Core Viewpoint - Alcoa is expected to report a significant increase in quarterly earnings and revenues, reflecting positive trends in various segments of its business [1][4][10]. Financial Performance - The anticipated earnings per share (EPS) for Alcoa is $0.30, marking an 87.5% increase year-over-year [1]. - Revenue forecasts stand at $2.91 billion, indicating a slight increase of 0.3% compared to the previous year [1]. - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 4.8% higher in the last 30 days, showing analysts' positive reevaluation [1]. Sales and Production Estimates - Total sales for Aluminum are estimated at $2.02 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 6.2% [4]. - Third-party sales for Bauxite are projected to reach $155.75 million, a significant increase of 62.2% year-over-year [4]. - Third-party sales for Alumina are expected to be $835.75 million, indicating a decrease of 8.6% from the previous year [4]. Price and Shipment Metrics - The average realized third-party price per metric ton of alumina is expected to be $387.55, down from $399.00 year-over-year [5]. - The average realized third-party price per metric ton of aluminum is forecasted at $3047.57, up from $2858.00 in the previous year [6]. - Third-party alumina shipments are estimated at 2,192 thousand metric tons, down from 2,267 thousand metric tons year-over-year [6]. - Third-party aluminum shipments are projected at 638 thousand metric tons, compared to 677 thousand metric tons in the same quarter last year [7]. Production Estimates - Alumina production is expected to reach 2,407 thousand metric tons, down from 2,539 thousand metric tons year-over-year [8]. - Aluminum production is forecasted at 590 thousand metric tons, an increase from 543 thousand metric tons in the same quarter last year [8]. - Bauxite production is estimated to remain stable at 10 million metric tons, unchanged from the previous year [9]. Market Performance - Alcoa shares have increased by 9.4% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite, which rose by 4.1% [10].

Investment Rating - The report emphasizes a quantitative investment approach that focuses on predicting stock profit growth rankings rather than specific numerical values, aiming for investment returns [1]. Core Insights - The idealized testing indicates that accurately predicting changes in ROE and holding stocks ranked highly can yield excess returns, validating the feasibility of this method [5]. - The introduction of the acceleration concept, which refers to changes in growth rates, can optimize models, enhance prediction accuracy, and reduce risks [1][7]. - The secondary trend extrapolation model, which considers profit growth and acceleration, outperforms linear extrapolation and analyst consensus in terms of prediction success rate (72%) and false positive rate (13%) [8]. - The "Growth Trend Resonance Stock Selection Strategy," which combines the optimized profit prediction model, analyst expectations, valuation, and cash flow factors, has shown excellent performance since 2009, consistently achieving excess returns [9]. - Incorporating machine learning methods, particularly tree models like XGBoost and LightGBM, significantly improves prediction accuracy, achieving a success rate of 85% and reducing the false positive rate to 4.7% [10][18]. Summary by Sections Traditional Economic Investment Approach - Traditional economic investment relies heavily on fundamental research, focusing on deep analysis of individual stocks to understand their business models and future profitability trends [2]. Quantitative Perspective on Economic Investment - The quantitative approach emphasizes breadth over depth, predicting relative rankings of stocks rather than specific profit growth amounts [3]. Validating Quantitative Investment Strategies - Idealized testing can validate the effectiveness of quantitative investment strategies by demonstrating that accurately predicting future ROE changes leads to superior net value performance [5]. Optimizing Profit Prediction Models - The introduction of acceleration in profit prediction models enhances accuracy and reduces risks associated with performance changes [8]. Application of Machine Learning in Profit Prediction - Machine learning models, particularly tree models, are preferred for their ability to handle multiple dimensions of data and capture non-linear relationships, leading to improved prediction accuracy [12][18]. Stock Selection Strategy - The strategy based on the difference Boots prediction factor has shown superior performance across various indices, indicating its effectiveness in stock selection [19][20].

Group 1 - Wall Street analysts expect Levi Strauss (LEVI) to report quarterly earnings of $0.14 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 12.5% [1] - Revenues are anticipated to be $1.37 billion, down 5.2% from the same quarter last year [1] - The consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating analysts' reassessment of their initial estimates [1][2] Group 2 - Analysts estimate 'Geographic Revenues- Americas' will reach $712.89 million, showing a year-over-year change of +0.1% [4] - 'Geographic Revenues- Europe' is projected to be $356.88 million, indicating a change of +0.8% from the prior-year quarter [4] - 'Geographic Revenues- Other Brands' is expected to be $34.25 million, suggesting a significant decline of -70.2% year over year [4] Group 3 - 'Geographic Revenues- Asia' is estimated at $261.86 million, reflecting a year-over-year change of +0.7% [5] - Over the past month, shares of Levi Strauss have returned +10.6%, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +5.2% change [5] - Currently, LEVI holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating its performance may align with the overall market in the near future [5]

