Core Insights - Zacks Premium provides various tools to enhance stock market investment confidence and effectiveness [1][2] - The Zacks Style Scores are designed to help investors select stocks with the highest potential to outperform the market in the short term [3] Zacks Style Scores Overview - The Style Scores categorize stocks into four types: Value Score, Growth Score, Momentum Score, and VGM Score, each focusing on different investment strategies [4][5][6][7] - Value Score emphasizes identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios [4] - Growth Score focuses on a company's future earnings and financial health [5] - Momentum Score capitalizes on existing price trends and earnings outlook [6] - VGM Score combines all three styles to provide a comprehensive assessment of stocks [7] Zacks Rank and Performance - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to assist in portfolio building [8] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically achieved an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [9] - There are over 800 top-rated stocks available, making it essential to utilize Style Scores for effective selection [10] Investment Strategy Recommendations - For optimal returns, investors should focus on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B [11] - Stocks with a 3 (Hold) rank should also have A or B Scores to maximize upside potential [11] - The direction of earnings estimate revisions is crucial when selecting stocks, as declining forecasts can negatively impact share prices [12] Company Spotlight: Waters Corp. (WAT) - Waters Corp. is an analytical instrument manufacturer providing sustainable products for laboratory organizations [13] - Currently rated 3 (Hold) with a VGM Score of A, WAT has a Momentum Style Score of A and has seen a 2.2% increase in shares over the past month [13][14] - Recent upward revisions in earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 indicate positive momentum, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate rising by $0.06 to $12.90 per share [14]

Core Viewpoint - The revenue of multinational instrument companies in China has generally declined in 2024, with only Merck achieving growth, while many companies have experienced consecutive declines over the past two years due to multiple factors including US-China trade tensions, economic environment, and market competition [1][2]. Revenue Performance Summary - In 2024, Merck led the revenue rankings in China with $32.98 billion, marking a 5.8% increase after a 14.2% decline in 2023 [5][6]. - Danaher followed with $28.05 billion, down 10.8%, continuing a downward trend from $31.43 billion in 2023, which was a 13.0% decrease [6][8]. - Agilent ranked third with $12.20 billion, a decline of 11.6%, following a 7.9% drop in 2023 [7][8]. - Shimadzu and Mettler-Toledo ranked fourth and fifth with revenues of $6.30 billion and $6.22 billion, respectively, both experiencing declines [8]. - Overall, over 80% of the listed companies saw a year-on-year revenue decrease in 2024, with some companies facing declines for two consecutive years [8][14]. Market Share Analysis - The market share of many companies in China has also shown a downward trend, reflecting poor performance and indicating a relative decline in market vitality compared to global markets [9]. - In 2024, Agilent's market share in China was 18.74%, down from over 20% in previous years, indicating a significant drop [9]. Company-Specific Insights - Danaher reported that approximately 12% of its sales come from China, highlighting the potential adverse effects of the political, economic, and regulatory environment on its business [11]. - Waters experienced a notable 30% decline in sales in China, attributed to decreased demand across various customer categories due to economic conditions and trade tensions [12]. - Agilent's revenue decline was primarily driven by pressures in capital spending from clients, particularly in the pharmaceutical market [12]. - Mettler-Toledo emphasized the importance of the Chinese market, which accounted for 16% of its external sales, and noted the impact of geopolitical tensions and economic pressures on its performance [13]. Strategic Adjustments - In response to market changes, multinational companies are accelerating strategic adjustments, increasing investment in local R&D, and launching products tailored to local needs [15]. - Despite the challenges faced from 2022 to 2024, the long-term potential of the Chinese market remains significant, and companies are expected to adapt more flexibly and innovatively to maintain competitiveness [15].

Group 1 - U by Kotex® has partnered with Anna Leigh Waters, the number one pickleball player, to challenge the stigma surrounding menstruation in sports [1][2][3] - A study indicates that some women's mental agility may improve during menstruation, with faster reaction times and better accuracy [2] - More than 84% of teenage girls aged 11-16 report a decrease in interest in sports after starting their period, and nearly 25% feel embarrassed to participate in physical activities during their menstrual cycle [3] Group 2 - The partnership aims to empower women to continue participating in sports regardless of their menstrual cycle, promoting the message that periods should not hinder athletic performance [3][4] - U by Kotex® emphasizes the importance of showcasing female athletes' resilience and strength, aligning with their mission to normalize conversations about menstruation in sports [4]

