Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of sales growth over earnings when evaluating stocks, suggesting that steady sales growth indicates strong demand and a durable business model [2][3][10] - A selection of stocks with robust sales growth and high cash balances is recommended, including StoneCo, Garmin, Assurant, VICI Properties, and Duke Energy, all of which show promising sales growth for 2025 [10][11][12][13][14][15] Sales Growth and Cash Flow - Sales growth is preferred over earnings as it reflects actual demand and provides visibility into a company's business model [3][5] - Constant sales growth leads to predictable cash flows, allowing companies to reinvest, expand, or return capital to shareholders without excessive debt reliance [5] Stock Selection Criteria - Stocks are shortlisted based on criteria such as 5-Year Historical Sales Growth greater than industry average and Cash Flow exceeding $500 million [6] - Additional metrics include a Price/Sales (P/S) Ratio lower than the industry average, positive changes in sales estimate revisions, operating margins above 5%, and Return on Equity (ROE) greater than 5% [7][8][9] Recommended Stocks - **StoneCo Ltd. (STNE)**: Expected sales growth of 9.8% for 2025, currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 [11] - **Garmin Ltd. (GRMN)**: Anticipated sales growth of 12.3% for 2025, currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 [12] - **Assurant Inc. (AIZ)**: Projected sales growth of 5.7% for 2025, currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 [13] - **VICI Properties Inc. (VICI)**: Expected sales growth of 4% for 2025, currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 [14] - **Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)**: Anticipated sales growth of 4.6% for 2025, currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 [15]

Core Insights - Three stocks are highlighted with strong momentum characteristics and a buy rank as of October 7th: eGain Corporation, StoneCo Ltd., and Alignment Healthcare, Inc. [1] Company Summaries - **eGain Corporation (EGAN)**: - Provides an AI-powered knowledge hub to enhance customer experiences - Zacks Rank 1 with a 52.2% increase in current year earnings estimate over the last 60 days - Shares increased by 51.4% in the last three months, outperforming the S&P 500's 7.8% gain - Holds a Momentum Score of A [1][2] - **StoneCo Ltd. (STNE)**: - A fintech company offering software solutions - Zacks Rank 1 with an 8.7% increase in current year earnings estimate over the last 60 days - Shares gained 9.7% in the last three months, also outperforming the S&P 500's 7.8% gain - Holds a Momentum Score of A [2] - **Alignment Healthcare, Inc. (ALHC)**: - A healthcare platform focused on seniors - Zacks Rank 1 with a 14.3% increase in current year earnings estimate over the last 60 days - Shares increased by 24.8% in the last three months, surpassing the S&P 500's 7.8% gain - Holds a Momentum Score of A [3]

Core Points - StoneCo Ltd. will announce its third quarter 2025 financial results on November 06, 2025, after market close [1] - A conference call to discuss the results will take place on the same day at 5:00 PM ET [1] - The company will enter a Quiet Period starting October 22, 2025, in relation to its third quarter financial results [3] Company Overview - Stone is a leading provider of financial technology and software solutions that enable merchants to conduct commerce seamlessly across multiple channels and support their business growth [4]

Core Insights - The analyst has over 10 years of experience researching more than 1000 companies across various sectors, including commodities and technology [1] - The focus has shifted from blogging to a value investing-oriented YouTube channel, emphasizing research on hundreds of companies [1] - The analyst shows a particular interest in metals and mining stocks, while also being knowledgeable in consumer discretionary, staples, REITs, and utilities [1]

