ZACKS·2026-02-03 15:01Industry Overview - The U.S. manufacturing sector is showing signs of recovery after over three years of struggle, with the ISM Manufacturing PMI rising to 52.6 in January from 47.9 in December, marking the highest reading since 2022 and the first expansion in 12 months [1][3][9] - The New Orders Index increased by 9.7% to 57.1%, the highest level since February 2022, while the Production Index rose to 55.9%, a 5.2% increase from December [4][9] Economic Context - Inflation has eased over the past two quarters, and the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 75 basis points last year, which has reduced borrowing costs and price pressures, thereby driving demand [5] - The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates in the range of 3.5% to 3.75% at the January meeting, indicating openness to further rate cuts depending on inflation trends [6] Investment Opportunities - Four stocks from the manufacturing sector are highlighted for investment: ATS Corporation, Nordson Corporation, Donaldson Company, Inc., and RBC Bearings Incorporated, all carrying a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [2] - ATS Corporation is expected to have an earnings growth of 18.9% for the current year, with a 0.8% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past 60 days [7] - Nordson Corporation anticipates a 9.3% earnings growth for the current year, with a 2.3% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate [10][11] - Donaldson Company, Inc. expects a 10.1% earnings growth for the current year, with a 0.7% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate [12] - RBC Bearings Incorporated projects an earnings growth of 18.6% for the current year, with a 0.3% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate [13]