Key Takeaways Finding the top-ranked momentum stocks to buy for October and beyond.Why this soaring, under-the-radar automotive equipment stock is a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).The stock market is trading at new all-time highs in the final full week of September and the third quarter. The recent surge has been driven by a wave of spending across the artificial intelligence ecosystem as investors, big and small, clamor to make sure they don’t get left behind if there is another huge leg up for Wall Street.Som ...

Group 1 - PHINIA's leadership, including President and CEO Brady Ericson and CFO Chris Gropp, is focused on growth outlook, market development, and capital allocation strategy [1] - The company is viewed positively by auto analysts, with a strong portfolio and balance sheet, indicating opportunities for business improvement and valuation enhancement [2] - Automotive sector contributes 27% to PHINIA's total revenues, with expectations of a decline over time, while the aftermarket segment is thriving [3]

Summary of PHINIA FY Conference Call - September 11, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: PHINIA (NYSE:PHIN) - **Industry**: Automotive and Aerospace Components Key Points and Arguments Market Position and Revenue Diversification - PHINIA's revenue from the automotive sector is currently 27% and is expected to decline over time, with a strong performance in the aftermarket segment [5][6] - The company emphasizes its diversified business model, which includes regional and customer diversity, mitigating risks from specific market downturns [6][7] - Aftermarket business constitutes 34% of total revenues, providing stable cash flow during downturns in original equipment manufacturing (OEM) [22] New Market Opportunities - PHINIA is entering new markets such as aerospace and off-highway applications, leveraging existing manufacturing capabilities without significant new capital expenditures [9][10] - The total addressable market for aerospace and off-highway applications is estimated to be as large as the commercial vehicle business globally, indicating substantial growth potential [14][15] - The company anticipates that new markets will contribute mid to high single digits to total revenue by the end of the decade [14] Capital Allocation Strategy - PHINIA has been actively buying back shares, having repurchased close to 20% of its shares since spinning off, as it believes its stock is undervalued [19][20] - The company plans to maintain a conservative capital allocation strategy, focusing on organic growth while remaining open to acquisitions if they align with valuation metrics [20][37] - Free cash flow generation is expected to improve in the second half of the year, with a target of $160 million [37] Industry Trends and Challenges - The commercial vehicle market is currently facing challenges, with low build rates and freight demand impacting growth [33][34] - The company does not foresee a significant pre-buy before the 2027 emissions regulations, indicating a cautious outlook for the near term [35] - PHINIA's engineering spend is primarily focused on application engineering, allowing for flexibility in adapting existing technologies to new markets [17] Technological Advancements - PHINIA is focusing on multi-fuel technology for fuel injectors, adapting to various fuel types as the market evolves [59][62] - The company is investing in AI and automation to enhance production efficiencies and reduce costs, with a focus on targeted projects that deliver value [43][44] Future Outlook - The transition to hydrogen and other alternative fuels is expected to take decades, with meaningful revenue contributions anticipated in the 2030s [80] - PHINIA is optimistic about the long-term viability of combustion engines, projecting their continued relevance in transportation for the foreseeable future [62] Competitive Landscape - The company identifies peers such as Allison Transmission, Timken, and Donaldson Company as relevant comparables in the industrial and aftermarket space [97][102] Additional Important Insights - PHINIA's aftermarket segment is seen as a stabilizing force during market volatility, with a strong brand reputation aiding growth [22][23] - The company is strategically positioned to adapt to changing market demands, including shifts towards cleaner fuels and technologies [86][88] - PHINIA's entry into aerospace is driven by both market demand and its existing technological capabilities, indicating a proactive approach to growth [93][94]

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: Phinia (PHIN) - Phinia 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 a price increase of 0.21% over the past week, while the Zacks Automotive - Original Equipment industry remained flat during the same period [5] - Over the past quarter, Phinia's shares have increased by 37.45%, and by 27.17% over the last year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500, which moved 8.64% and 21.49% respectively [6] Trading Volume - Phinia's average 20-day trading volume is 377,793 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [7] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, three earnings estimates for Phinia have been revised upwards, increasing the consensus estimate from $4.17 to $4.56 [9] - For the next fiscal year, three estimates have also moved upwards with no downward revisions, indicating positive sentiment [9] Conclusion - Given the strong performance metrics and positive earnings outlook, Phinia is positioned as a solid momentum pick with a 1 (Strong Buy) rating and a Momentum Score of B [11]

