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Boost Your Portfolio Returns With These 4 Top-Performing Liquid Stocks
ZACKS· 2026-01-09 16:35
Core Insights - Investors should consider adding stocks with strong liquidity to their portfolios for potential solid gains, as liquidity indicates a company's ability to meet short-term obligations and supports business growth [1][3] Group 1: Stock Recommendations - Four top-ranked stocks recommended for portfolio inclusion are Ciena Corporation (CIEN), EverQuote, Inc. (EVER), Pan American Silver Corp. (PAAS), and GigaCloud Technology Inc. (GCT) [2][10] - Each of these stocks has been screened for strong liquidity and asset efficiency, meeting strict criteria for growth potential [10][11] Group 2: Financial Metrics - Current Ratio: A ratio below 1 indicates more liabilities than assets, while a range of 1-3 is considered ideal for assessing financial health [5] - Quick Ratio: A desirable quick ratio is more than 1, indicating a company's ability to pay short-term obligations without relying on inventory [6] - Cash Ratio: A cash ratio greater than 1 is favorable, but excessively high ratios may suggest inefficiency in cash utilization [7] Group 3: Company-Specific Insights EverQuote, Inc. (EVER) - EverQuote reported total revenues of $173.9 million, exceeding estimates by 4.6% and growing 20% year-over-year, with automotive insurance revenues increasing by 21% [13][14] - The company has a Growth Score of A and a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 37.16% on average [14] Ciena Corporation (CIEN) - Ciena's fiscal fourth-quarter 2025 results showed a 20% year-over-year revenue increase and 69.5% EPS growth, driven by AI-led demand [15][16] - The company raised its fiscal 2026 revenue outlook to $5.7-$6.1 billion, indicating nearly 24% growth at the midpoint [17][18] Pan American Silver Corp. (PAAS) - The acquisition of MAG Silver Corp. is expected to enhance operations and increase silver production guidance to 22-25 million ounces for 2025 [19][20] - The company has a Growth Score of B and a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 31.63% on average [20] GigaCloud Technology Inc. (GCT) - GigaCloud anticipates fourth-quarter 2025 revenues between $328 million and $344 million, with third-quarter revenues of $333 million reflecting a 10% year-over-year increase [22][23] - The company has a Growth Score of B and a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 45.6% on average [23]
4 Top-Ranked Liquid Stocks to Enhance Portfolio Returns in 2026
ZACKS· 2025-12-26 17:01
Key Takeaways Stocks like CIEN, EVER, PJT and CMC were screened for strong liquidity and asset efficiency.The screen narrowed 7,700 stocks to eight, with these four meeting strict efficiency and growth criteria.Each stock also boasts higher asset utilization than its industry average and solid growth attributes.Liquidity measures a company’s capability to meet short-term debt obligations. Stocks with high liquidity levels have always been in demand, owing to their potential to provide maximum returns. Inves ...