Core Viewpoint - The company's FY25 earnings fell below expectations, with a revenue of HKD 79.3 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 3%, and a net profit of HKD 3.25 billion, a year-on-year increase of 2% [1] Financial Performance - FY25 revenue was HKD 79.3 billion, down 3% year-on-year - FY25 net profit was HKD 3.25 billion, up 2% year-on-year, but below expectations - The decline in performance was primarily due to underperformance in joint venture earnings, which fell 37% year-on-year to HKD 441 million, and a 31% increase in income tax expenses to HKD 993 million due to reduced tax refunds [1] - The company plans to distribute a final dividend of HKD 0.35 per share, maintaining the same level as the previous year, with a total annual dividend of HKD 0.50 per share [1] Sales and Margins - FY25 urban gas sales were 23.52 billion cubic meters, remaining stable year-on-year - Residential gas sales decreased by 2.1%, while commercial and industrial gas sales increased by 3.7% and 1.0%, respectively - The gross margin was HKD 0.537 per cubic meter, an increase of HKD 0.036 year-on-year - The company added 1.4 million residential connections, a decrease of 16.5% year-on-year [1] Cash Flow and Investments - FY25 investment cash outflow was HKD 1.78 billion, down 74.8% year-on-year, mainly due to the recovery of loans from joint ventures and a reduction in capital expenditures by approximately HKD 1.4 billion [1] Future Outlook - The trend of improving gross margins is expected to continue until FY27 - For FY26, the company anticipates a 2% year-on-year increase in urban gas sales and a gross margin of HKD 0.55 per cubic meter, driven by an increase in residential pricing ratios [1] Debt and Financial Management - As of the end of FY25, the company's net debt (excluding trade-related financing) was approximately HKD 47.8 billion, showing a slight decrease from FY24 - The company is expected to maintain control over capital expenditures, indicating that the debt level has likely peaked [2] - FY25 saw an increase in receivables provision of HKD 568 million, with ongoing pressure expected in FY26 due to uncertainties in the real estate sector [2] Dividend and Valuation - The company maintained a dividend payout ratio of 83.3% in 2024, with expectations for stable dividends of HKD 0.50 per share over the next 2-3 years, translating to a dividend yield of approximately 6.8% based on the closing price on June 27 [2] - Earnings forecasts for FY26 have been revised down by 32% to HKD 3.285 billion, with FY27 earnings projected at HKD 3.449 billion [2] - The current stock price corresponds to a P/E ratio of 12.2x for FY26 and 11.6x for FY27, with a target price adjustment of 9.1% down to HKD 8, indicating an upside potential of 8.8% [2]

Core Viewpoint - Analysts project MSC Industrial (MSM) will report quarterly earnings of $1.03 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 22.6%, with revenues expected to reach $970.15 million, down 0.9% from the same quarter last year [1] Earnings Estimates - Over the past 30 days, there has been a 1.1% upward revision in the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter, indicating a collective reassessment by covering analysts [2] - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor reactions, with empirical studies showing a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock price performance [3] Key Metrics - Analysts estimate 'Sales Days' to be 64, unchanged from the previous year [4] - The 'Average Daily Sales (ADS)' is expected to be $15.12 million, down from $15.30 million reported in the same quarter last year [5] - 'Days Sales Outstanding' is projected to reach 40, compared to 39 in the same quarter last year [5] Market Performance - MSC Industrial shares have returned -1.3% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +5.1% change, but the company holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), suggesting it may outperform the market in the near future [6]

Core Insights - Lindsay (LNN) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.36 per share, a decline of 3.6% year-over-year, with revenues projected at $162.01 million, reflecting a 16.4% increase compared to the same period last year [1] - The consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating analysts have reassessed their initial estimates [1] Revenue Estimates - Analysts estimate 'Operating revenues- Infrastructure segment' at $25.75 million, representing a 5.7% increase from the prior-year quarter [4] - The 'Operating revenues- Irrigation segment' is projected to reach $136.26 million, indicating an 18.7% increase from the prior-year quarter [4] Income Estimates - The estimated 'Operating income- Irrigation segment' is $21.41 million, up from $19.52 million reported in the same quarter last year [5] - Analysts forecast 'Operating income- Infrastructure segment' to be $4.74 million, down from $6.28 million in the previous year [5] Stock Performance - Lindsay shares have decreased by 1.6% over the past month, contrasting with a 0.5% increase in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [6] - With a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), Lindsay is expected to perform in line with the overall market in the near future [6]

Core Viewpoint - Company SharkNinja is expanding its distribution in Southeast Asia, achieving significant revenue growth in the Asia-Pacific region, while facing challenges in its Chinese market segment [1][2][3] Group 1: Revenue and Profit Performance - In 2024, SharkNinja achieved a revenue of $1.59 billion, a year-on-year increase of 12%, but net profit dropped to $0.09 million, a decline of 94% [1] - The Asia-Pacific segment generated a total revenue of $340 million in 2024, while the Joyoung segment contributed $1.02 billion [2] - The Asia-Pacific division saw strong revenue growth in key markets: Australia (up 236.1%), Japan (up 22.1%), and South Korea (up 455.1%) [2] Group 2: Product and Market Expansion - SharkNinja launched several new products in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Shark EvopowerNeo/Neo+, CarpetXpert, and Ninja Blast, which have performed well [2] - The company is actively expanding into Southeast Asia, with agreements signed with local distributors for product shipments [2] - Joyoung is focusing on high-quality, innovative small appliances, achieving growth in the domestic market despite overall sluggish sales in kitchen appliances [3] Group 3: Future Outlook and Investment Rating - The company has adjusted its profit forecast for 2025 to $0.63 million, down from a previous estimate of $1.07 million, but projects significant growth in 2026 and 2027 [3] - The Asia-Pacific business outlook remains positive, with potential for growth compared to industry peers, suggesting over 20% upside in valuation [3]