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on "buying high and selling higher" rather than the traditional "buying low and selling high" approach, aiming for quicker profits [1] Group 1: Momentum Investing Characteristics - Fast-moving trending stocks can be difficult to enter at the right time, as they may lose momentum if future growth does not justify their high valuations [2] - Investing in bargain stocks that have recently shown price momentum can be a safer strategy, utilizing tools like the Zacks Momentum Style Score to identify potential opportunities [3] Group 2: Phinia (PHIN) Stock Analysis - Phinia (PHIN) has shown a four-week price change of 11.6%, indicating growing investor interest [4] - Over the past 12 weeks, PHIN's stock has gained 37.5%, with a beta of 1.53, suggesting it moves 53% more than the market [5] - PHIN has a Momentum Score of B, indicating a favorable time to invest based on momentum [6] Group 3: Earnings Estimates and Valuation - An upward trend in earnings estimate revisions has contributed to PHIN earning a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), as increased analyst interest typically drives stock prices higher [7] - PHIN is trading at a Price-to-Sales ratio of 0.68, suggesting it is undervalued, as investors pay only 68 cents for each dollar of sales [7] Group 4: Additional Investment Opportunities - Besides PHIN, 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 strategies tailored to help investors find winning stock picks [9]

Summary of PHINIA (PHIN) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - PHINIA is a diversified company with approximately $3.4 billion in revenue, specializing in precision machining, fluid management, and electrical components and systems [2] - The company generates about 34% of its revenue from the aftermarket, which includes services, components, and training facilities [2] Core Technology and Differentiation - PHINIA's product offerings include fuel injection systems, fluid management, selective catalytic reduction, and ignition systems, especially after the acquisition of SCM [2] - The company invests around $200 million, or nearly 6% of sales, in R&D, with customers contributing about $100 million annually for calibration and software support, resulting in a net R&D expenditure of approximately 3% [3] Industry Challenges and Innovations - Fuel injection systems are complex, requiring high precision manufacturing in clean room environments, with tolerances as tight as half a micron and pressures reaching 3,000 bar (approximately 45,000 PSI) [5][6] - The company is adapting to challenges posed by fuel quality, including the introduction of biofuels and contaminants [6] Competitive Landscape - The competitive landscape is narrowing, with PHINIA and Bosch being the two major players in the market, while smaller competitors are exiting [9] - PHINIA sees significant opportunities in off-highway and aerospace industries, where competitors are not investing as heavily in R&D [9] Market Demand Trends - The commercial vehicle off-highway business has declined from a peak, while light vehicle markets are softening, though there are signs of recovery in Europe and Asia [18] - The aftermarket segment remains strong, with growth driven by price increases and an aging vehicle fleet [20][21] Aftermarket Growth Drivers - The average age of vehicles is around 12-13 years, contributing to a 4% to 6% growth in the aftermarket, driven by price increases and new product lines [20][22] Off-Highway Applications - PHINIA is focusing on marine, industrial, agricultural, construction, and aerospace applications, which present significant growth opportunities due to new emissions regulations and alternative fuels [23] - The company has introduced cost-effective solutions for diesel and gasoline direct injection in off-highway applications [24][25] Non-Mobility Applications - PHINIA is leveraging its existing technology and manufacturing capabilities to expand into non-mobility applications, including stationary power and aerospace [29][30] Hydrogen Opportunities - The company sees potential in hydrogen combustion for commercial vehicles, although significant revenue contributions are not expected until the 2030s [31][32] Cultural and Structural Changes Post-Spinout - Since spinning out from Aptiv, PHINIA has been working on cultural and structural improvements, including consolidating ERP systems to enhance operational efficiency [14][15][16] Future Outlook - The company is optimistic about its growth trajectory, particularly in the aftermarket and off-highway segments, while continuing to invest in R&D and new technologies [18][19]

