Core Insights - Futu Holdings Limited (FUTU) is currently viewed as a more attractive investment option compared to AppLovin (APP) for value investors due to its stronger earnings outlook and better valuation metrics [3][7]. Valuation Metrics - FUTU has a forward P/E ratio of 21.28, significantly lower than APP's forward P/E of 62.74, indicating that FUTU is potentially undervalued [5]. - The PEG ratio for FUTU is 0.67, while APP's PEG ratio is 3.14, suggesting that FUTU offers better value relative to its expected earnings growth [5]. - FUTU's P/B ratio stands at 6.11, compared to APP's P/B of 134.22, further highlighting the disparity in valuation between the two companies [6]. Earnings Estimates - FUTU holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting positive revisions in earnings estimates, while APP has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a less favorable outlook [3][7]. - The Zacks Rank system emphasizes stocks with strong earnings estimate revision trends, which favors FUTU's improving earnings outlook [2][3].

Core Insights - Stocks from the so-called old economy are currently experiencing a favorable period after years of lagging behind their rivals in the information-technology sector [1] Group 1 - The old economy stocks are enjoying a moment of bliss, indicating a shift in market dynamics [1]

Market Overview - The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 326.86 points (0.6820%) at 48254.82, driven by optimism regarding the end of the U.S. government shutdown [1] - Dow Futures rose 321.00 points (0.6683%) to 48351.00, reflecting positive investor sentiment [1] Legislative Developments - The House of Representatives is set to vote on legislation to fund the government until January 30, which is expected to resolve economic uncertainty [1] Corporate News - Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) provided positive long-term growth targets for AI, while IBM announced breakthroughs in quantum computing, contributing to tech sector optimism [2] - Financial stocks such as Goldman Sachs (GS), JPMorgan Chase (JPM), and American Express (AXP) reached record highs, indicating a shift towards defensive sectors and value stocks [2] Stock Performance - Notable gainers included UnitedHealth Group (UNH) up 3.72%, Goldman Sachs (GS) up 2.84%, Cisco Systems (CSCO) up 2.73%, Nike (NKE) up 2.32%, and Caterpillar (CAT) up 1.67% [3] - Significant decliners included Chevron (CVX) down -1.83% due to a drop in WTI crude futures, and Amazon (AMZN) down -1.32% amid a mixed performance in the Nasdaq [3]

Core Insights - Alkermes (ALKS) is currently viewed as a better value opportunity compared to Illumina (ILMN) based on various financial metrics and rankings [1][7] Valuation Metrics - Alkermes has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook, while Illumina has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] - The forward P/E ratio for Alkermes is 16.69, significantly lower than Illumina's forward P/E of 25.86, suggesting that Alkermes may be undervalued [5] - Alkermes has a PEG ratio of 1.36, compared to Illumina's PEG ratio of 2.62, indicating a more favorable valuation relative to expected earnings growth [5] - The P/B ratio for Alkermes is 3.11, while Illumina's P/B ratio is 7.81, further supporting the notion that Alkermes is undervalued [6] - Based on these metrics, Alkermes has earned a Value grade of B, whereas Illumina has a Value grade of C [6] Earnings Outlook - Alkermes is noted for its improving earnings outlook, which enhances its attractiveness as a value investment [7]

Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Internet - Commerce sector should consider Expedia (EXPE) and MercadoLibre (MELI) for potential undervalued stock opportunities [1] Group 1: Zacks Rank and Earnings Outlook - Expedia has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook, while MercadoLibre has a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [3] - The Zacks Rank system emphasizes companies with positive earnings estimate revisions, suggesting that EXPE is likely experiencing a more favorable earnings outlook than MELI [3] Group 2: Valuation Metrics - EXPE has a forward P/E ratio of 18.50, significantly lower than MELI's forward P/E of 51.95 [5] - The PEG ratio for EXPE is 1.05, while MELI's PEG ratio is 1.50, indicating that EXPE may offer better value relative to its expected earnings growth [5] - EXPE's P/B ratio is 12.79 compared to MELI's P/B of 17.06, further supporting EXPE's more attractive valuation metrics [6] Group 3: Value Grades - EXPE has earned a Value grade of B, while MELI has a Value grade of D, reflecting the stronger valuation metrics and estimate revision activity for EXPE [6][7] - Overall, value investors are likely to conclude that EXPE is the superior option compared to MELI at this time [7]

Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Utility - Electric Power sector should consider PG&E (PCG) and CenterPoint Energy (CNP) as potential value opportunities, with PG&E currently presenting a superior value option based on valuation metrics [1][6]. Valuation Metrics - Both PG&E and CenterPoint Energy have a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating positive earnings estimate revisions and improving earnings outlooks [3]. - PG&E has a forward P/E ratio of 11.04, significantly lower than CenterPoint Energy's forward P/E of 22.42, suggesting that PG&E is undervalued relative to its earnings potential [5]. - The PEG ratio for PG&E is 0.69, while CenterPoint Energy's PEG ratio is 2.83, further indicating that PG&E is a better value option when considering expected earnings growth [5]. - PG&E's P/B ratio is 1.19, compared to CenterPoint Energy's P/B of 2.34, reinforcing the notion that PG&E is more attractively priced relative to its book value [6]. - Based on these valuation metrics, PG&E earns a Value grade of A, while CenterPoint Energy receives a Value grade of C, highlighting the relative strength of PG&E as a value investment [6].

Core Viewpoint - Value-stock selection should prioritize quality factors that support long-term growth rather than merely focusing on low earnings multiples according to Warren Koontz of Jennison Associates [1] Group 1 - Emphasis on quality factors in value-stock selection is essential for sustainable growth [1]

Core Insights - Investors in the Medical - Dental Supplies sector may consider Conmed (CNMD) and Merit Medical (MMSI) as potential value stocks [1] - A strong Zacks Rank combined with a good Value grade is identified as an effective strategy for finding value stocks [2] - Both CNMD and MMSI currently hold a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating positive earnings estimate revisions [3] Valuation Metrics - CNMD has a forward P/E ratio of 9.88, while MMSI has a forward P/E of 23.47, suggesting CNMD may be undervalued [5] - The PEG ratio for CNMD is 1.50, compared to MMSI's PEG ratio of 2.39, indicating CNMD's better valuation relative to its expected earnings growth [5] - CNMD's P/B ratio is 1.36, while MMSI's P/B ratio is 3.35, further supporting CNMD's position as a more attractive value option [6] Conclusion - Based on the valuation metrics, CNMD is considered the superior value option compared to MMSI [7]

Core Insights - Value stocks often trade at discounts, providing opportunities for patient investors, but they may be cheap for valid reasons [1] - Identifying high-quality companies among value stocks is challenging, and StockStory aims to assist in this process [2] Company Summaries American Express Global Business Travel (GBTG) - GBTG has a forward price-to-sales ratio of 1.5x and is currently trading at $7.77 per share [3][5] - The company offers comprehensive business travel and expense management solutions, connecting corporate clients with travel suppliers [3] Covenant Logistics (CVLG) - CVLG has a forward P/E ratio of 10.7x and is trading at $19.41 per share [6][8] - The company provides expedited long-haul freight services and has grown from 25 trucks and 50 trailers [6] Insperity (NSP) - NSP has a forward P/E ratio of 16.6x and is involved in human resources outsourcing for small and medium-sized businesses [9] - Sales growth has been modest at 5.7% annually over the last two years, which is below the typical growth for software companies [10] - Estimated sales growth for the next 12 months is projected at 3.8%, indicating a potential slowdown in demand [10] - Gross margin stands at 61.1%, which is lower than competitors, limiting investment in marketing and R&D [10] - Free cash flow margin has decreased by 10 percentage points over the last five years, indicating higher capital consumption to remain competitive [11] - Returns on capital are shrinking, suggesting increased competition is impacting profitability [11]

Core Insights - Value stocks often trade at discounts, presenting opportunities for investors, but they may be undervalued for valid reasons [1] - Distinguishing between genuine value and value traps is crucial for investors [2] Company Summaries Sirius XM (SIRI) - Sirius XM has a forward P/E ratio of 7.2x and is known for its commercial-free music channels, providing satellite and online radio services in North America [3] - The current trading price is $21.66 per share, but it does not meet the investment criteria set by the company [5] Sealed Air (SEE) - Sealed Air has a forward P/E ratio of 11.4x and specializes in protective and food packaging solutions [6] - The stock price is $36.80, but there are concerns regarding its potential underperformance [7] Pfizer (PFE) - Pfizer has a forward P/E ratio of 7.9x and is a global biopharmaceutical company involved in the development and sale of medicines and vaccines [8] - Concerns include the need for strategic adjustments due to low organic sales performance and reliance on M&A for growth [9] - Projected sales for the next 12 months are expected to be flat, indicating subdued demand [10] - The company has experienced flat unit sales and may need to lower prices to stimulate growth [11] - Capital intensity has increased over the last five years, with a significant decrease in free cash flow margin by 26.5 percentage points [12]