Group 1: Zacks Style Scores Overview - Zacks Style Scores are indicators that help investors select stocks with the best chances of outperforming the market over the next 30 days, rated from A to F based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics [2][9] - The Style Scores are categorized into four types: Value Score, Growth Score, Momentum Score, and VGM Score, each focusing on different investment strategies [3][4][5][6] Group 2: Value Score - The Value Score identifies attractive and discounted stocks using ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, and Price/Cash Flow, appealing to value investors [3] Group 3: Growth Score - The Growth Score assesses a company's future prospects and financial health, analyzing projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow to identify stocks with sustainable growth [4] Group 4: Momentum Score - The Momentum Score focuses on trends in stock price or earnings outlook, helping investors identify optimal times to build positions based on price changes and earnings estimate shifts [5] Group 5: VGM Score - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive indicator that evaluates stocks based on value, growth, and momentum [6] Group 6: Zacks Rank and Performance - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that utilizes earnings estimate revisions to assist investors in building successful portfolios, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks yielding an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [7][8] - To maximize returns, investors should focus on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B [9] Group 7: Company Spotlight - Waters Corp. - Waters Corp., based in Milford, MA, is an analytical instrument manufacturer providing sustainable products for laboratory organizations, specializing in mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography [11] - Waters has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and a VGM Score of B, with a Growth Style Score of A, indicating a year-over-year earnings growth forecast of 8.6% for the current fiscal year [11][12] - Recent upward revisions in earnings estimates by four analysts for fiscal 2025 have increased the Zacks Consensus Estimate by $0.04 to $12.88 per share, with an average earnings surprise of 4% [12]

Core Insights - Jackpot Digital Inc. has successfully installed two additional Jackpot Blitz® electronic table games at Northern Waters Casino Resort, enhancing its poker offerings [1][2][3] - The response to the Jackpot Blitz® games has been highly favorable, leading to the expansion of the poker room from two to four tables [2][3] - The company aims to strengthen its presence in the land-based casino gaming industry by providing innovative and engaging poker ETGs [4][6] Company Overview - Jackpot Digital Inc. specializes in dealerless electronic poker table games, offering solutions that are efficient and cost-effective for casino operators [8] - The company is committed to enhancing player experiences and optimizing gaming offerings for operators [8] - Jackpot Digital has established a presence in various jurisdictions, including multiple states in the U.S. and international markets [7]

Summary of Waters (WAT) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Waters Corporation (WAT) - **Date of Conference**: June 04, 2025 - **Industry**: Life Science Tools and Diagnostics Key Points and Arguments Innovation and Product Development - Waters has revitalized its product portfolio, focusing on innovation in equipment, instruments, consumables, and software [3][4] - The **Alliance IS** HPLC system has achieved a **40% reduction in errors**, setting a new standard in the category [4] - The **TQ Absolute mass spectrometer** is leading in sensitivity for PFAS testing, becoming the largest selling quantitative mass spec instrument [4] - Approximately **70% of R&D spending** is now directed towards biologics innovation, significantly impacting product development [4] - The **MaxPeak Premier columns** have seen a growth of nearly **30%** since their launch four years ago [5] - Introduction of **charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS)** technology allows for the analysis of large molecules intact, marking a significant advancement in mass spectrometry [6] Market Dynamics and Growth - The company reported **mid-teens growth** in LCMS in Q1, indicating strong demand without pull-forwards affecting the results [13] - Pharma companies are rethinking supply chains, leading to increased production in regions like Ireland, which has affected chemistry consumption [14][15] - The overall market for LCMS instruments is projected to see an additional **$50 million** in support over the next five years due to incremental CapEx [17] Replacement Cycle and Long-term Growth - The replacement cycle for instruments is expected to be independent of new CapEx, with **70% of business** coming from replacements [21] - The growth rate from trough to peak in the replacement cycle is typically **2-3 years**, with a long-term average growth of **5%** for instruments [22] - The company anticipates a longer cycle this time due to pressures in China and the biotech sector [22] Regional Insights - In China, Waters experienced **5% growth** in Q1, driven by academic and industrial segments, but branded generics are declining [24] - The innovative biotech segment in China is expected to expand, with many large pharma companies licensing products from Chinese firms [40][41] - India has shown strong growth, with a **20% increase** in Q1, and the company expects continued growth in the low to mid-teens [46] PFAS Market and Regulatory Changes - Waters anticipates continued growth in the PFAS testing market, with a **90% increase** in Q1, driven by new EPA regulations demanding more sensitive detection methods [47] - The TQ Absolute can detect PFAS at **one part per quadrillion**, significantly exceeding EPA requirements [50] Capital Deployment and M&A Strategy - The acquisition of **Halo Labs** aligns with Waters' strategy to enhance its portfolio in biologics and bioanalytical characterization [51][52] - The company is focused on capital allocation towards high-growth areas, including clinical diagnostics and battery testing [53] - Discussions around share buybacks and M&A will continue as the company evaluates trade-offs [54] Software and Service Enhancements - Waters is transitioning its **Empower software** to a subscription model, enhancing cash flow and customer satisfaction [36] - The service team has improved attachment rates, with a target of **10%** over five years, reflecting strong customer reliance during challenging times [31][32] Additional Important Insights - The company is cautious about the long-term impact of CapEx on overall medicine production volumes, indicating potential short-term growth followed by a catch-up period [19][20] - The dynamics of the market are influenced by geopolitical factors, particularly in China and India, which may affect future growth trajectories [38][46] This summary encapsulates the key insights and developments discussed during the Waters conference call, highlighting the company's focus on innovation, market dynamics, and strategic growth initiatives.