Company Overview - Phinia (PHIN) currently holds a Momentum Style Score of B, indicating a positive momentum characteristic [2] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), suggesting strong potential for outperformance in the market [3] Price Performance - Over the past week, PHIN shares have increased by 6.27%, outperforming the Zacks Automotive - Original Equipment industry, which rose by 3.21% [5] - In a longer time frame, PHIN's monthly price change is 14.48%, significantly higher than the industry's 1.13% [5] - For the past quarter, shares of Phinia have increased by 29.07%, and over the last year, they have gained 21.52%, while the S&P 500 has moved 9.33% and 17.71% respectively [6] Trading Volume - PHIN's average 20-day trading volume is 469,384 shares, which serves as a useful baseline for price-to-volume analysis [7] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, three earnings estimates for PHIN have been revised upwards, with no downward revisions, leading to an increase in the consensus estimate from $4.07 to $4.56 [9] - For the next fiscal year, three estimates have also moved upwards without any downward revisions [9] Conclusion - Considering the positive price performance, trading volume, and favorable earnings outlook, PHIN is positioned as a 1 (Strong Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of B, making it a strong candidate for near-term investment [11]

Group 1: Company Performance - Hesai Group Sponsored ADR (HSAI) has shown a year-to-date performance increase of approximately 68.7%, significantly outperforming the average return of -8.9% for the Auto-Tires-Trucks sector [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HSAI's full-year earnings has increased by 7.1% over the past 90 days, indicating improved analyst sentiment and a stronger earnings outlook [3] - HSAI currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting a favorable position among its peers [3] Group 2: Industry Context - Hesai Group is part of the Automotive - Original Equipment industry, which consists of 50 companies and has an average year-to-date gain of 7.2%, indicating that HSAI is performing better than the industry average [6] - Another stock in the Auto-Tires-Trucks sector, Phinia (PHIN), has also outperformed the sector with a year-to-date return of 16% and holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [4][5] - Investors should closely monitor both Hesai Group and Phinia for their potential to maintain solid performance in the Auto-Tires-Trucks sector [7]

Core Viewpoint - PHINIA Inc. (PHIN) is positioned as a potential 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 decline bottoming out, the shorter moving average crossing above the longer one, and maintaining upward momentum [3]. Performance Metrics - PHIN has increased by 15.5% over the last four weeks, indicating strong upward movement [4]. - The company holds a 1 (Strong Buy) rating on the Zacks Rank, further supporting its bullish outlook [4]. Earnings Outlook - There have been three upward revisions in earnings estimates for the current quarter, with no downward revisions in the past 60 days, enhancing the positive earnings outlook for PHIN [4]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings has also increased, reinforcing the bullish sentiment around the stock [4][6].

Core Insights - The U.S. market experienced a slight decline as investors reacted to new earnings reports, economic data, and tariff announcements, particularly regarding semiconductor and pharmaceutical imports [1] - In the current environment characterized by geopolitical risks and policy changes, value investing is highlighted as a favorable strategy, focusing on purchasing undervalued stocks [1] Investment Strategy - Value investing involves buying stocks priced below their intrinsic value, capitalizing on market mispricing to achieve future profits [1] - Earnings yield is a key metric for value investors, calculated as (Annual Earnings per Share/Market Price) x 100, serving as a reverse indicator of the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio [3] - A high earnings yield suggests a stock may be undervalued, while a low yield indicates potential overvaluation [3] Stock Selection Criteria - An earnings yield greater than 10% is set as a primary screening criterion, supplemented by additional parameters [5] - Estimated EPS growth for the next 12 months must be greater than or equal to the S&P 500, comparing forward EPS estimates with actual EPS [5] - Average daily trading volume over the past 20 days should be at least 100,000, indicating sufficient liquidity [6] - Current stock price must be $5 or higher, and stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) are expected to outperform peers [7] Highlighted Stocks - Barrick Mining Corporation is a leading gold mining company with projected earnings growth of 56% and 24% for 2025 and 2026, respectively, and a Zacks Rank of 1 [8] - Astrana Health, a tech-enabled healthcare provider, anticipates earnings growth of 77% and 49% for 2025 and 2026, respectively, also holding a Zacks Rank of 1 [9][10] - StoneCo Ltd., a fintech company, expects earnings growth of 10.4% and 16% for 2025 and 2026, with a Zacks Rank of 1 [11] - Plains GP Holdings, involved in crude oil transportation and marketing, projects earnings growth of 206% and 24% for 2025 and 2026, respectively, and has a Zacks Rank of 1 [12] - PHINIA Inc., a supplier for the mobility industry, forecasts earnings growth of 14% and 19.5% for 2025 and 2026, respectively, and holds a Zacks Rank of 1 [13]