Investment Rating - The report maintains an underweight rating on Japanese equities within the Asian context [6]. Core Insights - Japanese equities have rebounded 20% since the sharp decline following "Liberation Day" on April 2, 2024, primarily driven by foreign investors who purchased a net USD 17 billion in Japanese stocks during this period [2][9]. - The report identifies four key catalysts affecting the market: the Yen, corporate governance, earnings growth, and local investors [10]. Summary by Sections Yen - The USDJPY exchange rate remains a significant driver for Japanese equities, despite a weakening historical correlation. The JPY has appreciated 9% year-to-date, negatively impacting exporters [3][27]. Corporate Governance - Improvements in corporate governance are noted, with a 70% increase in stock buybacks in 2024 and a decline in average strategic shareholdings from 13.5% in 2015 to 8.4% in FY23. However, the report suggests that the impact on profitability will take time, and ROE still lags behind other major markets [4][18][21]. Earnings Growth - Earnings growth expectations for 2025 have been revised down from 10% to 7%, with consensus forecasts for both export-oriented and domestic sectors being cut. The cautious outlook is reflected in the Q1 2025 earnings season [5][61]. Local Investors - Local investors are currently under-invested in equities, with over half of household financial assets in cash. A mere 1 percentage point shift from cash to equities could result in USD 220 billion flowing into the market. There are signs of increasing interest in equities among households, particularly following the expansion of the Nippon Individual Savings Account (NISA) program [6][46][50].

Summary of Key Points Core Viewpoint - The Q1 2025 earnings season for S&P 500 companies has been largely positive, with several companies, including Palantir, Cboe Global Markets, and Eaton, reporting record results, driven by strong demand and positive guidance for future growth [1][15]. Group 1: Palantir - Palantir reported a 39% year-over-year increase in sales, reflecting strong demand and raising its sales outlook for the current year significantly [2][4]. - The customer count grew nearly 40% year-over-year and 8% sequentially, with a record U.S. commercial total contract value of $810 million, up 180% year-over-year [3]. - Analysts have revised their sales expectations for Palantir, with the current Zacks Consensus estimate at $3.9 billion, up nearly 20% from last year, and a forecasted 37% year-over-year sales growth [4]. Group 2: Cboe Global Markets - Cboe Global Markets achieved record adjusted EPS of $2.37, a 21% increase year-over-year, and record net revenue of $562.5 million, up 13% year-over-year [5]. - The company reported record Options net revenue of $352.4 million, up 15% year-over-year, and global FX net revenue of $21.3 million, climbing 16% year-over-year [6]. - Following the strong results, analysts have notably revised their earnings expectations higher, indicating a favorable near-term earnings outlook [9]. Group 3: Eaton - Eaton posted record Q1 adjusted EPS of $2.72, a 13% increase year-over-year, and record Q1 sales of $6.4 billion, up 7% year-over-year, with segment margins reaching 23.9%, an 80 basis points increase year-over-year [10]. - The company has demonstrated a commitment to rewarding shareholders, with a 7% five-year annualized dividend growth rate, reflecting strong dividend growth over the last decade [13].

Core Viewpoint - Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) presents a strong investment opportunity in the Aerospace Defense industry due to rising earnings estimates, robust return on equity (ROE), effective debt management, a solid backlog, and shareholder-friendly initiatives [1] Earnings Growth and Revenue Forecast - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HII's 2025 earnings per share (EPS) has increased by 3.3% to $14.31 per share over the past 30 days [2] - The total revenue estimate for HII in 2025 is $11.91 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 3.3% [2] - HII's earnings growth rate over the next three to five years is projected at 11% [3] - The company has consistently surpassed earnings expectations, achieving an average earnings surprise of 4.20% in the last four quarters [3] Return on Equity - HII's current ROE stands at 12.26%, outperforming the industry average of 10.75%, indicating more effective use of funds compared to peers [4] Shareholder Initiatives - HII has been enhancing shareholder value through dividends, currently paying a quarterly dividend of $1.35 per share, which translates to an annualized dividend of $5.40 [5] - The company's dividend yield is 2.40%, surpassing the Zacks S&P 500 Composite's average of 1.27% [5] - In the first quarter of 2025, HII paid dividends totaling $53 million [5] Backlog and Order Growth - HII's order growth remains strong, with new contract awards valued at nearly $2.1 billion in the first quarter of 2025, leading to a total backlog of $48.05 billion as of March 31, 2025 [6] - This significant backlog is favorable for the company's revenue generation prospects in the coming years [6] Debt Profile - HII's total debt to capital ratio is 40.15%, which is better than the industry average of 52.09% [7] - The times interest earned (TIE) ratio at the end of the first quarter of 2025 was 7.3, indicating the company can comfortably meet its interest payment obligations [7] Stock Performance - Over the past three months, HII shares have increased by 28%, significantly outperforming the industry's growth of 8% [8]

