It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both. The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens. Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores. Wha ...

Investors interested in Construction stocks should always be looking to find the best-performing companies in the group. Owens Corning (OC) is a stock that can certainly grab the attention of many investors, but do its recent returns compare favorably to the sector as a whole? Let's take a closer look at the stock's year-to-date performance to find out. Owens Corning is one of 94 individual stocks in the Construction sector. Collectively, these companies sit at #1 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector ...

Company Performance - Owens Corning's shares have increased by 7.6% over the past month and reached a new 52-week high of $181.6, with a year-to-date gain of 22.3% compared to 10% for the Zacks Construction sector and 11.1% for the Zacks Building Products - Miscellaneous industry [1] - The company has consistently exceeded earnings expectations, reporting EPS of $3.59 against a consensus estimate of $3.04 in its last earnings report [2] - For the current fiscal year, Owens Corning is projected to achieve earnings of $15.48 per share on revenues of $11.23 billion, reflecting a 7.35% increase in EPS and a 16.03% increase in revenues [3] Valuation Metrics - The stock trades at 11.7X current fiscal year EPS estimates, below the peer industry average of 19.1X, and at 8.4X trailing cash flow compared to the peer group's average of 12.9X [7] - The company has a PEG ratio of 5.4, indicating it is not among the top value stocks [7] Zacks Rank and Style Scores - Owens Corning holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) due to rising earnings estimates, aligning with the recommendation for investors to select stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B [8] - The company has a Value Score of B, a Growth Score of C, and a Momentum Score of D, resulting in a combined VGM Score of B [6] Industry Comparison - The Building Products - Miscellaneous industry is performing well, ranking in the top 18% of all industries, providing favorable conditions for both Owens Corning and its peer Frontdoor Inc. [11] - Frontdoor Inc. also has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and has shown strong earnings performance, beating consensus estimates by 115% [10]

Company Overview - Owens Corning manufactures products for residential and commercial buildings, including roofing, insulation, and fiberglass composites, with annual sales nearing $10 billion [3] - The company operates in three segments: Roofing, Insulation, and Composites, catering to various markets including building products and renewable energy [4] Financial Performance - The company experienced double-digit growth across all segments in 2021 and 2022, but faced a decline in demand for Insulation and Composites in 2023, offset by a 10% sales growth in the Roofing segment [5] - Owens Corning has a history of increasing its annual dividend from 64 cents in 2014, with significant increases of 35%, 49%, and 15% from 2021 to 2023 [6][10] Dividend Growth - The company has a decade-long record of dividend growth, making it less likely to cut or eliminate dividends in the future [7] - Current dividend yield stands at 1.32%, reflecting the trade-off between current yield and rapid dividend growth [6] Stock Performance - The stock recently broke out to new highs on May 24th, indicating institutional accumulation, with a more than 65% increase since late October [2][8] - The market is currently in an uptrend, and the breakout was supported by above-average volume, suggesting potential for continued upward movement [9][10]

Core Viewpoint - Owens Corning has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which significantly influence stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Performance - The Zacks rating system emphasizes the correlation between changes in earnings estimates and stock price movements, suggesting that rising earnings estimates can lead to higher stock prices [4][6]. - For Owens Corning, the expected earnings per share for the fiscal year ending December 2024 is $15.48, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 7.4% [8]. Analyst Sentiment and Market Position - Analysts have raised their earnings estimates for Owens Corning, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by 9.5% over the past three months [8]. - The upgrade to Zacks Rank 1 places Owens Corning in the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks, indicating strong potential for near-term stock price appreciation [11]. Zacks Rating System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks based on earnings estimate revisions, with a proven track record of Zacks Rank 1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7][9]. - The system maintains a balanced distribution of ratings, ensuring that only the top 20% of stocks are considered for strong buy recommendations, highlighting their superior earnings estimate revision characteristics [9].

Core Viewpoint - Owens Corning reported strong first-quarter 2024 earnings, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) and net sales exceeding expectations, despite a decline in sales volumes in certain segments [2][3]. Financial Performance - Adjusted EPS was $3.59, surpassing the consensus estimate of $3.04 by 18.1% and increasing 28% from $2.80 a year ago [3]. - Net sales reached $2.3 billion, beating the consensus mark of $2.26 billion by 1.8%, but fell 1% year over year from $2.33 billion [3]. Segment Performance - **Composites Segment**: Net sales decreased 11% year over year to $523 million due to lower volumes and price declines, but EBIT margin improved to 9% from 8% [4]. - **Insulation Segment**: Net sales were $904 million, down 2% year over year, with stable demand in North America but challenges in Europe; EBIT margin rose 100 basis points to 18% [5]. - **Roofing Segment**: Net sales increased 7% year over year to $957 million, driven by strong demand for premium products; EBIT margin expanded to 30% [6]. Operating Highlights - Adjusted EBIT and adjusted EBITDA improved 21% and 16% year over year, with both margins expanding by 400 basis points [7]. Balance Sheet - As of March 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents were $1.25 billion, down from $1.62 billion at the end of 2023; long-term debt totaled $2.65 billion [8]. Cash Flow and Shareholder Returns - In Q1 2024, net cash provided by operating activities was $24 million, compared to a net cash outflow of $164 million in the previous year; free cash flow was negative $128 million [9]. - The company returned $182 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, including a cash dividend of $52 million and $130 million in share repurchases [10]. Market Outlook - The company anticipates favorable conditions in North American building and construction markets, with expectations for net sales to align with Q2 2023 levels and EBIT margins around 20% [11][12]. - For 2024, general corporate expenses are projected between $240 million and $250 million, with interest expenses estimated at $70 million to $80 million [13]. Estimate Trends - Recent estimates have shown an upward trend, with a consensus estimate shift of 14.63% [14]. Investment Scores - Owens Corning has an average Growth Score of C and a value grade of B, placing it in the top 40% for the value investment strategy, resulting in an aggregate VGM Score of B [15]. Future Expectations - The upward trend in estimates suggests a promising outlook, with the company holding a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and expectations for above-average returns in the coming months [16].