HCA Healthcare (NYSE:HCA) FY Conference Transcript
2025-11-20 20:02
HCA Healthcare FY Conference Summary Company Overview - HCA Healthcare is the largest for-profit operator of acute care hospitals in the U.S. with 191 hospitals and 2,400 sites of care across 20 states and the U.K. [1] - The company oversaw 44 million patient encounters in 2024 [1] Key Points and Arguments Financial Performance and Guidance - HCA is expected to deliver revenue and earnings growth above long-term guidance for 2025, supported by policy tailwinds and operational initiatives [3][4] - The company anticipates 2%-3% volume growth due to strong market demand and operational excellence [6][11] - HCA has deployed $4 billion to $5 billion in capital annually, with $6.7 billion in capital projects currently in progress [9][10] Operational Initiatives - HCA is focusing on network development, increasing outpatient facilities from 10 to 14 per hospital, aiming for 20 by the end of the decade [10] - The company has implemented a length of stay management plan, achieving a 2% reduction in length of stay, enhancing capacity without additional capital expenditure [14][15] Resiliency Initiatives - HCA's resiliency strategy includes workforce development, operational investments, and revenue cycle improvements [13][16] - The company is addressing denials and underpayments from payers to enhance revenue integrity [16][40] Policy and Regulatory Environment - HCA is preparing for potential changes in Medicaid supplemental payment programs, with 60% of its Medicaid revenue coming from non-expansion states [20][21] - The company is optimistic about managing Medicaid reforms and believes it will not derail long-term plans [21] Medicare and Exchange Dynamics - HCA expects continued enrollment growth in Medicare Advantage, driven by the aging population [34] - Exchange enrollments increased by 30% in 2024, correlating with a 40% increase in volume [32] Cost Management - Professional fees have risen by about 10%, primarily in anesthesia and radiology, but HCA is managing these pressures through strategic initiatives [63][64] - The company has successfully navigated supply chain challenges, maintaining margin improvements despite inflationary pressures [69][70] Workforce Development - HCA is expanding its Galen College of Nursing, aiming for 30 campuses by 2030, which will significantly increase the supply of nurses in its markets [75][76] Capital Investment and M&A Strategy - HCA plans to continue adding inpatient beds and expanding outpatient facilities, with a disciplined approach to acquisitions [55][56][58] - The company has completed two tuck-in acquisitions this year and remains focused on outpatient capacity [58] Other Important Insights - HCA's long-term plan for net revenue per equivalent admission growth is 2%-3%, influenced by payer rates, acuity, and denials [42] - The company is leveraging AI and digital tools to enhance operational efficiency, particularly in supply chain management [72] This summary encapsulates the key insights from the HCA Healthcare FY Conference, highlighting the company's strategic focus on growth, operational efficiency, and workforce development while navigating a complex regulatory environment.
Bet on These 4 Top-Performing Liquid Stocks to Maximize Returns
ZACKS· 2025-11-07 16:41
Core Insights - Investors should consider adding stocks with strong liquidity to their portfolios, as liquidity indicates a company's ability to meet short-term obligations and supports business expansion [1][2] - Four top-ranked stocks recommended for investment include EverQuote, Inc. (EVER), Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. (FOLD), Lam Research Corporation (LRCX), and Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (CBOE) [2][9] Liquidity Measures - Current Ratio: Measures current assets against current liabilities; a ratio below 1 indicates more liabilities than assets, while a range of 1-3 is ideal [4] - Quick Ratio: Indicates a company's ability to pay short-term obligations, with a desirable ratio of more than 1 [5] - Cash Ratio: The most conservative measure, focusing on cash and equivalents relative to current liabilities; a ratio greater than 1 is desirable but may indicate inefficiency [6] Screening Parameters - Asset Utilization: A measure of efficiency, calculated as total sales over the last 12 months divided by the average total assets; companies with a ratio higher than their industry average are considered efficient [7][8] - Growth Score: A proprietary score added to ensure that liquid and efficient stocks also have solid growth potential [8] Company-Specific Insights - **EverQuote, Inc. (EVER)**: Reported revenues of $173.9 million, a 20% year-over-year increase; projected fourth-quarter revenues between $174-$180 million [12][13] - **Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. (FOLD)**: Revenues of $169.1 million, a 19% year-over-year increase; expects total revenues to grow by 15-22% in 2025 [14][15] - **Lam Research Corporation (LRCX)**: Reported revenues of $5.32 billion, a 28% increase year-over-year; projects second-quarter revenues of $5.2 billion [16][17] - **Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (CBOE)**: Achieved record revenues of $605.5 million, a 14% year-over-year increase; raised 2025 organic revenue growth target to low double-digit to mid-teens [18][19]