Core Insights - The article discusses the importance of a hybrid investment strategy that combines growth and value investing principles, particularly in uncertain market conditions [1][3][5]. GARP Investment Strategy - GARP (Growth at a Reasonable Price) investing merges growth and value investing, focusing on stocks that are undervalued yet have sustainable growth potential [2][3]. - The PEG (Price/Earnings Growth) ratio is a key metric for GARP investors, helping to identify stocks with solid future potential by relating P/E ratios to future earnings growth rates [5][6]. Stock Performance and Selection Criteria - Several stocks have shown significant success using the GARP strategy, including Micron Technology, StoneCo, PagSeguro Digital, and Daktronics [4][11][13][15][17]. - Stocks selected for GARP investment should meet specific criteria, such as a PEG ratio less than the industry median, a P/E ratio below the industry median, and a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) [8][10]. Individual Stock Analysis - **Micron Technology (MU)**: A leading provider of semiconductor memory solutions with a long-term expected growth rate of 28.5% and a Zacks Rank of 1 [11][12]. - **StoneCo (STNE)**: A Brazilian fintech company with a long-term expected growth rate of 30.3% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [13][14]. - **PagSeguro Digital (PAGS)**: Offers a range of financial services with a long-term expected growth rate of 14.2% and a Zacks Rank of 1 [15][16]. - **Daktronics (DAKT)**: Specializes in electronic displays with a historical growth rate of 59.5% and a Zacks Rank of 1 [17][18].

Core Viewpoint - StoneCo Ltd. is experiencing a notable performance in the market, with upcoming earnings expected to show significant growth in both earnings per share and revenue compared to the previous year [2][3]. Group 1: Stock Performance - StoneCo Ltd. closed at $18.57, reflecting a -1.07% change from the previous day, underperforming the S&P 500, which had a loss of 0.5% [1]. - Prior to the latest trading session, StoneCo's shares had increased by 17.9%, outperforming the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 8.21% and the S&P 500's gain of 2.74% [1]. Group 2: Earnings Projections - The projected earnings per share (EPS) for StoneCo Ltd. is $0.41, indicating a 17.14% increase from the same quarter last year [2]. - The consensus estimate for revenue is $663.59 million, reflecting a 9.6% rise from the equivalent quarter last year [2]. Group 3: Annual Estimates - For the annual period, the Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of $1.62 per share and revenue of $2.7 billion, representing increases of +20% and +9.78% respectively from the previous year [3]. - Recent modifications to analyst estimates suggest positive sentiment regarding StoneCo's business and profitability [3]. Group 4: Valuation Metrics - StoneCo Ltd. has a Forward P/E ratio of 11.61, which is a discount compared to the industry average Forward P/E of 31.31 [5]. - The company has a PEG ratio of 0.38, significantly lower than the Internet - Software industry average PEG ratio of 2.28 [6]. Group 5: Industry Ranking - The Internet - Software industry, which includes StoneCo, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 73, placing it in the top 30% of over 250 industries [6]. - The Zacks Rank system indicates that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [7].

Core Viewpoint - StoneCo Ltd. is experiencing solid improvement in earnings estimates, which is likely to positively impact its stock price momentum [1][2]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - Analysts show growing optimism regarding StoneCo's earnings prospects, reflected in upward revisions of earnings estimates [2]. - The current-quarter earnings estimate is $0.41 per share, representing a year-over-year increase of +17.1% [5]. - Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for StoneCo has increased by 13.89%, with one estimate moving higher and no negative revisions [5]. - For the full year, the expected earnings are $1.63 per share, indicating a year-over-year change of +20.7% [6]. - The consensus estimate for the current year has risen by 9.62% due to two upward revisions and no negative changes [6][7]. Zacks Rank and Performance - StoneCo has achieved a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating favorable conditions for investment based on earnings estimate revisions [8]. - Stocks with Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and 2 (Buy) have historically outperformed the S&P 500 [8]. - The stock has gained 24.4% over the past four weeks, driven by solid estimate revisions and positive earnings growth prospects [9].