Group 1 - The company is expected to report a core profit decline of 6.4% to HKD 3.7 billion for the fiscal year 2025, primarily due to the prolonged impact of a warm winter affecting gas sales volume for 4 to 5 months [1] - Retail gas sales volume is projected to increase by approximately 1% year-on-year, with only a 0.5% increase in the second half of the fiscal year, which is below the company's guidance of 2% [1] - The company anticipates a decrease of about 21% in new residential connections, totaling 1.25 million households [1] Group 2 - For fiscal year 2026, retail gas sales volume is expected to recover to a growth rate of 2%, with the gas sales margin improving to RMB 0.54 per cubic meter [2] - The company conservatively projects a slight decline in new residential connections to 1.23 million households, but may adjust this if there are positive signs in contract performance [2] - The company is expected to maintain a strong free cash flow level, despite a potential decrease in capital expenditures for fiscal year 2026 [2] Group 3 - The profit forecast for fiscal year 2025 has been adjusted down by approximately 2% due to the impact of the warm winter on gas sales volume [3] - Profit growth is anticipated for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with expected increases of 8.9% and 5.5% respectively [3] - The target price has been raised to HKD 6.7 from HKD 5.92, maintaining a neutral rating, with a focus on the company's dividend yield exceeding 6% as a defensive measure [3]

Core Viewpoint - Analysts expect General Mills to report quarterly earnings of $0.71 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 29.7%, with revenues projected at $4.6 billion, down 2.4% from the previous year [1] Earnings Estimates - Revisions to earnings estimates are crucial indicators for predicting investor actions regarding stocks, with empirical research showing a strong correlation between earnings estimate trends and short-term stock performance [2] Key Metrics Forecast - Analysts estimate 'Net Sales- North America Foodservice' at $593.35 million, indicating a year-over-year change of +0.7% [4] - 'Net Sales- International' is expected to reach $671.56 million, reflecting a +0.6% change from the year-ago quarter [4] - 'Net Sales- North America Pet' is projected at $646.14 million, showing a year-over-year increase of +7.3% [4] - 'Net Sales- North America Retail' is anticipated to be $2.71 billion, indicating a -5% change from the prior-year quarter [5] Operating Profit Estimates - 'Operating Profit- North America Retail' is expected to be $492.98 million, down from $670.10 million year-over-year [5] - 'Operating Profit- International' is projected at $32.83 million, compared to $22.40 million from the previous year [6] - 'Operating Profit- North America Pet' is estimated at $124.25 million, down from $143.90 million year-over-year [6] - 'Operating Profit- North America Foodservice' is expected to be $78.51 million, slightly down from $79.20 million year-ago [6] Stock Performance - Over the past month, General Mills shares have returned -0.8%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has changed by +0.6% [7] - General Mills currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance compared to the overall market in the near future [7]

Core Insights - Paychex (PAYX) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.19 per share, reflecting a 6.3% increase year over year, with revenues projected at $1.39 billion, a 7.3% increase compared to the previous year [1] Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 1.8% in the last 30 days, indicating a reassessment by analysts [2] - Revisions to earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor actions, as empirical research shows a strong correlation between these revisions and short-term stock price performance [3] Revenue Projections - Analysts estimate 'Revenue- Management Solutions' at $1.01 billion, a 9% increase from the prior year [5] - 'Revenue- Interest on funds held for clients' is projected to reach $40.14 million, up 5.1% year over year [5] - 'Revenue- Total service revenue' is expected to be $1.36 billion, reflecting a 7.9% increase from the previous year [5] - 'Revenue- PEO and Insurance Services' is forecasted to be $341.79 million, a 4.7% increase year over year [6] Investment Balances - The 'Average investment Balance - Funds held for clients' is projected at $4.43 billion, down from $4.68 billion reported in the same quarter last year [6] - 'Average investment Balance - Corporate cash equivalents and investments' is expected to be $1.63 billion, compared to $1.65 billion a year ago [7] Interest Rates - Analysts expect 'Average interest rates earned - Funds held for clients' to be 3.4%, down from 3.5% in the same quarter last year [7] - 'Average interest rates earned - Corporate cash equivalents and investments' is projected to be 4.3%, compared to 5.3% a year ago [8] Stock Performance - Over the past month, Paychex shares have declined by 3.8%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has increased by 0.6% [9] - Paychex holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting its performance will likely align with the overall market in the near term [9]