Core Viewpoint - Astronics (ATRO) is identified as a strong buy with a Zacks Rank of 1, showcasing a D for Value and an A for Growth, indicating a favorable growth outlook despite valuation concerns [1] Company Overview - Astronics Corp. specializes in electrical power generation and distribution systems, including motion systems, lighting, safety systems, avionics products, and aircraft structures, operating through Aerospace and Test Systems segments [2] Earnings Performance - Astronics has consistently exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the last four quarters, with the latest EPS reported at $0.49 against an estimate of $0.42, resulting in a 16.6% positive earnings surprise [4] - The average positive surprise over the last four quarters stands at 59% [4] Earnings Estimates Revisions - Earnings estimates for Astronics have been revised upwards, with the full year 2025 estimate increasing from $1.60 to $1.78 and the 2026 estimate rising from $2.12 to $2.43 over the past 60 days [5] Growth Projections - Revenue for the current fiscal year is projected at $857 million, reflecting a 7.7% growth, while the next fiscal year anticipates revenue of $980 million, indicating a 14.4% sales growth [6] Valuation Insights - The price-to-book ratio is noted at 16x, which is considered high for a business model that is not asset-light, while the forward PE ratio is at 27x, justified by the expected growth [7] - The price-to-sales ratio is at 2x, attributed to previous low topline growth, which is expected to improve [7] Margin Analysis - Operating margins have shown improvement, increasing from 5.8% to 7.2% and then to 8% over the last three quarters, suggesting that revenue growth combined with margin expansion will lead to higher earnings [8]

Jeffre analyst Julian Demulan Smith brings some utility stocks he loves as well to set. Julian, great to have you on set. It's not for everybody, but this idea that data centers is going to raise costs is not true.It sounds like they're going to raise earnings, though. >> Oh, you better believe it. They they are certainly going to raise earnings.I mean, look, they're looking they're not your father's utilities, right. Let's be honest to ourselves. I mean, the backdrop here is we're looking at the longest ru ...

Market Reaction to Government Shutdown - The end of the government shutdown is expected to have minimal impact on most individuals, although government employees are relieved to return to work [2] - The market has shown improvement since the shutdown concluded, but underlying issues remain unresolved, indicating potential future risks [3] Economic Data and Federal Reserve Policy - There is concern regarding potential delays in the release of government data, which could affect the Federal Reserve's ability to adjust interest rates as anticipated by the market [4][5] - The accuracy of economic data has been compromised post-COVID, complicating the Fed's decision-making process [6][7] Interest Rate Expectations - Current expectations for interest rate cuts have been adjusted to 5 to 6 cuts over the next year, which is higher than market anticipations of about 3 to 3.5 cuts [7][8] - The market's narrow performance is attributed to the desire for more aggressive Fed cuts to stimulate the private economy [9] Market Performance and Earnings Growth - The Dow Jones Industrial Average has reached new record highs, suggesting a potential shift in market narrative [10] - There are signs of improving earnings, with double-digit year-over-year growth reported for the median stock in the third quarter, marking the first such growth in four years [13][14] Future Earnings Projections - Consensus estimates for earnings growth next year are in the low double digits, which is considered achievable [15] - The need for interest rate cuts is emphasized as crucial for sustaining market momentum and broadening economic performance [16][17] Economic Outlook - The worst of the economic slowdown is believed to be behind, with indications of entering a new bull market [18] - A balanced approach in monetary policy is currently observed, although markets may challenge authorities if expectations are not met [19]

We're joined by Mike Wilson, chief U.S. equity strategist at Morgan Stanley. Really great to have you with us on this first day after the government shut down. Mike, now that it's over, now what.Good morning. Good morning, Nathan. Yeah.Well, I think most people probably won't feel the effects. I'm sure the government employees are happy to get back to work. And look, I think from our standpoint, from a market standpoint, I mean, this is the longer that this kind of, you know, lagged into the holidays, it de ...

