Here are three stocks with buy ranks and strong growth characteristics for investors to consider today, August 21: Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) : This infrastructure services company carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 6.8% over the last 60 days. Sterling Infrastructure has a PEG ratio of 1.34 compared with 1.75 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of B. Pilgrim's Pride (PPC) : This meat processing company ...

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation's (PPC) portfolio diversification strategies, including its focus on branded offerings and strategic key customer partnerships, play a crucial role in driving growth. The company is capitalizing on momentum in the foodservice sector and is benefiting from significant investments in expansion and operational efficiencies. Let's delve deeper. Growth Factors in Place PPC's portfolio diversification strategies, including its focus on branded offerings and strategic key customer partn ...

Momentum investing revolves around the idea of following a stock's recent trend in either direction. In the '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. Even though momentum is a popular stock cha ...

For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both. Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor. Zacks Premium includes access to the Zacks Style Scores as well. What are the Zacks Style Scores? T ...

Turnover Tuesday is a spectacle where investors are apprehensive about stock market returns on a Thursday, start hedging on a Friday, and get involved in outright selling on a Monday, per Brent Donnelly of Spectra Markets. He added that markets tend to bounce back on the following Tuesday. That's exactly what happened recently, with Wall Street witnessing a three-day rout, only to recover losses on Monday as investors' concerns about an economic slump were paused. Despite cooling, the labor market remains h ...

Have you been paying attention to shares of Pilgrim's Pride (PPC) ? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 15.2% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $45.48 in the previous session. Pilgrim's Pride has gained 58% since the start of the year compared to the 4.6% move for the Zacks Consumer Staples sector and the 14.1% return for the Zacks Food - Meat Products industry. What's Driving the Outperformance? The stock has an impressive record of positive earnings surprises, as it hasn' ...

Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both. The research service features daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, all of which will help you become a smarter, more confident investor. Zacks Premium includes access to the Zacks Style Scores as well. What are the Zacks Style S ...

When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important? Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about Pilgrim's Pride (PPC) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage. Pilgrim's Pride currently has an average brokerage reco ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q2 2024, the company reported net revenues of $4.6 billion, a 5.8% increase compared to the same quarter last year [5][23] - Adjusted EBITDA was $666 million, up 164% from Q2 2023, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 14.4%, compared to 5.8% last year [5][23] - In the U.S., adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $444.6 million, compared to $113.5 million a year ago, driven by recovery in the commodity chicken market and lower grain input costs [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Case Ready business in the U.S. continued to grow through key customer partnerships and innovation, leading to increased margins [5][15] - The Big Bird business improved due to optimization of mix and reduced grain input costs, resulting in significant margin expansion [16] - In Europe, the branded business rose over 7% from last year, with improvements in chilled meals and fresh chicken driving profitability [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Mexico, sales with key customers grew double digits, supported by balanced supply and demand fundamentals [7][20] - The domestic chicken demand maintained firm growth, with retail pricing for boneless, skinless breast declining, while ground beef prices increased [11][14] - The USDA indicated a 0.9% increase in ready-to-cook chicken production for the U.S. compared to Q2 2023, despite challenges in livestock headcounts [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to capture market upsides while minimizing downside risks through continuous investment in its business [5] - There is a focus on diversifying the portfolio through innovation and enhancing customer partnerships, particularly in the U.S. and Mexico [20][21] - The company is exploring growth opportunities through acquisitions, particularly in the chicken and prepared food segments [33][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while grain prices have declined, risks remain due to global uncertainties and weather conditions [9] - The company anticipates continued strong demand for chicken, particularly in Mexico, despite potential volatility in the live bird market [36][37] - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities in various markets [20][22] Other Important Information - The company recorded a $71 million charge related to a settlement in grower's litigation during the quarter [24] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 23.6%, with expectations for a full-year tax rate of approximately 26% [27] - The company plans to increase its full-year CapEx estimate to $525 million to $575 million, focusing on growth opportunities and operational efficiencies [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth opportunities and CapEx plans - Management highlighted strong demand for chicken and opportunities to support key customer growth, with a focus on investments in facilities and potential acquisitions [33][34] Question: Trends for Q3 and market reactions - Management noted that while profitability in Mexico is strong, the live bird market remains volatile, and they expect continued strong demand for chicken [36][37] Question: Historical context of current market conditions - Management compared current market conditions to past cycles, emphasizing the differentiated portfolio and stable margins despite commodity market fluctuations [42][44] Question: Changes in product mix and margin profile - Management indicated that the branded and value-added product segments are expected to grow, contributing to more stable margins [47][48] Question: Long-term aspirations in Mexico - The company aims to grow as a food company in Mexico, exploring both organic growth and acquisition opportunities [49][50] Question: Impact of disease pressure on poultry trade - Management acknowledged that disease pressures are affecting live operations and trade, but noted that trade negotiations have minimized disruptions [51][52] Question: Margin expansion drivers in the U.K. - Management discussed the integration of operations and innovation as key drivers for margin expansion in the U.K. market [53][55]

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (PPC) reported impressive second-quarter 2024 results, with the top and bottom lines increasing from the year-ago quarter. Also, the company's earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The company's portfolio diversification strategies, operational excellence, branded offerings and key customer partnerships have been driving growth. Q2 in Detail PPC reported adjusted earnings of $1.67 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.32. Also, the bottom line increa ...