Why Acuity (AYI) is a Top Value Stock for the Long-Term

Core Insights - The Zacks Premium service provides tools for investors to enhance their stock market engagement and confidence [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores are indicators that help investors select stocks likely to outperform the market in the next 30 days, rated from A to F based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics [3] - The Style Scores consist of four categories: Value Score, Growth Score, Momentum Score, and VGM Score, each focusing on different investment strategies [4][5][6][7] Value Score - The Value Score identifies attractive and discounted stocks using ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, and Price/Cash Flow [4] Growth Score - The Growth Score assesses a company's financial strength and future outlook based on projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow [5] Momentum Score - The Momentum Score helps investors capitalize on price or earnings trends, utilizing factors like one-week price change and monthly earnings estimate changes [6] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive indicator for evaluating stocks based on value, growth, and momentum [7] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that leverages earnings estimate revisions to guide investors in portfolio creation, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks averaging a +23.75% annual return since 1988, outperforming the S&P 500 [8] - There are over 800 top-rated stocks available, making it essential to use Style Scores to narrow down choices [9] Stock to Watch: Acuity, Inc. (AYI) - Acuity, Inc. is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, and manufactures lighting fixtures and related components [12] - AYI holds a 3 (Hold) Zacks Rank with a VGM Score of A and a Value Style Score of B, featuring a forward P/E ratio of 17.5 [13] - Recent earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 have been revised higher, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.38 to $17.41 per share, and an average earnings surprise of +5.6% [13] - With a solid Zacks Rank and strong Value and VGM Style Scores, AYI is recommended for investors [14]