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 for fast-moving stocks, which can lead to investments with limited upside or potential downside [2] - A safer approach may involve investing in bargain stocks that have recently shown price momentum, utilizing tools like the Zacks Momentum Style Score to identify promising candidates [3] Group 2: Par Petroleum (PARR) Analysis - Par Petroleum (PARR) has demonstrated significant price momentum, with a four-week price change of 14.9% and a 49% gain over the past 12 weeks, indicating strong investor interest [4][5] - PARR has a beta of 1.74, suggesting it moves 74% more than the market, which aligns with the characteristics of a momentum stock [5] - The stock has a Momentum Score of B, indicating a favorable time to invest based on momentum trends [6] - PARR has received a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to upward revisions in earnings estimates, which typically attract more investors and drive prices higher [7] - The stock is currently trading at a Price-to-Sales ratio of 0.27, suggesting it is undervalued, as investors pay only 27 cents for each dollar of sales [7] Group 3: Additional Investment Opportunities - Besides PARR, there are other stocks that meet the criteria of the 'Fast-Paced Momentum at a Bargain' screen, presenting additional investment opportunities [8] - The Zacks Premium Screens offer over 45 different strategies tailored to various investing styles, which can help identify potential winning stocks [9]

Core Insights - Major U.S. stock market indices reached record highs as investors anticipate the Federal Reserve's policy decision, with the S&P 500 climbing 0.23% to 6,890.89, briefly surpassing the 6,900 mark for the first time [1][10] - The Federal Reserve is expected to announce a quarter-point rate cut, with potential additional cuts in the future, despite a slight increase in September inflation [2] - Value investing is gaining traction in the current economic uncertainty, focusing on stocks priced below their intrinsic value [3][10] Market Overview - The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all achieved new highs, indicating strong investor sentiment [1] - Analysts believe the Fed will prioritize supporting a softening labor market over controlling inflation, although missing economic data due to the government shutdown may complicate policy signals [2] Investment Strategy - Value investing emphasizes purchasing undervalued stocks, which can provide opportunities for profit as markets often misprice stocks [3] - Companies with solid fundamentals and reasonable valuations are highlighted as potential investment opportunities [4] Earnings Yield Metric - Earnings yield is a key metric for value investors, calculated as (Annual Earnings per Share/Market Price) x 100, and serves as a comparison tool against bond returns [5][6] - A high earnings yield may indicate that a stock is undervalued, while a low yield could suggest overvaluation [5] Stock Screening Criteria - The primary screening criterion is an Earnings Yield greater than 10%, supplemented by estimated EPS growth and average daily volume [7][8] - Additional filters include a current price of at least $5 and a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) for stock selection [9] Selected Value Stocks - Aura Minerals Inc. (AUGO) is focused on gold and base metal projects, with projected earnings growth of 120.3% and 165.6% for 2025 and 2026, respectively [11] - Commercial Metals Company (CMC) anticipates sales and earnings growth of 5% and 73% for fiscal 2026 [12] - Par Pacific Holdings (PARR) projects significant earnings growth of 951% and 24% for 2025 and 2026 [13] - CorMedix Inc. (CRMD) expects earnings growth of 717% and 34% for 2025 and 2026 [14]

Core Viewpoint - Par Pacific Holdings (PARR) is expected to report third-quarter results on November 4, with earnings estimated at $2.21 per share and revenues of $1.9 billion, reflecting significant year-over-year growth in earnings but a decline in revenues [1][6]. Group 1: Previous Quarter Performance - In the second quarter, Par Pacific reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.54, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 74 cents, with revenues also surpassing expectations by 17.2% at $1.9 billion [2]. - The company has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in three of the last four quarters, indicating a generally positive performance trend [3]. Group 2: Earnings Estimates and Revisions - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the third-quarter earnings has been revised upward by 33.9% in the past 30 days, indicating a remarkable 2,310% increase year-over-year [6]. - However, the revenue estimate suggests a 10.9% decrease compared to the same period last year [6]. Group 3: Business Segment Performance - The refining segment remains the strongest profit driver for Par Pacific, achieving a record throughput of 88,000 barrels per day at its Hawaii refinery, with a low production cost of $4.18 per barrel [7]. - The refining income is projected to surge to $133 million in the third quarter, a significant improvement from $20.1 million earned in the previous year [9]. - Conversely, the logistics unit may negatively impact overall results due to cost pressures and limited volume growth, with an expected adjusted EBITDA decline of 11.4% to $29.2 million [10]. Group 4: Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank - The Earnings ESP for Par Pacific is -10.16%, indicating uncertainty in beating estimates for the upcoming quarter [12]. - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), which typically suggests a favorable outlook [12].