Core Viewpoint - Cincinnati Financial Corporation (CINF) has underperformed compared to its industry and sector year to date, with a 4.5% gain against the industry's 11.8% and the Finance sector's 5.7% [1] Performance Comparison - CINF's stock is trading at a 7.2% discount to its 52-week high of $161.75 [1] - The stock is above the 50-day simple moving average (SMA), indicating a bullish trend [2] Valuation Metrics - CINF shares are trading at a price-to-book value of 1.75X, higher than the industry average of 1.57X, indicating an expensive valuation with a Value Score of C [5] - Compared to The Progressive Corporation (PGR) and The Travelers Companies Inc. (TRV), CINF is cheaper, although all are trading at a premium to the industry [6] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings is $5.26, reflecting a decrease of 31% on revenues of $11.1 billion, while the 2026 estimate is $8.12, suggesting a 54.4% increase on revenues of $12 billion [8] - Recent estimate revisions show a 6.7% increase for 2025 and a 1.8% increase for 2026, indicating analyst optimism [7] Growth Factors - CINF is expected to benefit from prudent pricing, an agent-centric model, and disciplined expansion of Cincinnati Re, contributing to above-average industry premium growth [10] - The company is focusing on expanding its commercial lines segment and enhancing pricing accuracy to improve profitability [11] Operational Strengths - CINF's Excess and Surplus (E&S) line has performed well since 2008, utilizing technology and data analytics to identify new risks [12] - The agent-focused business model aims to secure new business through superior service and expanded offerings [13] Dividend and Financial Health - CINF has increased dividends for 65 consecutive years, with a dividend yield of 2.4%, significantly higher than the industry average of 0.2% [14] - The return on equity for CINF is 8.2%, better than the industry average of 6.6%, although its return on invested capital (ROIC) of 2.3% is below the industry average of 5.9% [15] Market Outlook - The average target price for CINF is $152, indicating a 1.2% upside potential from its last closing price [16] - The company's operations are concentrated in the Midwest, which poses risks due to potential catastrophe losses [16]

Company Overview - Associated Banc-Corp (ASB) is headquartered in Green Bay and operates in the Finance sector [3] - The stock has experienced a price change of 1.76% since the beginning of the year [3] Dividend Information - Associated Banc-Corp currently pays a dividend of $0.23 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.78% [3] - This yield is higher than the Banks - Midwest industry's yield of 3.14% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.55% [3] - The annualized dividend of $0.92 has increased by 3.4% from the previous year [4] - Over the last 5 years, the company has raised its dividend 4 times, averaging an annual increase of 5.65% [4] - The current payout ratio is 41%, indicating that 41% of its trailing 12-month EPS is distributed as dividends [4] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year, ASB anticipates solid earnings growth, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 at $2.48 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 4.20% [5] Investment Considerations - ASB is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend profile and current Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [7] - The company is positioned as a strong dividend play, appealing to income investors [7]

