Market Overview - The equity market has experienced a significant recovery since Liberation Day, with low stocks increasing by 38% [1] - The current period, historically challenging, includes August, September, and October, suggesting a potential for a 5-10% correction due to high forward multiples for the S&P at approximately 22 times earnings [2] Earnings Performance - Second quarter revenues rose by 6% year-over-year, while earnings increased by 12% year-over-year, both exceeding expectations [4] - Earnings estimates for the remainder of the year are being reevaluated upwards, indicating solid double-digit growth [5] Economic Indicators - The GDP estimate for the U.S. next year is projected at 2.8%, significantly higher than the blue chip consensus of 1.5% [6] - International stocks are currently valued about 40% cheaper than domestic stocks, with a typical discount of around 20% [8] Investment Strategy - There is a belief in a rolling rotation within the market, with potential profit-taking from high-performing stocks benefiting small-cap, value, and international names that have lagged [3] - The international asset class is favored, supported by a weak dollar and more accommodative foreign central banks, which are expected to facilitate stronger economic and earnings growth [9][10]

Core Insights - T. Rowe Price Group (TROW) and Apollo Global Management (APO) are prominent players in the asset management industry, each with distinct strengths and focuses [1][20] - Apollo emphasizes private equity and alternative assets, while T. Rowe Price specializes in mutual funds and active management of equity and fixed income [1] Apollo Global Management (APO) - Apollo's diversified business model supports sustainable earnings, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% in assets under management (AUM) from 2021 to 2024, driven by retirement services and new financing [3] - The company expects its total AUM to reach nearly $1.5 trillion by 2029, primarily through scaling its private equity business [3][9] - Recent acquisitions, such as Bridge Investment Group Holdings, and partnerships with Mubadala and Citigroup enhance Apollo's capabilities and growth potential [4] - Apollo's revenues grew at a CAGR of 63.7% from 2021 to 2024, although growth moderated in the first half of 2025 [5] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects a year-over-year earnings increase of 4.7% for 2025 and 19.3% for 2026, with upward revisions in estimates over the past 60 days [10] T. Rowe Price Group (TROW) - T. Rowe Price's AUM experienced a CAGR of 2.3% from 2020 to 2024, supported by market appreciation and strength in multi-asset and fixed income [6] - The company has formed strategic alliances, including a partnership with Goldman Sachs to enhance access to private markets and an acquisition of Retiree for retirement income planning [7] - T. Rowe Price's net revenues grew at a CAGR of 3.4% over the past four years, continuing into the first half of 2025 [8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a year-over-year earnings decline of 1.6% for 2025, followed by a 4.9% increase in 2026, with upward revisions in estimates [13] Comparative Performance - Over the past year, Apollo outperformed the industry with a stock gain of 17.3%, while T. Rowe Price only rose 0.5% [15] - Apollo trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 16.3X, while T. Rowe Price trades at 11X, both below the industry average of 17.45X [17] - Both companies have increased dividends five times in the past five years, with Apollo's yield at 1.5% and T. Rowe Price's at 4.8% [19] Investment Outlook - Apollo is positioned for greater upside potential due to its diversified and rapidly growing alternative asset platform, aggressive expansion, and strong earnings growth trajectory [20] - T. Rowe Price offers steady growth and high dividend yield but has a more conservative approach, limiting its upside compared to Apollo [21]

Group 1: Earnings Estimates and Market Outlook - Susquehanna Financial Group has cut earnings estimates for asset-based truckload carriers by mid-single- to low-double-digit percentages ahead of the third-quarter earnings season, indicating a soft market outlook [1] - Analyst Bascome Majors has reduced fourth-quarter forecasts for most truckload-related companies, projecting that the truckload market is unlikely to see upward price and margin momentum in the near term [2] - Third-quarter earnings-per-share estimates were cut by 12% for Schneider National and 11% for Werner Enterprises, with smaller reductions of 6% for J.B. Hunt and 5% for Knight-Swift [3] Group 2: Market Conditions and Consumer Spending - Concerns have been raised regarding consumer spending through the holiday season, with July being noted as the peak for container imports [4] - The Contract Load Accepted Volume Index indicates potential mid- to high-single-digit declines in spot rates for the fourth quarter if current trends continue [5] - The National Truckload Index shows that spot rates are slightly ahead of year-ago levels, suggesting a stable but cautious market environment [6] Group 3: Future Projections and Industry Dynamics - Fourth-quarter earnings estimates were cut by high-single digits, with Werner experiencing a 16% reduction, and 2026 estimates were also revised down by 9% to 17% [7] - Despite the downward revisions, there is a more constructive outlook for next year as the truckload supply side is expected to rationalize more rapidly into 2026 [7] - Knight-Swift Transportation's rating was downgraded to "neutral" due to the lower EPS outlook, with a new share price target set at $43, down from $52 [8]