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street anticipates a significant year-over-year increase in earnings for Par Petroleum (PARR) despite lower revenues, with the actual results being crucial for stock price movement [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - Par Petroleum is expected to report quarterly earnings of $2.21 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +2310%, while revenues are projected to be $1.91 billion, down 10.9% from the previous year [3]. - The earnings report is scheduled for November 4, and better-than-expected results could lead to a stock price increase, whereas disappointing results may cause a decline [2]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 115% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4]. - However, the Most Accurate Estimate for Par Petroleum is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of -10.16%, suggesting a bearish outlook from analysts [12]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive or negative reading can predict deviations from consensus estimates, but its predictive power is stronger for positive readings [9][10]. - Par Petroleum's combination of a negative Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 1 complicates the prediction of an earnings beat [12]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Par Petroleum exceeded expectations with earnings of $1.54 per share against an estimate of $0.74, resulting in a surprise of +108.11% [13]. - Over the past four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates three times [14]. Industry Context - In the broader industry, PBF Energy is expected to report a loss of $0.69 per share, with a year-over-year change of +54%, and revenues projected at $7.52 billion, down 10.3% [18]. - PBF Energy's consensus EPS estimate has been revised 27.3% higher recently, but it also has a negative Earnings ESP of -5.91%, making predictions of an earnings beat challenging [19][20].

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, aiming to buy high and sell higher, with the expectation that established trends will continue [1] Company Overview: Par Petroleum (PARR) - Par Petroleum currently holds a Momentum Style Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong potential for outperformance [2][3] - The stock has shown significant price increases, with a 33.15% rise over the past quarter and a remarkable 137.2% increase over the last year, compared to the S&P 500's 7.05% and 18.26% respectively [6] Price Performance - Over the past week, PARR shares increased by 6.07%, outperforming the Zacks Oil and Gas - Refining and Marketing industry, which rose by 1.98% [5] - The monthly price change for PARR is 7.4%, significantly higher than the industry's 1.29% performance [5] Trading Volume - PARR's average 20-day trading volume is 1,057,254 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [7] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, four earnings estimates for PARR have been revised upwards, with no downward revisions, leading to an increase in the consensus estimate from $1.83 to $3.89 [9] - For the next fiscal year, four estimates have also moved upwards without any downward revisions [9] Conclusion - Given the strong performance metrics and positive earnings outlook, PARR is positioned as a promising investment opportunity with a Momentum Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [11]

Core Insights - Par Pacific has entered a joint venture with Mitsubishi Corp. and Eneos to produce renewable fuels at its Kapolei refinery, acquiring a 36.5% equity stake for $100 million [3][4] - The new facility is expected to produce approximately 61 million gallons per year of renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel, renewable naphtha, and low carbon liquefied petroleum gases, with completion anticipated by the end of 2025 [6] - Par Pacific's retail operations have seen significant growth, with a nearly $10 million increase in operating income for fiscal 2024 and over 20% year-over-year gains in the second quarter [4][5] Company Developments - The joint venture, named Alohi Renewable Energy, LLC, will allow Par Pacific to lead operations while retaining the majority interest [3] - The initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide reliable fuels to consumers in Hawaii [4] - Par Pacific operates around 89 convenience store locations in Hawaii and approximately 30 more in Idaho and Washington, under various banners [4] Financial Performance - The retail division's success is attributed to strong fuel margins and reduced operating costs [5] - The company has positioned itself as a notable player in the convenience store industry, with its retail arm being recognized as a quieter success story [6]

Core Insights - The third-quarter earnings season has started strongly, particularly driven by the Finance sector, which has positively influenced equity markets despite ongoing economic challenges [1] - A weak labor market has led to increased expectations for the Federal Reserve to continue lowering the benchmark lending rate throughout 2025, further boosting investor sentiment [1] Investment Opportunities - Investors are encouraged to create portfolios aimed at solid returns, with broker recommendations serving as a valuable resource due to brokers' expertise in market dynamics [2] - Notable broker-friendly stocks to monitor include Par Pacific Holdings (PARR), Cooper-Standard (CPS), Bread Financial (BFH), American Airlines (AAL), and CVR Energy (CVI) for their rising estimates and strong fundamentals [2][6] Stock Screening Methodology - A screening process has been established to identify stocks based on improved broker recommendations and upward revisions in earnings estimates over the past four weeks, incorporating the price/sales ratio as a key valuation metric [3][4] - The screening criteria include identifying the top 75 companies with net upgrades, the top 10 stocks with earnings estimate revisions, and the bottom 10% of stocks based on the price/sales ratio [4][5] Company Highlights - Par Pacific Holdings operates an integrated energy platform with a refining capacity of 219,000 barrels per day and has consistently beaten earnings estimates [5][6] - Cooper-Standard is experiencing significant earnings growth, expected to rise by 137.8% year-over-year, driven by advancements in hybrid and electric vehicle technologies [7][8] - Bread Financial benefits from data-driven marketing strategies and solid growth in Card Services, with a Zacks Rank of 3 [8][9] - American Airlines is seeing increased air travel demand and low fuel costs, projecting a 0.5% revenue increase in 2025 [9][10] - CVR Energy is focused on renewable energy and has a Zacks Rank of 3, with a commitment to reducing carbon emissions [10][11]