Core Insights - Tredegar Corporation's shares have increased by 33.2% since the earnings report for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 index, which grew by 2% during the same period [1] - The company reported an adjusted net income of 26 cents per share, a substantial increase from 1 cent per share in the prior-year period [1] Financial Performance - Consolidated revenues rose by 33.5% to $194.9 million, up from $146.1 million in the same quarter last year, primarily driven by the Aluminum Extrusions segment, which saw a 40.4% increase in net sales to $162.5 million [2] - Net income from continuing operations was $7.1 million, compared to a net loss of $3.4 million in the third quarter of 2024, with non-GAAP net income from ongoing operations at $9.2 million, up from $0.2 million in the prior-year period [3] Segment Performance - In the Aluminum Extrusions segment, EBITDA from ongoing operations reached $16.8 million, a 172.1% increase from $6.2 million in the third quarter of 2024, driven by a 19.5% growth in sales volume to 41.3 million pounds [4] - The PE Films segment's EBITDA increased by 22.9% to $7.2 million, up from $5.9 million in the third quarter of 2024, with net sales rising 4% year over year to $25.9 million [6] Operational Highlights - The Aluminum Extrusions segment benefited from an inventory flow-through timing effect due to aluminum price trends, contributing $4.3 million to earnings, reversing a $1 million charge from the previous year [5] - The PE Films segment experienced a volume decline of 11% in overwrap films, negatively impacting performance, although surface protection films saw a 10.9% year-over-year increase [7] Management Commentary - CEO John Steitz described the quarter as "good" across both business units, noting improvements in manufacturing efficiencies at Bonnell despite net new orders remaining at "depressed levels" due to increased tariffs [8] - Encouraging order activity was observed in October, with weekly averages reaching 3 million pounds, indicating potential stabilization [9] Factors Influencing Performance - The Aluminum Extrusions segment's earnings increase was supported by a $12.7 million boost in contribution margin, higher sales volumes, and improved pricing, despite cost pressures from labor and maintenance [10] - The PE Films segment's improvement was driven by a $1.8 million margin increase from surface protection films, aided by higher volume and productivity gains [11] Future Guidance - Management is evaluating cost-reduction initiatives expected to yield results in 2026, with projected capital expenditures of $17 million for Bonnell Aluminum and $2 million for PE Films in 2025 [12] Other Developments - Tredegar recorded a $9.8 million cash inflow related to the post-closing settlement of the sale of its Terphane business, contributing to debt reduction in 2025 [13] - The company also completed the sale of corporate-owned land during the third quarter, resulting in a $1.5 million gain [13]

Core Insights - On Holding AG's shares increased over 20% in intra-day trading after the company raised its full-year outlook due to stronger-than-expected third-quarter earnings [1] - The company reported quarterly earnings per share of CHF 0.36, exceeding analyst forecasts of CHF 0.27, with revenue reaching CHF 794.4 million, surpassing the consensus estimate of CHF 763.8 million [1] Financial Performance - Net sales rose by 24.9% year over year, or 34.5% at constant currency, driven by robust demand in both Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) and Wholesale channels [2] - DTC revenue increased by 27.6% to CHF 314.7 million, or 37.5% on a constant-currency basis, while Wholesale sales grew by 23.3% to CHF 479.6 million, or 32.5% when adjusted for currency fluctuations [2] Profitability Metrics - Adjusted EBITDA surged by 49.8% to CHF 179.9 million from CHF 120.1 million a year earlier, with the margin improving to 22.6% from 18.9% [3] - Gross profit margin enhanced to 62.5% from 60.1% [3] Future Outlook - For the full year, On Holding projected constant-currency sales growth of 34%, an increase from the previous guidance of at least 31%, translating to approximately CHF 2.98 billion in revenue, up from CHF 2.91 billion [3] - The company raised its adjusted EBITDA margin target to above 18%, compared to the previous range of 17%–17.5%, and now expects a gross margin around 62.5%, higher than the earlier outlook of 60.5%–61.0% [4]