Core Insights - Thor Industries (THO) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.16 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 31% [1] - Revenue projections stand at $2.31 billion, down 8.7% from the same quarter last year [1] - Analysts have adjusted the consensus EPS estimate upward by 30.9% over the past 30 days, indicating a reassessment of initial projections [1][2] Revenue and Sales Projections - The consensus estimate for 'Net Sales- Recreational Vehicles- North American Towable' is $853.43 million, indicating a decline of 8.4% year-over-year [4] - 'Net Sales- Total Recreational Vehicles' is projected to reach $2.17 billion, down 9.3% from the prior year [4] - 'Net Sales- Recreational Vehicles- North American Motorized' is expected to be $455.49 million, reflecting a 12% decrease from the previous year [5] - 'Net Sales- Other' is estimated at $201.27 million, suggesting a slight increase of 0.5% year-over-year [5] - 'Net Sales- Recreational Vehicles- European' is projected at $861.41 million, down 8.7% from the year-ago quarter [5] - Combined 'Net Sales- Recreational Vehicles- Total North America' is expected to be $1.31 billion, indicating a decline of 9.7% year-over-year [6] Units Sales Projections - 'Units sales - Recreational Vehicles - European' is estimated at 13,647, down from 14,982 in the same quarter last year [6] - 'Units sales - Recreational Vehicles - North American Towable' is projected to be 26,945, compared to 28,572 reported last year [7] - Total 'Units sales - Total' is expected to reach 43,995, down from 47,331 in the same quarter last year [7] - 'Units sales - Total Recreational Vehicles (Total North America)' is forecasted at 30,348, down from 32,349 in the same quarter last year [8] - 'Units sales - Recreational Vehicles - North American Motorized' is estimated at 3,403, compared to 3,777 reported last year [8] Profit Projections - 'Gross Profit- Recreational Vehicles- European' is expected to be $143.84 million, down from $176.14 million in the previous year [9] Stock Performance - Over the past month, shares of Thor Industries have returned -1.3%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has increased by 3% [10] - Currently, THO holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting its performance may align with the overall market in the near future [10]

Group 1 - General Mills, Inc. reported fiscal first-quarter 2026 results that exceeded Wall Street profit expectations while reaffirming its full-year guidance [1] - The company posted adjusted earnings of $0.86 per share, surpassing analysts' forecast of $0.81, despite a 7% decline in net sales to $4.5 billion [1] - Revenue was in line with expectations at $4.52 billion but fell 3% organically, impacted by unfavorable price realization and mix in the North America Retail segment [1] Group 2 - Adjusted operating profit decreased 18% in constant currency to $711 million, although results were slightly better than internal projections [2] - The divestiture of the U.S. yogurt business generated a $1.05 billion gain, boosting reported operating profit by 108% to $1.7 billion and diluted EPS by 116% to $2.22 [2] Group 3 - By division, North America Retail sales dropped 13%, while North America Pet sales grew 6%, aided by an 11-point benefit from the Whitebridge Pet Brands acquisition [3] - North America Foodservice sales declined 4%, and International sales rose 6% [3] - General Mills reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 outlook, projecting organic net sales growth between -1% and +1%, with adjusted operating profit and EPS both expected to decline 10% to 15% in constant currency [3]

Group 1 - Associated British Foods PLC (ASBFY) is currently outperforming its peers in the Consumer Staples sector with a year-to-date return of approximately 5.7%, compared to the sector average of 3.1% [4] - The Zacks Rank for ASBFY is 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook and improving analyst sentiment, as the consensus estimate for its full-year earnings has increased by 1.1% in the past quarter [3][4] - ASBFY is part of the Food - Miscellaneous industry, which has seen an average loss of about 6.8% this year, further highlighting ASBFY's relative strength within its industry [6] Group 2 - Celsius Holdings Inc. (CELH) is another strong performer in the Consumer Staples sector, with a year-to-date return of 119.5% and a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [5] - The consensus estimate for CELH's current year EPS has increased by 33.5% over the past three months, indicating strong growth potential [5] - Both ASBFY and CELH are positioned well within the Consumer Staples sector, suggesting continued solid performance for investors to monitor [7]

Core Insights - Designer Brands Inc. (DBI) is a significant player in the global footwear and accessories market, focusing on diverse consumer needs and competing with major retailers [1] Financial Performance - On September 9, 2025, DBI reported earnings per share (EPS) of $0.34, surpassing the estimated $0.22, indicating effective strategies and operational improvements [2][6] - DBI's revenue for the second quarter was approximately $739.8 million, slightly exceeding the estimated $737.8 million, showcasing resilience amid macroeconomic uncertainties [3][6] Market Reaction - DBI's shares increased by 11.1%, closing at $4.41, reflecting investor confidence in the company's future prospects [4][6] Financial Ratios - The enterprise value to sales ratio of 0.506 and the price-to-sales ratio of 0.069 suggest that DBI's stock is valued at a fraction of its sales, indicating potential investment opportunities [5]