Core Viewpoint - Waters Corporation launched the Xevo TQ Absolute XR mass spectrometer at ASMS 2025, featuring StepWave XR technology that enhances sensitivity and contamination resistance, aiding in PFAS detection and compliance with environmental regulations while optimizing energy consumption and space utilization [1][2]. Innovation Technology Highlights - StepWave XR ion guide technology offers 6 times the performance robustness compared to the previous Xevo TQ Absolute, with a continuous analysis duration increase of 6 times, successfully validated through 12,000 pesticide samples in fish feed, and improved contamination resistance [4][5]. - The instrument significantly reduces downtime, with customer evidence showing over 20,000 plasma sample injections maintaining reproducibility [5]. - Designed specifically for PFAS and genotoxic impurities, the quantification capability for negatively ionized compounds has been enhanced [5]. Environmental/Green Efficient Laboratory Solutions - Energy consumption and nitrogen usage have been reduced by 50%, with heat emissions also decreased by 50% [6]. - The compact design reduces the footprint by 50% [6]. Core Application Scenarios - PFAS Detection: The system is ready for quantitative analysis, meeting the latest EPA regulatory requirements [7]. - Pharmaceutical Quantitative Analysis: Achieves ultra-high sensitivity analysis of trace drug molecules in complex matrices, accelerating new drug development [7]. - High-Throughput Scenarios: Supports pharmaceutical companies, CROs, and government laboratories, with a 30% increase in daily sample throughput, validated by Synexa with over 20,000 injections [7]. - User Feedback: The Scientific Director of Synexa Life Sciences highlighted the Xevo TQ Absolute XR's reproducibility and accuracy in addressing emerging bioanalytical challenges, having completed over 20,000 plasma sample analyses in conjunction with the ACQUITY™ Premier UPLC™ system [7].

Core Insights - Waters Corporation has launched the Xevo™ TQ Absolute XR Mass Spectrometer, which is positioned as the most sensitive and reliable benchtop tandem quadrupole in the market, surpassing the previous Xevo TQ Absolute model [2][4][10] Product Performance - The Xevo TQ Absolute XR offers up to a six-fold increase in performance robustness and unmatched sensitivity, significantly reducing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency [3][5][9] - The system is designed for high-throughput applications, particularly in pharmaceutical companies and contract testing organizations, addressing the complex needs of these sectors [2][6] Environmental Efficiency - The new mass spectrometer uses up to 50% less power and nitrogen gas, produces 50% less heat, and occupies up to 50% less bench space compared to other high-performing tandem or triple quadrupoles, making it environmentally friendly [6][9] Technological Innovations - The introduction of the StepWave XR Ion Guide minimizes the risk of unplanned downtime while maintaining high sensitivity and precision for complex sample types [7][10] - The design allows for industry-leading quantitation of negatively ionizing compounds, such as PFAS, benefiting bioanalytical, food safety, and environmental testing laboratories [10] Market Availability - The Xevo TQ Absolute XR Mass Spectrometer is currently available for order [11]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers various tools to help investors make informed decisions and enhance their confidence in the stock market [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores are indicators that rate stocks based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics, helping investors identify stocks likely to outperform the market in the next 30 days [2][3] - Each stock is rated from A to F, with A indicating the highest potential for outperformance [3] Value Score - The Value Style Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, and Price/Cash Flow [3] Growth Score - The Growth Style Score assesses a company's financial strength and future outlook, considering projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow [4] Momentum Score - The Momentum Style Score evaluates trends in stock prices and earnings estimates, helping investors identify optimal times to invest in high-momentum stocks [5] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive indicator for selecting stocks with attractive value, growth forecasts, and promising momentum [6] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to assist investors in building successful portfolios [7] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically produced an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [8] Stock to Watch: Waters Corp (WAT) - Waters Corp is an analytical instrument manufacturer with a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and a VGM Score of B [12] - The company is appealing to growth investors, with a Growth Style Score of A and a forecasted year-over-year earnings growth of 8.7% for the current fiscal year [13] - Recent earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 have been revised upward, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.01 to $12.89 per share, alongside an average earnings surprise of 4% [13]

Core Insights - Waters Corporation has acquired Halo Labs, a company specializing in imaging technologies for detecting and analyzing particles in therapeutic products, enhancing Waters' capabilities in large molecule development and quality assurance [1][2][3] Company Overview - Waters Corporation is a global leader in analytical instruments and technologies, serving various sectors including life sciences, materials, food, and environmental sciences for over 65 years [5] - Halo Labs is a venture-backed company that provides high throughput biopharmaceutical formulation and quality control tools, focusing on particle analysis [4] Technology and Innovation - The Aura platform from Halo Labs offers full spectrum particle analysis, complementing Waters' existing light scattering detection solutions, particularly beneficial for CAR T-cell therapies [2][3] - The acquisition allows Waters to integrate Halo's technology into its product offerings, providing added value to customers and supporting growth in analytical and bioprocessing testing [2][3] Strategic Impact - The acquisition is expected to have a negligible impact on Waters' income statement over the next 12 months, indicating a strategic long-term investment rather than an immediate financial burden [3]