Industry Overview - Oil prices have been trending lower throughout the year but have recently surged nearly 10% due to new US sanctions on Russian oil exports, affecting major buyers like India and China [1][2] - The escalation in oil prices has sparked a rebound in the energy sector, with companies like Par Pacific and Exxon Mobil showing strong price action and healthy cash flows [2] Exxon Mobil - Exxon Mobil is positioned for a major breakout, with a strong technical setup despite not currently experiencing upward earnings estimate revisions [4] - The company has a free cash flow yield of approximately 6.9%, significantly above its 10-year median of 4.8%, allowing it to fund dividends, repurchase shares, and invest in new projects while maintaining a strong balance sheet [5] - The stock price has been consolidating within a broad trading range for over two years, forming a bull flag pattern, and is currently testing the $117 resistance level [6][7] Par Pacific - Par Pacific has experienced a turnaround in sentiment with upward earnings revisions, earning a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) rating, with analyst estimates increasing by +249% for the next quarter and +113% for the current year [9] - The stock has been coiling within a bullish momentum pattern, and a recent breakout has confirmed the bullish setup that had been developing [10] - Despite the recent surge, Par Pacific remains attractively valued at 10.4x forward earnings, with potential for further upside due to improving fundamentals and favorable industry trends [11] Investment Outlook - The energy sector is showing signs of recovery after nearly two years of sluggish performance, driven by rebounding oil prices, easing financial conditions, and resilient global demand [14] - Exxon Mobil offers a stable investment with strong free cash flow and reliable dividends, while Par Pacific presents higher volatility and return potential, making them complementary options for investors [15]

Core Viewpoint - Par Pacific Holdings has successfully closed a joint venture to construct a renewable fuels facility in Hawaii, marking a significant step in its renewable energy initiatives [1][2]. Company Overview - Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. is headquartered in Houston, Texas, and operates in the energy sector, providing both renewable and conventional fuels to the western United States [3]. - The company has a refining capacity of 219,000 barrels per day across four locations and an extensive energy infrastructure network, including 13 million barrels of storage [3]. - Par Pacific also operates retail brands in Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest and holds a 46% stake in Laramie Energy, LLC, a natural gas production company [3]. Renewable Fuels Facility - The Renewable Fuels Facility is expected to be the largest in Hawaii, with a production capacity of approximately 61 million gallons per year of renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel, renewable naphtha, and low carbon liquefied petroleum gases [2]. - The facility is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year [2]. Joint Venture Details - Mitsubishi Corporation and ENEOS Corporation acquired a 36.5% equity stake in Hawaii Renewables for $100 million, while Par Pacific retains the remaining interest [1]. - Par Pacific will complete and operate the Renewable Fuels Facility through its affiliate, Par Hawaii Refining, LLC [1].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of a proven ranking system that focuses on earnings estimates and revisions to identify winning stocks [1] - Value investing is highlighted as a popular strategy for finding undervalued stocks that offer profit potential [2] - The Zacks Rank and Style Scores system are tools for investors to identify high-quality stocks, particularly in the "Value" category [3] Company Analysis: Par Pacific (PARR) - Par Pacific currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and an A grade for Value, indicating strong investment potential [4] - The stock has a P/E ratio of 9.61, which is lower than the industry average of 10.09, suggesting it may be undervalued [4] - PARR's Forward P/E has fluctuated between 5.93 and 33.91 over the past year, with a median of 15.56 [4] - The P/B ratio for PARR is 1.57, which is attractive compared to the industry's average P/B of 1.87 [5] - Over the past 12 months, PARR's P/B has ranged from 0.58 to 1.63, with a median of 0.80 [5] - The P/S ratio for PARR is 0.24, significantly lower than the industry's average P/S of 0.41, indicating strong sales performance relative to its price [6] - These valuation metrics suggest that PARR is likely undervalued, and combined with its earnings outlook, it presents an impressive value opportunity [7]