Key Takeaways Five stocks cleared a screen for efficiency ratios beating industry averages, narrowing 7,906 names to 16.UNFI stands out as a leading distributor with a 52.10% average four-quarter earnings surprise.ULTA made the list as a leading U.S. beauty retailer with a 15.7% average four-quarter earnings surprise.Efficiency level measures a company’s capability to transform available input into output, and is often considered an essential parameter for gauging its potential to generate profits. A compan ...

Core Viewpoint - Northrim BanCorp (NRIM) is identified as a promising momentum stock with a Momentum Style Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating potential for short-term gains [3][4][12]. Momentum Style Score - The Momentum Style Score incorporates metrics such as price change and earnings estimate revisions, which are essential for evaluating stock performance [2][9]. - NRIM's recent price activity shows a 0.22% increase over the past week, contrasting with a 0.78% decline in the Zacks Banks - West industry [6]. Price Performance - Over the last month, NRIM's shares have increased by 8.57%, outperforming the industry average of 3.45% [6]. - In the past quarter, NRIM shares rose by 23.56%, and over the last year, they increased by 36.46%, while the S&P 500 only moved 3.44% and 18.1%, respectively [7]. Trading Volume - NRIM's average 20-day trading volume is 169,789 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [8]. Earnings Outlook - In the last two months, one earnings estimate for NRIM has increased, raising the consensus estimate from $2.35 to $2.50 for the full year [10]. - For the next fiscal year, one estimate has also moved upwards, with no downward revisions during the same period [10].

Momentum investing revolves around the idea of following a stock's recent trend in either direction. In "long context," investors will be essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." With this methodology, taking advantage of trends in a stock's price is key; once a stock establishes a course, it is more than likely to continue moving that way. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.While many investors like to look for momentum i ...

Core Insights - The U.S. stock indices showed positive performance on December 11, 2025, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average reaching new closing records following a quarter-point interest rate cut by the U.S. central bank on December 10, leading investors to favor equities sensitive to rate cuts over tech stocks [1][2]. Investment Recommendations - Investors are advised to consider low-leverage stocks as safe-haven securities amid concerns over overvalued AI-centric tech stocks. Recommended companies include Casey's General Stores (CASY), Hamilton Insurance Group (HG), Northrip Bancorp (NRIM), REV Group (REVG), and Engie (ENGIY), which exhibit low leverage and stability during market volatility [2][10]. Understanding Leverage - Leverage involves borrowing capital for operational and business expansion, typically through debt financing. While debt can facilitate growth, excessive reliance on it poses risks, especially if returns do not exceed interest costs. Therefore, selecting companies with low debt is crucial for minimizing investment risks [4][5][6]. Debt-to-Equity Ratio Analysis - The debt-to-equity ratio is a key metric for assessing a company's financial risk, with lower ratios indicating better solvency. As the third-quarter 2025 earnings season concludes, investors should focus on stocks with solid earnings growth and low debt-to-equity ratios to ensure steady returns [7][9]. Stock Selection Criteria - A comprehensive screening process for selecting low-leverage stocks includes criteria such as: - Debt/Equity ratio lower than the industry median - Current price of at least $10 - Average 20-day trading volume of 50,000 or more - Positive earnings growth compared to the industry median - VGM Score of A or B, combined with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) [11][12][13]. Company Performance Highlights - **Casey's General Stores (CASY)**: Reported a 3.3% increase in same-store sales and a 14% rise in earnings for Q2 fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate predicts a 9.6% revenue increase and an 11.8% earnings improvement for fiscal 2026, with a Zacks Rank of 2 [14][15]. - **Hamilton Insurance Group (HG)**: Achieved a 16.5% increase in net premiums and improved operating earnings to $1.20 per share from $0.16 in Q3 2024. The Zacks Consensus Estimate forecasts a 20.9% revenue increase and an 8.5% earnings rise for 2025, holding a Zacks Rank of 1 [16][17]. - **Northrip Bancorp (NRIM)**: Completed a $60 million private placement to support growth initiatives. The Zacks Consensus Estimate anticipates a 29.6% revenue increase and a 51.5% earnings rise for 2025, with a Zacks Rank of 1 [18][19]. - **REV Group (REVG)**: Reported a 13% increase in net sales and a 62.7% rise in adjusted EPS for Q4 fiscal 2025. The Zacks Consensus Estimate suggests a 7.3% revenue increase and a 30.4% earnings rise for fiscal 2026, with a Zacks Rank of 2 [20][21]. - **Engie (ENGIY)**: Announced the financial closure of its first offshore wind farm in Poland, with a total planned capacity of up to 390 MW. The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a 31.8% earnings improvement for 2025, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 [22][23].

Core Viewpoint - Northrim BanCorp (NRIM) shares have shown significant upward momentum, driven by positive market sentiment regarding interest rate cuts and strong earnings expectations [2][3]. Company Performance - NRIM shares increased by 6% in the last trading session, closing at $26.34, with notable trading volume [1]. - The stock reached a 52-week high of $26.55, reflecting optimism around a potential 25-basis-point interest rate cut [2]. - The company is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.64 per share, representing a year-over-year increase of 30.6%, with revenues projected at $50.8 million, up 15.8% from the previous year [3]. Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate for NRIM has been revised 6.2% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a positive trend that typically correlates with stock price appreciation [4]. - Empirical research suggests a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements, highlighting the importance of monitoring NRIM's performance [3][4]. Industry Context - NRIM is part of the Zacks Banks - West industry, which has seen a general bullish sentiment among investors, benefiting from the broader market trends [4]. - Another company in the same industry, CVB Financial (CVBF), has also experienced positive performance, closing 3.7% higher at $20.37, with a month-to-date return of 4.9% [4].