Core Viewpoint - Nucor Corporation (NUE) has shown strong performance in the stock market, with a 20.1% increase over the past three months, outperforming both the Zacks Steel Producers industry and the S&P 500 [1][7] Financial Performance - Nucor missed earnings estimates in the second quarter but reported higher profits across its segments, driven by increased shipment volumes and higher average selling prices in its steel mill segment [1] - The company's top line rose by 5%, exceeding estimates [1] Market Comparison - Among major U.S. steel-making peers, Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD) has seen a decline of 4.4% in the past three months, while Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (CLF) has experienced a significant rally of 38.6% [2] Technical Indicators - Nucor has been trading above its 50-day simple moving average (SMA) since June 2, 2025, and is also above its 200-day SMA, indicating a bullish trend following a golden crossover on July 30, 2025 [5][6] Growth Projects - Nucor is committed to increasing production capacity through various growth projects, including the Apple Grove sheet mill and the Lexington rebar micro mill, which are expected to meet strong demand from construction, military, and energy sectors [10] - The company has a healthy order backlog and has already commissioned some growth projects, showing strong production and shipment performance [10] Strategic Acquisitions - Nucor has focused on growth through strategic acquisitions, including the recent buyout of Southwest Data Products and Rytec Corporation, which will expand its product portfolio and create cross-selling opportunities [11] Financial Health - Nucor ended the second quarter of 2025 with strong liquidity of approximately $3.4 billion and has amended its revolving credit facility to increase borrowing capacity [12] - The company has returned around $13.2 billion to shareholders since 2020, with a commitment to return at least 40% of annual net earnings [13] Dividend Information - Nucor offers a dividend yield of 1.5% with a payout ratio of 36%, indicating a sustainable dividend policy backed by strong financial health [14] Steel Price Trends - A recent pullback in U.S. steel prices poses challenges for Nucor, with hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices dropping below $800 per short ton due to overall demand weakness and abundant steel mill output [15][16] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Nucor's earnings for 2025 and 2026 has been revised upward over the past 60 days, reflecting positive sentiment [17] Valuation Concerns - Nucor is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 14.88, which is a 37.9% premium to the peer group average, raising concerns about its valuation [18] Investment Outlook - Nucor's expansion efforts and strategic acquisitions are positive, but the company faces challenges from the steel industry's price volatility and its stretched valuation, suggesting a hold strategy for current investors [21]

Core Viewpoint - La-Z-Boy (LZB) is currently rated as a Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell) due to a recent earnings miss and subsequent stock sell-off [1] Company Overview - La-Z-Boy, Inc. is involved in the production, manufacturing, and distribution of residential furniture, operating through Wholesale, Retail, and Corporate and Other segments [2] - The Wholesale segment manufactures and imports various upholstered furniture, while the Retail segment sells these products directly to consumers through company-owned stores [2] Earnings History - The company has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the last four quarters and missed in two, which does not solely determine its Zacks Rank [4] - The most recent quarter reported an EPS of $0.47, missing the consensus estimate of $0.53 by 6 cents, resulting in a negative earnings surprise of 11.3% [5] Earnings Estimates - Recent earnings estimates for La-Z-Boy have been revised downward, with the current fiscal year consensus dropping from $3.20 to $2.86 and the next fiscal year from $3.44 to $2.75 over the last 60 days [6] - The negative movement in earnings estimates is a significant factor contributing to the stock's Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell) [6] Market Context - Many stocks within the Zacks universe are experiencing negative earnings estimate revisions, leading to a broader trend of stocks falling to a Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell) [7]

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street analysts anticipate a slight decline in Zoom Communications' quarterly earnings per share, with a projected EPS of $1.37, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 1.4%, while revenues are expected to increase by 3% to $1.2 billion [1]. Earnings Projections - Over the past 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate has been revised downward by 1.1%, indicating a collective reassessment by analysts of their initial forecasts [2]. - Changes in earnings projections are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical studies show a strong correlation between earnings estimate trends and short-term stock price movements [3]. Revenue Estimates - Analysts estimate 'Geographic Revenue - Asia Pacific (APAC)' to be $146.13 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 2.7% [5]. - 'Geographic Revenue - Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA)' is projected to reach $190.04 million, indicating a 3% increase from the previous year [5]. - The 'Geographic Revenue - Americas' is estimated at $862.08 million, reflecting a 3.2% year-over-year growth [6]. Customer Metrics - The average prediction for 'Enterprise Customers' stands at 186,862, down from 191,600 in the same quarter last year [6]. - Analysts expect 'Customers >$100K TTM Revenue' to reach 4,233, an increase from 3,933 reported in the same quarter of the previous year [7]. Remaining Performance Obligations (RPO) - The 'Current Remaining Performance Obligation (RPO)' is expected to be $2.45 billion, up from $2.28 billion year-over-year [7]. - Total 'Remaining Performance Obligations (RPO)' are projected at $4.00 billion, compared to $3.78 billion in the previous year [8]. - 'Non-Current Remaining Performance Obligation (RPO)' is forecasted to reach $1.53 billion, slightly up from $1.50 billion reported last year [8]. Stock Performance - Zoom shares have decreased by 2.3% over the past month, contrasting with a 3.5% increase in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [8].