Eastman(EMN) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-11-04 14:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing a significant decline in volumes, with Advanced Materials (AM) expected to be down around 4% and Advanced Functional Products (AFP) down around 2% on a full-year basis [8][12] - The company anticipates a $100 million cost reduction target for next year, building on $75 million achieved this year [11][68] - The company expects a meaningful increase in revenue from the circular polyester methanolysis plant, contributing positively to EBITDA [12][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fibers business is facing cyclical headwinds, particularly in textiles, which have seen a significant drop in demand due to tariffs and market conditions [30][42] - The company is optimistic about the ARPET capacity conversion, expecting a significant step up in volume and revenue from this project [19][20] - The CI (Chemical Intermediates) segment is expected to benefit from increased volume and aggressive cost management, although it is currently in a manufacturing recession [38][40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer durable demand is projected to be 5-15% below 2019 levels, impacting the overall market dynamics [27] - The North American market is experiencing a mixed impact due to trade wars and lower demand in building construction and consumer durables [39][40] - The company is seeing some recovery in demand for specialty plastics, with customers planning for higher orders in Q1 [67] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on innovation as a core part of its strategy, aiming to regain market share and drive growth through new product launches [12][76] - There is an emphasis on aggressive cost management to enhance competitiveness in a challenging market environment [68][76] - The company is exploring opportunities for portfolio optimization and potential M&A to adapt to industry changes [76][78] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the chaotic market conditions and the challenges posed by inventory levels and consumer demand [64][66] - There is cautious optimism about a potential recovery in demand as economic conditions stabilize [40][66] - The company is committed to maintaining its dividend and managing cash flow effectively, with expectations of strong cash generation in 2026 [60] Other Important Information - The company has completed its buyback program for the year while maintaining net debt levels [47] - A headcount reduction of 7% is part of the cost-cutting measures, aimed at improving productivity and competitiveness [68][70] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you help with the bridge to 2026? - Management discussed the importance of considering full-year EBIT and the impact of cost savings and asset utilization on future earnings [5][6] Question: What is the status of the ARPET capacity conversion? - Management confirmed that the Kingsport plant is running well, with 90% yields and plans for a 30% capacity expansion [16][20] Question: How is the Renew product performing in the market? - Management noted strong interest from over 100 customers, but actual volume purchases are limited by soft consumer durable markets [26][27] Question: What are the expectations for fibers next year? - Management explained that the fibers business is facing cyclical challenges, but they expect to stabilize volumes and regain market share [30][32] Question: What is the outlook for the Pepsi contract? - Management indicated that the restructuring of the Pepsi contract is aimed at pulling forward volume into next year, which is seen as a positive development [36][57] Question: How should we think about CI earnings next year? - Management highlighted that CI earnings could improve due to increased volume, cost reductions, and potential recovery in demand [40][41]
Bet on These 4 Top-Performing Liquid Stocks for Robust Returns
ZACKS· 2025-10-23 15:01
Core Insights - Building a portfolio with stocks that have robust liquidity levels is likely to yield healthy returns for investors [1] - High liquidity stocks are in demand due to their potential for maximum returns, but caution is advised as high liquidity may also indicate inefficient asset utilization [2] Liquidity Measures - **Current Ratio**: Measures current assets relative to current liabilities; a ratio below 1 indicates more liabilities than assets, while a range of 1-3 is considered ideal [4] - **Quick Ratio**: Indicates a company's ability to pay short-term obligations, with a desirable ratio of more than 1 [5] - **Cash Ratio**: The most conservative measure, focusing on cash and cash equivalents relative to current liabilities; a ratio greater than 1 is desirable but may indicate inefficiency [6] Screening Parameters - Asset utilization is included as a screening criterion, with a ratio higher than the industry average indicating efficiency [7] - Stocks are screened for liquidity ratios between 1 and 3 and asset utilization above the industry average, ensuring they have solid growth potential [8] Selected Stocks - Four stocks identified for strong liquidity and asset efficiency are Peloton Interactive, Remitly Global, Newmont Corporation, and Zumiez [9] - Each of these stocks has higher asset utilization than their industry average and solid growth attributes [9] Company Profiles - **Peloton Interactive (PTON)**: Operates as an interactive fitness platform with nearly 6 million members, focusing on becoming a full-spectrum wellness platform and expanding its global footprint [10][11] - **Remitly Global (RELY)**: Offers digital financial and remittance services, reporting revenues of $411.9 million for Q2 2025, up 34% year over year [13][15] - **Newmont Corporation (NEM)**: One of the largest gold producers, with Q2 revenues of approximately $5.32 billion, up 20.8% from the prior year [16][18] - **Zumiez Inc. (ZUMZ)**: A specialty retailer with Q2 sales of $214.3 million, surpassing estimates and showing a 1.9% increase from the prior year [19][20]
X @Investopedia
Investopedia· 2025-09-19 14:00
Return on assets (ROA) measures how well a company uses assets like buildings and equipment to generate revenue.Learn more here: https://t.co/5xHIptbyBt https://t.co/BR188ooKt4 ...