Core Insights - S&P Global Inc. is a significant player in financial information, analytics, and credit ratings, with a market cap of $149.5 billion, providing essential data for informed decision-making in global capital markets [1] Performance Overview - Over the past year, S&P Global's shares have underperformed the broader market, declining by 1.9% compared to a 14.1% increase in the S&P 500 Index [2] - In 2025, the stock has continued to lag, remaining slightly negative while the S&P 500 has risen by 16.4% year-to-date [2] Sector Comparison - The stock has also underperformed compared to sector peers, with the iShares U.S. Broker-Dealers & Securities Exchanges ETF gaining approximately 17.5% over the past year and 22.8% year-to-date [3] Financial Performance - On October 30, S&P Global reported strong third-quarter results, with revenue increasing by 9% year-over-year to $3.89 billion and adjusted EPS of $4.73, exceeding market expectations [4] - The company raised its full-year guidance, projecting 7-8% revenue growth and continued margin expansion, indicating confidence in its data, analytics, and ratings franchises [4] Earnings Expectations - For the current fiscal year ending in December, analysts anticipate a 13.1% growth in EPS to $17.76 on a diluted basis, with a strong earnings surprise history, having beaten consensus estimates in the last four quarters [5] - Among 26 analysts covering S&P Global, the consensus rating is a "Strong Buy," supported by 19 "Strong Buy" ratings, three "Moderate Buys," and four "Hold" ratings [5] Analyst Ratings - The analyst outlook has improved compared to two months ago, with 18 analysts now suggesting a "Strong Buy" [6] - JPMorgan Chase & Co. has adjusted its price target for S&P Global to $615 from $635 while maintaining an "Overweight" rating, citing the company's Q3 2025 earnings beat and raised full-year guidance [6]

Core Viewpoint - FedEx Corp expresses optimism for the upcoming holiday peak shipping season despite ongoing industry challenges, projecting improved profits for the fiscal second quarter [3][4]. Financial Performance - FedEx anticipates adjusted earnings per share to exceed last year's benchmark of $4.05, surpassing analyst expectations of $4.02 per share [3]. - The update led to a 5.3% increase in FedEx shares during early trading on the New York Stock Exchange [4]. Operational Insights - FedEx has reported an increase in operating income for the first time despite declining revenues, although it faces a $1 billion headwind from the end of the de minimis tariff exemption [4]. - The company experienced a $150 million adjusted operating income impact for Q1 and expects a similar impact at the midpoint of its guidance range [5]. - U.S. outbound air freight has increased by 22%, contributing approximately $40 million to revenue [5]. Strategic Initiatives - FedEx is adapting to changing demand by shifting from trans-Pacific to intra-Asia routes and plans to spin off its FedEx Freight segment into a separate company [5]. - The company is optimistic about its future capabilities due to its existing networks, cost structure, and logistics intelligence [6]. Challenges and Mitigation - Both FedEx and UPS may face disruptions and increased expenses due to the grounding of MD-11 aircraft following a recent fatal crash [7]. - FedEx is collaborating with Boeing and the FAA to ensure safe inspections and return of aircraft to service, while managing capacity through spare aircraft and adjustments to maintenance schedules [8].

Core Viewpoint - The market is expected to shift focus towards earnings growth in 2026, particularly in the small and midcap sectors, which are projected to experience a recovery from previous earnings recessions [2][3][5]. Small and Midcap Sector - Small and midcap companies are anticipated to see earnings growth improve from low single-digit this year to low double-digit next year, driven by a recovery from two years of declining earnings [3][5]. - Companies in the small and midcap space that have raised their Q4 and 2026 guidance during the Q3 reporting period have outperformed the S&P 500 [3]. - The economic sensitivity of small and midcap stocks is expected to provide a favorable setup as macroeconomic conditions stabilize and potential Fed rate cuts occur [6]. AI Sector Dynamics - The AI sector is characterized by persistent spending dynamics, with capital expenditure improvements expected through the end of the decade [7][8]. - Ongoing volatility is anticipated as companies navigate the pace and justification of their AI-related spending [8]. - There is a focus on stock selection within the AI space, with an emphasis on semiconductors and software, while communication services have been adjusted to a market weight [10]. Broader Market Implications - Companies not directly associated with AI are beginning to implement AI processes, which could lead to higher productivity, improved margins, and reduced earnings volatility in the long term [11].

Well, joining me now, Scott Croniner, US equity strategist at City. Scott, it's always great to speak with you. Uh, and let's start right there, especially on a day where the market seems to be pulling back from session lows here to to do an about face.You like the small and midcaps. Why. >> Well, Morgan, I think there's a couple of things at work here.What we're arguing is that as we go into the end of this year, the market is increasingly paying for 26 earnings growth expectations. We certainly going to g ...