Core Insights - Three stocks are highlighted with strong momentum characteristics and a buy rank, including Onto Innovation Inc., Southern Copper Corporation, and Owens Corning [1][2][3] Company Summaries - **Onto Innovation Inc. (ONTO)**: - Zacks Rank 1 - Current year earnings estimate increased by 6.6% over the last 60 days - Shares gained 27.8% over the last three months, outperforming the S&P 500's 4.8% increase - Momentum Score of A [1] - **Southern Copper Corporation (SCCO)**: - Zacks Rank 1 - Current year earnings estimate increased by 14.7% over the last 60 days - Shares gained 57.1% over the last three months, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 4.8% increase - Momentum Score of A [2] - **Owens Corning (OC)**: - Zacks Rank 1 - Current year earnings estimate increased by 10.5% over the last 60 days - Shares gained 22.3% over the last three months, also outperforming the S&P 500's 4.8% increase - Momentum Score of B [3]

Company Overview - Owens Corning is a global leader in building materials systems and composite solutions, established in 1938, and recognized for its innovation in glass fiber technology [11] - The company's product offerings include glass fiber used in composite materials for various high-performance markets, including transportation, electronics, marine, infrastructure, wind energy, insulation, and roofing applications [11] Investment Rating - Owens Corning holds a 2 (Buy) rating on the Zacks Rank, indicating a favorable investment outlook [12] - The company has a VGM Score of A, suggesting strong overall performance across value, growth, and momentum metrics [12] Momentum and Earnings Estimates - The Momentum Style Score for Owens Corning is B, with shares having increased by 8.2% over the past four weeks [12] - In the last 60 days, three analysts have revised their earnings estimates upwards for fiscal 2024, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate rising by $1.29 to $15.37 per share [12] - Owens Corning has an average earnings surprise of 17.4%, indicating a history of exceeding earnings expectations [12] Conclusion - With a solid Zacks Rank and high Momentum and VGM Style Scores, Owens Corning is positioned as a strong candidate for investors seeking growth opportunities [13]

Core Insights - Owens Corning is leveraging strong demand in its Roofing business, product innovation, and effective pricing strategies to enhance profitability [1] - The company has seen a significant stock price increase of 64.6% over the past year, outperforming the industry average [2] - Analysts have raised their earnings estimates for 2024, indicating a positive outlook for the company's growth potential [3] Product Innovation - Owens Corning launched 13 new or improved products in Q1 2024, including the PINKWRAP weather-resistant barrier [5] - In 2023, the company introduced 39 new or refreshed products across its divisions, focusing on performance and durability [5] - The expansion into multi-material systems for roofing is expected to enhance offerings and boost margins [5] Inorganic Growth Strategy - The company is pursuing strategic acquisitions to enhance its market position, with a focus on bolt-on acquisitions [6] - A notable acquisition is the planned purchase of Masonite for approximately $3.9 billion, expected to finalize in mid-2024 [7][9] - This acquisition will diversify Owens Corning's portfolio and strengthen its presence in the residential products market [9] Strategic Initiatives - Owens Corning's growth is supported by geographic and product expansion in its Insulation business, including new facilities [10] - The company is diversifying insulation materials for non-residential applications globally, which helped mitigate declines in net sales [11] - In the Composites division, the focus is on higher-value markets and new product lines, enhancing competitiveness [12] Financial Performance - The Roofing segment's net sales increased by 7% year-over-year to $957 million in Q1 2024, driven by strong demand for premium products [14] - EBIT and EBITDA margins improved significantly, reflecting positive pricing and favorable manufacturing costs [14] - The company anticipates continued revenue growth in the Roofing segment for Q2 2024 [14] Valuation - Despite strong performance, Owens Corning's stock is trading at a favorable valuation of 11.2X forward 12-month earnings compared to industry averages [15] - The combination of a solid Roofing business, product innovation, and inorganic growth strategies presents an attractive investment opportunity [15]

Group 1: Momentum Investing Overview - Momentum investing involves following a stock's recent trend, with the aim of buying high and selling higher, capitalizing on established price movements [1] - The Zacks Momentum Style Score helps define momentum characteristics, with Owens Corning (OC) currently holding a Momentum Style Score of B [2] - Style Scores complement the Zacks Rank, which has a strong track record of outperforming the market, with OC having a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [3] Group 2: Owens Corning Performance Metrics - OC shares have increased by 1.14% over the past week, while the Zacks Building Products - Miscellaneous industry has risen by 2.96% [5] - Over the past quarter, OC shares have risen by 25.53%, and by 66.6% over the last year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's increases of 5.3% and 28.9%, respectively [6] - The average 20-day trading volume for OC is 665,165 shares, indicating a bullish sign when combined with rising stock prices [7] Group 3: Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, three earnings estimates for OC have increased, raising the consensus estimate from $14.08 to $15.37 [9] - For the next fiscal year, two estimates have also moved upwards, with no downward revisions during the same period [9] Group 4: Conclusion - Considering the performance metrics and earnings outlook, OC is positioned as a 2 (Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of B, making it a potential short-term investment opportunity [10]