Group 1 - StoneCo Ltd. (STNE) is a notable stock in the Computer and Technology sector, which is currently ranked 3 within the Zacks Sector Rank [2] - The Zacks Rank system indicates that StoneCo Ltd. has a strong buy rating with a Zacks Rank of 1, suggesting a favorable earnings outlook [3] - Year-to-date, StoneCo Ltd. has returned approximately 143.4%, significantly outperforming the average sector return of 22.4% [4] Group 2 - StoneCo Ltd. is part of the Internet - Software industry, which includes 172 stocks and is currently ranked 71 in the Zacks Industry Rank [6] - The Internet - Software industry has an average year-to-date gain of 26.5%, indicating that StoneCo Ltd. is performing better than its industry peers [6] - Another stock in the Computer and Technology sector, Flux Power Holdings, Inc. (FLUX), has also shown strong performance with a year-to-date increase of 63.3% [5][7]

Group 1 - StoneCo Ltd. (STNE) stock increased by 1.15% to $19.40, outperforming the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.49% and the Dow's gain of 0.38% [1] - Over the prior period, StoneCo shares gained 29.33%, significantly exceeding the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 6.81% and the S&P 500's gain of 2.99% [1] Group 2 - Upcoming earnings disclosure is anticipated, with an expected EPS of $0.39, reflecting an 11.43% growth year-over-year, and projected revenue of $661.83 million, up 9.31% from the previous year [2] - For the entire fiscal year, earnings are estimated at $1.54 per share and revenue at $2.65 billion, indicating increases of 14.07% and 7.56% respectively from the prior year [3] Group 3 - Recent modifications to analyst estimates for StoneCo Ltd. indicate changing near-term business trends, with positive revisions suggesting analyst optimism regarding the company's profitability [4] - The Zacks Rank system, which incorporates estimate changes, currently ranks StoneCo Ltd. as 1 (Strong Buy), with a 3.36% rise in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate over the past month [6] Group 4 - StoneCo Ltd. has a Forward P/E ratio of 12.45, which is a discount compared to the industry average of 32.6, and a PEG ratio of 0.41, significantly lower than the Internet-Software industry average of 2.33 [7] - The Internet-Software industry ranks in the top 26% of all industries, with a Zacks Industry Rank of 64, indicating strong performance potential [8]

Core Idea - The article emphasizes the investment philosophy of Thomas W. Phelps, particularly his book "100 to 1 in the Stock Market," which advocates for buying exceptional companies early, holding them with discipline, and allowing compounding to generate wealth [1][4][6]. Phelps's Investment Framework - Phelps's framework focuses on identifying companies with durable advantages, such as network effects, proprietary know-how, and advantageous cost structures [8]. - The importance of verifying a large addressable market that allows for long-term compounding without hitting a wall is highlighted [8]. - Present-tense profitability is essential; Phelps preferred companies that generate cash rather than speculative ventures [8]. - The article suggests buying companies when their narratives are still forming, favoring modest valuations over those priced for perfection [8]. - A strategy of doing less is recommended, as holding onto winning investments can lead to tax deferral and reduced errors [8]. Current Investment Candidates - The article lists 25 companies that fit Phelps's criteria, categorized by how they create competitive advantages rather than by index labels [9]. - Companies in the construction and infrastructure sector, such as EMCOR Group and Quanta Services, are noted for their execution capabilities and ability to convert backlog into cash [10][11]. - Precision manufacturers like Celestica and Fabrinet are recognized for their high returns on capital and asset-light models [12]. - In network infrastructure, Arista Networks and Super Micro Computer are highlighted for their strong positions in high-speed switching and AI hardware, respectively [13]. - Companies in the materials sector, such as Martin Marietta Materials, are noted for their pricing power and local monopolies [14]. - Engineering firms like WSP Global are recognized for their expertise and customer relationships in regulated markets [15]. - Consumer brands like e.l.f. Beauty and Academy Sports are mentioned for their market share growth and operational efficiency [16]. - Specialty finance companies like FirstCash and software firms like Agilysys are noted for their cash generation and growth potential [17]. - Internationally, utilities like Sabesp and fintechs like StoneCo are highlighted for their governance and profitability improvements [18]. - UK companies like Spectris and Halma are recognized for their consistent acquisition strategies and operational excellence [19]. Conclusion - The article concludes that the focus should be on finding real engines of growth and sizing investments appropriately to endure market volatility, allowing time to enhance value [22].