Core Viewpoint - DTE Energy Corp. is positioned as a strong investment option in the Zacks Utility Electric Power industry due to its disciplined capital spending program, growth prospects, and low debt levels [1] Growth Forecast & Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DTE's 2025 earnings per share (EPS) has increased by 0.1%, while the 2026 EPS estimate has risen by 0.3% over the past 30 days [2] - Total revenue estimates for DTE are projected at $13.18 billion for 2025, indicating a growth of 5.8% from 2024, and $14.03 billion for 2026, suggesting a year-over-year increase of 6.5% [2] - DTE's long-term earnings growth rate is forecasted at 7.6%, with the company surpassing expectations in the last four quarters and achieving an average earnings surprise of 11.84% [3] Debt Profile - DTE's total debt to capital ratio stands at 19.89%, significantly lower than the industry average of 62.59% [4] - The times interest earned (TIE) ratio is 2.5, indicating the company can comfortably meet its interest obligations [4] Return on Equity - DTE's return on equity (ROE) is currently at 13%, outperforming the industry average of 10.34%, reflecting efficient utilization of funds [5] Shareholder Initiatives - DTE has consistently increased shareholder value through dividends, currently paying $1.09 per share quarterly, which translates to an annualized dividend of $4.36 and a dividend yield of 3.2% [6] - In the first quarter of 2025, DTE paid dividends totaling $217 million, up from $202 million in the previous year [6] Capital Allocation Plans - DTE plans to invest $30 billion over the next five years, a 20% increase from its previous investment plan, with $24 billion allocated for its subsidiary, DTE Electric [7] Diversification and Growth Targets - DTE is also expanding its non-utility operations, which diversifies its earnings stream and supports its long-term operating earnings growth target of 6-8% [8] Stock Performance - Over the past three months, DTE's stock has increased by 5.6%, outperforming the industry's average growth of 3% [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was $12.5 million, an increase of $800,000 or 7.3% compared to Q1 2024, primarily due to a 4.3% increase in active service connections and increased consumption [15] - Operating expenses for Q1 2025 were $11.2 million, up from $10.3 million in Q1 2024, representing an increase of approximately $900,000 or 8.3% [16] - Net income for Q1 2025 was $600,000 or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to $700,000 or $0.03 per diluted share in Q1 2024 [17] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $5.6 million, an increase of approximately $200,000 or 4.4% compared to Q1 2024 [18] - The company raised $32 million in equity capital in March 2025 and extended its line of credit to May 2027, increasing it from $15 million to $20 million, resulting in over $50 million of liquidity [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total active service connections increased by 4.3% to 65,163 as of March 31, 2025, compared to the previous year [5] - The company invested $15.2 million year-to-date into infrastructure improvements and existing utilities [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The single-family dwelling unit market in the Phoenix area saw a 15% decrease in building permits in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, with 6,406 permits issued [7] - The City of Maricopa experienced a 41.5% decrease in single-family building permits in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, with 190 permits issued [7] - Despite the pullback in permit data, the company believes this is temporary due to ongoing housing shortages and strong population growth in Arizona [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains bullish on future growth potential in the Inland Port Arizona service area, with significant industrial investments expected [12] - The company plans to leverage organic connections, new greenfield utilities, acquisitions, and rate cases to drive growth [14] - The company aims to expand its total water management platform and apply its expertise across regional service areas [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged mixed economic conditions but expressed confidence in the company's ability to improve utility metrics despite these challenges [24] - The company expects continued strong growth in customer connections, revenue, and earnings driven by strategic investments and rate increases [24] Other Important Information - The Arizona Corporation Commission approved new rates for the Farmers Water Utility, effective May 1, 2025, which will positively impact future quarters [20] - The company filed a rate case for Santa Cruz and Palo Verde, requesting a net revenue increase of $6.5 million, with hearings scheduled for December 2025 [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for the housing market in Arizona? - Management noted that while there has been a decrease in single-family permits, the overall demand for housing remains strong due to population growth and job opportunities [8] Question: How does the company plan to address inflation and cost increases? - Management indicated that new rates from recent rate cases will help address cost increases and support earnings growth [14]