Add These 4 Top-Performing Liquid Stocks to Boost Portfolio Returns
ZACKS· 2025-08-18 13:26
Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of liquidity in assessing a company's ability to meet debt obligations and suggests that companies with adequate liquidity can drive business growth and deliver higher returns [1][2][3] Group 1: Liquidity Measures - Current Ratio: A measure of current assets relative to current liabilities, with an ideal range of 1-3 indicating a healthy balance [4] - Quick Ratio: Indicates a company's ability to pay short-term obligations, with a desirable ratio of more than 1 [5] - Cash Ratio: The most conservative measure, focusing on cash and cash equivalents relative to current liabilities, with a ratio greater than 1 being desirable but potentially indicating inefficiency [6] Group 2: Screening Parameters - Asset Utilization: A measure of efficiency, calculated as total sales over the last 12 months divided by the average total assets, with a higher ratio than the industry average indicating efficiency [7] - Growth Score: A proprietary measure added to ensure that liquid and efficient stocks have solid growth potential, with a score of A or B indicating better performance [8] Group 3: Stock Recommendations - The New York Times Company (NYT): Reported second-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share of 58 cents, exceeding estimates, with total revenues of $685.9 million, a 9.7% year-over-year increase [11][12] - Dillard's, Inc. (DDS): Reported second-quarter 2025 net sales of $1.5 billion, up 1.6% year over year, with adjusted earnings per share of $4.66, surpassing estimates by 23% [14][15] - Newmont Corporation (NEM): Achieved second-quarter revenues of approximately $5.32 billion, a 20.8% increase from the prior year, driven by higher gold prices [17][18] - Frontdoor, Inc. (FTDR): Reported revenues of $617 million for the last quarter, a 14% year-over-year increase, with a gross margin expansion of 130 basis points to 58% [20][21]
Scoop Up These 4 Top-Ranked Liquid Stocks to Augment Portfolio Returns
ZACKS· 2025-07-30 14:01
Core Insights - Identifying stocks that deliver strong returns can be challenging, and evaluating a company's liquidity serves as a reliable indicator of financial health [1] - High liquidity stocks are in demand due to their potential for maximum returns, but caution is advised as excess liquidity may indicate underutilization of resources [3][4] Stock Recommendations - Four top-ranked stocks recommended for portfolio consideration include Roku, Inc. (ROKU), DoorDash, Inc. (DASH), Meta Platforms, Inc. (META), and Pagaya Technologies Ltd. (PGY) [2] Liquidity Measures - Current Ratio: Measures current assets relative to current liabilities; an ideal range is between 1 and 3 [5] - Quick Ratio: Indicates a company's ability to pay short-term obligations, with a desirable ratio of more than 1 [6] - Cash Ratio: The most conservative measure, focusing on cash and cash equivalents relative to current liabilities; a ratio greater than 1 is desirable but may indicate inefficiency [7] Screening Parameters - Asset Utilization: A measure of efficiency, calculated as total sales over the last 12 months divided by the average total assets; companies with a higher ratio than their industry are considered efficient [8] - Growth Score: A proprietary score added to ensure that liquid and efficient stocks have solid growth potential [9] Stock Performance Highlights - Roku, Inc. (ROKU): Leading TV streaming platform with a 17% year-over-year increase in Platform revenues to $881 million; The Roku Channel streaming hours up 84% year over year [12][13] - DoorDash, Inc. (DASH): Total orders increased 18% year over year to 732 million, with Marketplace GOV rising 20% to $23.1 billion [15][16] - Meta Platforms, Inc. (META): Advertising revenues increased 16.2% year over year to $41.39 billion; expects total revenues between $42.5 billion and $45.5 billion for Q2 2025 [18][19] - Pagaya Technologies Ltd. (PGY): Total revenues of $290 million increased 18% year over year; forecasted revenues between $290 million and $310 million for the current quarter [21][22]