Director Thomas Linda C's purchase of 800 shares signals insider confidence in Northrim BanCorp Inc (NASDAQ:NRIM).The stock is experiencing a favorable price trend, with a current price of $26.35, indicating a 6.08% increase.Northrim's market capitalization stands at approximately $582.1 million, showcasing its growth potential and appeal to investors.Northrim BanCorp Inc (NASDAQ:NRIM) is a financial institution that provides a range of banking services. It operates primarily in Alaska, offering personal an ...

Core Points - Northrim BanCorp, Inc. declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share, payable on December 26, 2025, to shareholders of record as of December 18, 2025 [1] - The current dividend yield is 2.55% based on a stock price of $25.05 per share as of December 4, 2025 [2] - In the third quarter of 2025, Northrim reported a net income of $27.1 million, or $1.20 per diluted share, a significant increase from $11.8 million, or $0.52 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2025, and $8.8 million, or $0.39 per diluted share in the third quarter of the previous year [3] Company Overview - Northrim is the holding company of Northrim Bank, which operates 20 branches throughout Alaska and focuses on understanding Alaska's economy with a "Customer First Service" philosophy [4] - The company also has divisions such as Northrim Funding Services, which operates in factoring and asset-based lending in Washington, and wholly-owned subsidiaries including Sallyport Commercial Finance, LLC, and Residential Mortgage, LLC [4]

Core Viewpoint - Investors are increasingly seeking growth stocks that demonstrate above-average growth potential, but identifying such stocks can be challenging due to inherent volatility and risks [1] Group 1: Growth Stock Identification - The Zacks Growth Style Score system aids in identifying promising growth stocks by analyzing real growth prospects beyond traditional metrics [2] - Northrim BanCorp (NRIM) is highlighted as a recommended stock with a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank [2] Group 2: Earnings Growth - Earnings growth is a critical factor for attracting investor interest, with double-digit growth being particularly desirable [4] - Northrim's projected EPS growth for the current year is 51.1%, significantly surpassing the industry average of 12.3% [5] Group 3: Cash Flow Growth - High cash flow growth is essential for growth-oriented companies, allowing them to expand without relying on external funding [6] - Northrim's year-over-year cash flow growth stands at 40.3%, compared to an industry average of -12.6% [6] - The company's historical cash flow growth rate over the past 3-5 years is 10.6%, exceeding the industry average of 4% [7] Group 4: Earnings Estimate Revisions - Positive trends in earnings estimate revisions correlate strongly with stock price movements [8] - Northrim's current-year earnings estimates have increased by 6.6% over the past month, indicating a favorable outlook [9] Group 5: Overall Assessment - Northrim has achieved a Growth Score of B and a Zacks Rank 1, suggesting it is a potential outperformer and a solid choice for growth investors [11]

Core Insights - Investors prioritize businesses that consistently generate profits, with net profit margin being a crucial metric for assessing profitability and operational effectiveness [1][2] Summary by Sections Net Profit Margin - Net profit margin is calculated as Net Profit divided by Sales multiplied by 100, indicating a company's efficiency in converting sales into actual profits [2] - A higher net profit margin reflects better operational strength and cost management, which is essential for rewarding stakeholders and attracting talent [2] Pros and Cons of Net Profit Margin - Net profit margin provides clarity on a company's business model, including pricing policy and cost structure, making it a preferred metric for investors [3] - Limitations include significant variations across industries and complications arising from different accounting treatments, particularly for non-cash expenses [3][4] Winning Strategy - A healthy net profit margin and solid earnings per share (EPS) growth are key elements sought in a business model [5] Screening Parameters - Criteria for screening include a net margin of at least 0%, positive percentage change in EPS, and high broker ratings indicating bullish sentiment [6][7] Company Highlights - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) is the largest provider of dredging services in the U.S., with a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM Score of A [9] - Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (NGS) manufactures natural gas compressors, also holding a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM Score of A [10] - Strattec Security Corporation (STRT) designs and manufactures locks for automotive manufacturers, with a significant upward revision in earnings estimates [11] - Northrim BanCorp, Inc. (NRIM) is a full-service commercial bank, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM Score of A [12] Earnings Estimates - GLDD's 2025 earnings estimate has increased by $0.08 to $1.10 per share, with an average surprise of 65.5% over the last four quarters [10] - NGS's 2025 earnings estimate has risen by $0.14 to $1.62 per share, with an average surprise of 28.9% [11] - STRT's fiscal 2026 earnings estimate has moved up by 23.3% to $5.24 per share, with an average surprise of 83.1% [12] - NRIM's 2025 earnings estimate has been revised upward by $0.15 to $2.50 per share, with an average surprise of approximately 19% [13]

Core Viewpoint - Northrim BanCorp, Inc. has successfully completed a private placement of $60.0 million in 6.875% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2035, aimed at enhancing its regulatory capital ratios and supporting growth initiatives [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Details - The Notes will have a fixed interest rate of 6.875% for the first five years, after which the rate will reset quarterly to the three-month SOFR rate plus 348 basis points [2]. - The net proceeds from the private placement will be utilized for general corporate purposes and to bolster regulatory capital ratios [2]. Group 2: Legal and Advisory Information - A registration rights agreement was established with purchasers of the Notes, allowing for the exchange of the Notes for registered subordinated notes under the Securities Act of 1933 [3]. - Keefe, Bruyette & Woods served as the lead placement agent, while Hovde Group acted as the co-placement agent for the offering [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - Northrim BanCorp is the holding company for Northrim Bank, which operates 20 branches across Alaska and focuses on understanding the local economy [6]. - The Bank also has divisions such as Northrim Funding Services, which provides factoring and asset-based lending, and owns subsidiaries like Sallyport Commercial Finance, LLC and Residential Mortgage, LLC [6].