compared to ESAB's P/B ratio of 3.39, further highlighting NNBR's undervaluation [6]. Analyst Outlook - NNBR holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), reflecting a positive earnings estimate revision trend, whereas ESAB has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3][7]. - The stronger estimate revision activity for NNBR suggests a more favorable analyst outlook compared to ESAB [3][7]. Value Grades - NNBR has been assigned a Value grade of A, indicating strong undervaluation metrics, while ESAB has received a Value grade of D [6].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of value investing as a strategy to identify strong stocks in various market conditions [2] - NN (NNBR) is highlighted as a notable stock for value investors, currently holding a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) and a Value grade of A [3] Company Metrics - NNBR has a PEG ratio of 0.60, which is lower than the industry average PEG of 0.83, indicating potential undervaluation [4] - The company has a P/B ratio of 1.9, significantly lower than the industry average P/B of 3.44, suggesting an attractive valuation [5] - Over the past 12 months, NNBR's P/B has fluctuated between a high of 2.33 and a low of 1.22, with a median of 1.79 [5] - The combination of NNBR's strong earnings outlook and its key metrics supports the conclusion that the stock is likely undervalued [6]

Core Viewpoint - NN, Inc. has appointed Ted White to its Board of Directors, enhancing its governance and strategic capabilities to drive shareholder value [1][2][3] Group 1: Appointment and Governance - Ted White, co-founder and Managing Director of Legion Partners Asset Management, brings extensive institutional investment and corporate governance experience to the Board [2][5] - His role will include participation in the Board's Strategic Committee, which focuses on evaluating strategic and financing alternatives to enhance shareholder value [2][3] - The appointment follows constructive engagement with another major shareholder, Corre Partners Management, which supports White's addition to the Board [3] Group 2: Company Background - NN, Inc. is a global diversified industrial company that specializes in engineering and manufacturing high-precision components and assemblies [1][7] - The company operates facilities across North America, Europe, South America, and China, indicating a broad international presence [7] Group 3: Cooperation Agreement - A Cooperation Agreement has been established between NN, Inc. and Legion Partners, which includes customary standstill and voting commitments [4]

Core Viewpoint - Investors are evaluating NN Inc. (NNBR) and Esab (ESAB) to determine which stock offers better value opportunities in the Metal Products - Procurement and Fabrication sector [1] Group 1: Zacks Rank and Earnings Estimates - NN Inc. has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings estimate revision trend, while Esab has a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [3] - The earnings estimate revision activity for NNBR is more impressive, suggesting a favorable analyst outlook compared to ESAB [3] Group 2: Valuation Metrics - NNBR has a forward P/E ratio of 9.43, significantly lower than ESAB's forward P/E of 20.19 [5] - NNBR's PEG ratio is 0.21, indicating better value relative to its expected earnings growth, while ESAB's PEG ratio is 2.07 [5] - NNBR's P/B ratio stands at 1.34, compared to ESAB's P/B of 3.34, further highlighting NNBR's relative undervaluation [6] Group 3: Value Grades - NNBR has earned a Value grade of A, while ESAB has a Value grade of D, indicating that NNBR is viewed more favorably by value investors [6] - The combination of Zacks Rank and Style Scores suggests that NNBR is the better investment option at this time [6]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of value investing, which focuses on identifying undervalued companies through fundamental analysis and traditional valuation metrics [2] Company Analysis - NN (NNBR) is highlighted as a strong candidate for value investors, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and an A grade in the Value category [3] - NNBR has a PEG ratio of 0.60, which is lower than the industry average of 0.76, indicating potential undervaluation [4] - The company has a P/B ratio of 1.9, significantly lower than the industry average of 3.15, suggesting that NNBR is trading at a favorable valuation compared to its peers [5] - Overall, NNBR's strong value metrics and positive earnings outlook position it as an attractive investment opportunity [6]