Natural Gas Services (NGS) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-13 13:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was $41.4 million, a 12% increase from $36.9 million in Q1 2024 [18] - Rental revenue reached a record $38.9 million, up 15% year-over-year and 2% sequentially [6][18] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $19.3 million, a 14% increase compared to Q1 2024 and 7% sequentially [20] - Net income for the quarter was $4.9 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, compared to $5.1 million or $0.41 per diluted share in the prior year [19] - Adjusted gross margin percentage was 58.6%, reflecting a 140 basis point improvement over Q1 2024 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Rented adjusted gross margin reached 61.9%, marking one of the highest levels in the past decade [19] - Rented horsepower totaled approximately 493,000, representing an 11% year-over-year increase [20] - Utilization rate was 81.7%, essentially unchanged from a year ago [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Natural gas prices are currently hovering in the mid-threes after peaking above four [9] - Market demand for compression remains strong, with ongoing discussions for growth in 2026 [5][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three growth drivers: asset utilization, fleet expansion, and mergers & acquisitions [10][15] - Significant progress has been made in monetizing non-cash assets, including an $11 million income tax receivable [11] - The company is maintaining a strong balance sheet and has expanded its revolving credit facility to support growth initiatives [16][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident in the ability to perform despite market volatility and has not seen material impacts from tariffs [8][26] - The company is cautiously optimistic about future growth, with a focus on maintaining strong customer relationships and technological innovation [13][27] Other Important Information - The company has a strong focus on customer diversification, with the largest customer accounting for 46% of revenue, down from 54% [14] - Capital expenditures for the quarter totaled $19.3 million, including $16.7 million for growth capital [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current demand environment and volatility - Management indicated that there has not been a significant change in the demand environment, with 2025 contracts locked in and ongoing discussions for 2026 growth [33] Question: Gross margins and unusual factors - Management noted that the increase in gross margins is consistent and attributed to a mix of high horsepower units, with no unusual factors impacting the quarter [35][36] Question: Future margin sustainability - Management expressed that while there could be temporary fluctuations in rental adjusted gross margins, they do not foresee significant impacts [42][44] Question: Monetization plans and use of proceeds - Proceeds from monetization efforts will primarily be used to pay down debt and fund organic growth initiatives [46] Question: Impact of crude oil volatility on smaller compression providers - Management stated that while crude oil prices primarily affect large horsepower, there are modest positive trends for small horsepower driven by natural gas prices [54] Question: Lead times for engines and frames - Lead times remain unchanged, with engines taking six to nine months and compressor frames taking nine to twelve months [58] Question: Potential sale proceeds from Midland assets - Management clarified that the potential sale proceeds from Midland assets are part of a broader strategy to improve capital efficiency [63][65] Question: Percentage of horsepower rented on a month-to-month basis - Management indicated that the percentage of horsepower rented on a month-to-month basis is expected to continue trending down as more large horsepower units are deployed [66]