Buy These 5 Low-Leverage Stocks as Softness in Software Remains a Drag
Coeur MiningCoeur Mining(US:CDE) ZACKS·2026-02-18 15:31

Market Overview - All three major U.S. stock market indices closed slightly higher on February 17, 2026, despite declines in software equities, influenced by a softer-than-expected Consumer Price Index and a stronger-than-anticipated jobs report [1][2] Investment Strategy - The current market uncertainty may lead investors to prefer low-leverage stocks for financial resilience and capital preservation, with recommendations including Orion Group (ORN), Copa Holdings (CPA), Coeur Mining (CDE), Tim S.A. (TIMB), and Evercore (EVR) [3][11] Low-Leverage Stocks - Low-leverage stocks are preferred as they are generally less risky, especially during volatile market conditions. The debt-to-equity ratio is a key metric for assessing a company's financial risk, with lower ratios indicating better solvency [7][8] Company Highlights - Orion Group (ORN): Acquired J. E. McAmis, Inc. and JEM Marine Leasing LLC for approximately $60 million, with 2026 earnings expected to improve by 63.6% [15][17] - Copa Holdings (CPA): Reported a 9.6% increase in fourth-quarter operating revenues and a 5.3% rise in EPS, with 2026 revenues projected to grow by 11.5% [18][19] - Coeur Mining (CDE): Increased mineral reserves to 4.4 million ounces of gold and 274.4 million ounces of silver, with 2026 earnings expected to jump by 143.3% [20][22] - Tim S.A. (TIMB): Announced acquisition of 51% of I-Systems for approximately $180 million, aiming to expand in the broadband segment, with 2026 revenues expected to rise by 10.3% [23][24] - Evercore (EVR): Reported a 32% increase in fourth-quarter revenues and a 50% rise in adjusted EPS, with 2026 revenues projected to grow by 22.6% [24][25]