Company Overview - M&T Bank Corporation (MTB) is based in Buffalo and operates in the Finance sector, with a year-to-date share price change of -0.8% [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $1.35 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.9%, which is lower than the Banks - Major Regional industry's yield of 3.81% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.54% [3] Dividend Analysis - The annualized dividend of M&T Bank is $5.40, reflecting a 0.9% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, M&T Bank has increased its dividend three times, achieving an average annual increase of 5.45% [4] - The current payout ratio for M&T Bank is 36%, indicating that the company pays out 36% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year 2025, the Zacks Consensus Estimate projects earnings of $16.07 per share, representing an expected increase of 8% from the previous year [5] Investment Considerations - Dividends are favored by investors for various reasons, including improving stock investing profits and providing tax advantages [6] - High-yielding stocks may face challenges during periods of rising interest rates, but M&T Bank is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend profile [7] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a neutral outlook [7]

Core Viewpoint - Southwest Gas (SWX) is making strategic investments to enhance its infrastructure and operations, benefiting from consistent customer growth, making it a solid investment option in the utility sector [1] Growth Projections & Surprise History - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings per share (EPS) has increased by 5.4% to $3.73 over the past 30 days [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 sales is projected at $5.25 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 2.8% [2] - The long-term earnings growth rate for SWX is estimated at 9.5%, with an average earnings surprise of 6% over the past four quarters [2] Dividend Yield - The company plans to align its dividend payout ratio with that of its gas utility peers post-separation of Centuri [3] - Currently, SWX's quarterly dividend is 62 cents per share, leading to an annualized dividend of $2.48 and a dividend yield of 3.55%, which is significantly higher than the Zacks S&P 500 Composite's yield of 1.53% [3] Debt Position - Southwest Gas has a total debt to capital ratio of 57.88%, which is better than the sector average of 59.9%, indicating a stronger financial position and reduced reliance on borrowed funds [4] Focus on Strategic Investments - The company plans to invest $4.3 billion from 2025 to 2029, with an expected capital expenditure of $880 million in 2025 to support customer growth and system improvements [5] Consistent Customer Growth - SWX has a diversified customer base across Arizona, Nevada, and California, having installed 40,000 first-time meter sets in the year ending March 31, 2025 [6] - The company anticipates a 1.4% annual growth in customers through 2029, which will drive demand and enhance performance [6] Stock Price Performance - Over the past two years, SWX shares have increased by 22%, outperforming the industry's growth of 5.7% [7]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a cautious outlook on US equities, expecting the markets to digest recent gains due to ongoing tariff rollouts and macroeconomic concerns [1][6][14]. Core Insights - The Q1 earnings season showed a pattern of falling revisions leading to positive surprises, but this translated into a decline in full-year EPS estimates [1][2][11]. - Growth sectors, particularly the Magnificent 7, demonstrated stronger earnings resilience compared to Cyclicals and Defensives, reinforcing the view that Growth is fundamentally defensive in the current environment [3][9][23]. - Small and Mid Cap companies are experiencing significant margin pressure, with notable downward revisions in gross margin expectations for 2025 compared to Large Cap firms [4][32]. Summary by Sections Earnings Performance - S&P 500 earnings surprises were strong, with EPS beats significantly outpacing sales beats, indicating efficiency gains rather than top-line growth [2][15]. - Despite a 6% upside in Q1 EPS estimates, there was a -1.4% decline in full-year consensus estimates, suggesting further earnings rightsizing is likely [8][18]. Consumer Sector Insights - The Consumer Discretionary and Staples sectors are showing signs of deterioration, with sales growth rates declining alongside rising unemployment [5][12][41]. - Recent sales growth numbers were weak, indicating potential consumer weakness ahead of full tariff impacts [5][12][39]. Tariff Impact and Market Outlook - The report anticipates that the current consensus growth for the S&P 500 will likely fall from +8% to +3% due to tariff implications [11][29]. - The S&P 500 has rallied approximately +14% since "Moratorium Day," but valuation concerns are resurfacing as the index approaches the year-end target of 5800 [14][29]. Small/Mid Cap Analysis - Small and Mid Cap firms are facing more significant cuts in sales growth expectations and gross margins compared to their Large Cap counterparts [32][33]. - Analysts express skepticism about the resilience of Large Cap gross margins unless there is a shift in tariff policies [32]. Consumer Insights - Top-line growth for consumer sectors has decelerated sharply, with Q1 results coming in at about half of the expected growth rate [36][39]. - Inventory levels among consumer companies were low, suggesting limited preparation for tariff impacts [43].