Key Takeaways Wall Street slid on Oct. 9, 2025, as investor uncertainty hit major stock indices. Zacks highlights five low-leverage stocks positioned for stability amid market volatility.ResMed, Safran, Pentair, Casey's, and Leonardo DRS show solid growth and low debt levels.Following a steady rally over the past few days, Wall Street hit a wall on Oct. 9, 2025, as major stock indices took a tumble. As the market gears up for mega banks to release their Q3 numbers next week, uncertainty surrounding the lon ...

Company Overview - Hooker Furniture Corporation (NASDAQ:HOFT) is a well-known furniture manufacturer and importer, offering a variety of home furnishings including case goods, leather furniture, and fabric-upholstered furniture. The company faces significant competition from other furniture brands such as La-Z-Boy and Ethan Allen [1] Financial Performance - On September 11, 2025, the company reported an earnings per share (EPS) of -$0.31, which was significantly below the estimated EPS of -$0.12, resulting in a negative surprise of 158.33% [2][6] - The company's revenue for the quarter was $82.15 million, missing the estimated revenue of $106.47 million by 9.89%, and representing a decline from $95.08 million reported in the same quarter the previous year [3][6] Financial Metrics - The company has a negative price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of -8.49, indicating negative earnings, and a price-to-sales ratio of 0.25, meaning the stock is valued at 25 cents for every dollar of sales [4] - The enterprise value to sales ratio is 0.38, providing insight into the company's valuation relative to its revenue [4] - The enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio is -15.22, reflecting challenges in generating positive cash flow from operations. However, the company has a strong current ratio of 3.94, suggesting it can cover its short-term liabilities with its short-term assets [5][6] - The debt-to-equity ratio is 0.35, indicating a moderate level of debt relative to equity [5]

Core Insights - All three major U.S. stock indices rose on July 17, 2025, driven by positive retail sales data and a decline in unemployment claims [1][2][11] - Better-than-expected earnings from major tech companies like Netflix contributed to investor confidence [2] - The current market environment suggests a favorable outlook for investing in U.S. stocks, particularly in low-leverage companies [3] Economic Indicators - U.S. retail sales increased by 0.6% in June 2025, following a 0.9% decline in May, exceeding market expectations [1][11] - Labor data indicated a decline in unemployment claims, further supporting market optimism [1] Investment Recommendations - Recommended stocks include Novartis (NVS), ResMed Inc. (RMD), Wabtec (WAB), Elbit Systems (ESLT), and Ingredion Inc. (INGR), all of which are characterized by low leverage and strong earnings growth [3][11] - Each of these stocks holds a Zacks Rank 2, indicating a favorable investment outlook [11] Stock Analysis - Novartis reported a 12% year-over-year increase in net sales and a 29% improvement in earnings per share for Q2 2025 [15][16] - ResMed anticipates an 8.1% year-over-year increase in fiscal fourth-quarter sales, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 15.3% [17][18] - Wabtec's sales are expected to grow by 5.3% year-over-year, supported by a long-term earnings growth rate of 16% [19][20] - Elbit Systems forecasts a 13.8% increase in 2025 sales, with a four-quarter average earnings surprise of 21.12% [21] - Ingredion expects a 1% improvement in 2025 sales, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 11% [22][23]

Market Overview - The U.S. stock market displayed mixed signals on May 29, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 gaining due to NVIDIA's strong quarterly results and a favorable ruling against Trump-imposed tariffs, while the Dow Jones declined amid economic outlook concerns and geopolitical uncertainties [1] Investment Strategy - In a volatile market, investors are advised to consider low-leverage stocks such as Novartis, ENGIE SA, MasTec, Dorman Products, and Sterling Infrastructure to mitigate potential losses [2] - Low-leverage stocks are preferred as they typically bear less financial risk, making them safer options during market turmoil [6][5] Understanding Leverage - Leverage refers to the practice of companies borrowing capital to operate and expand, primarily through debt financing, which can be risky if it does not yield returns exceeding the interest rate [4][5] - A lower debt-to-equity ratio indicates improved solvency and reduced financial risk for a company [7] Stock Selection Criteria - Stocks should have a debt-to-equity ratio lower than the industry median, a current price of at least $10, an average 20-day trading volume of 50,000 or more, and a percentage change in EPS greater than the industry median [11][12] - Additional criteria include a VGM Score of A or B, estimated one-year EPS growth greater than 5%, and a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 [12] Company Highlights - **Novartis**: Launched a tender offer to acquire Regulus Therapeutics for $7.00 per share, potentially enhancing its RNA-targeted therapies pipeline. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 sales suggests a 7.1% improvement from 2024, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 7.9% [14][15] - **ENGIE SA**: Reported a 5.6% year-over-year revenue growth in Q1 2025 and has 8.5 GW of renewable and battery capacity under construction. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings indicates a 22.9% year-over-year improvement [16][17] - **MasTec**: Announced a 6% year-over-year revenue increase in Q1 2025, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 sales showing an 11% improvement and earnings expected to rise by 54.9% [17][18] - **Dorman Products**: Released hundreds of new automotive repair solutions, expanding its catalog and creating over 12 million new sales opportunities. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 sales indicates a 4.9% improvement [19][20] - **Sterling Infrastructure**: Reported a 7% year-over-year revenue increase in Q1 2025, with adjusted earnings per share surging by 29%. The company has a long-term earnings growth rate of 15% [21]