Market Performance - The U.S. stock market indices showed mixed results, with the S&P 500 increasing by approximately 0.1%, the Nasdaq Composite decreasing by 0.3%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising by 0.7% [1] Investment Strategy - In uncertain market conditions, it is suggested that investors consider low-leverage stocks as safer investment options. Recommended companies include CSW Industrials, Jones Lang LaSalle, Hecla Mining, Safran SA, and Siemens Energy, all of which exhibit low leverage [2][10] Understanding Leverage - Leverage in finance refers to borrowing capital for operations and expansion, typically through debt financing. While debt can facilitate growth, excessive reliance on it can lead to significant risks [4][5] Debt-to-Equity Ratio - The debt-to-equity ratio is a key metric for assessing a company's financial risk, with a lower ratio indicating better solvency. Investors are encouraged to focus on stocks with low debt-to-equity ratios to mitigate risks during economic downturns [7][9] Company Highlights - **CSW Industrials**: Recently completed a $650 million acquisition to enhance its HVAC and refrigeration market presence. The Zacks Consensus Estimate predicts a 23.5% sales increase for fiscal 2026 [15][16] - **Jones Lang LaSalle**: Reported a 29% year-over-year increase in adjusted earnings per share and a 10% revenue growth in local currency for Q3 2025. The Zacks Consensus Estimate suggests a 10.3% sales improvement for 2025 [17][18] - **Hecla Mining**: Achieved a 65.4% revenue increase and a 204.4% gross profit surge in Q3 2025. The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a 33.3% sales growth for 2025 [19][20] - **Safran**: Announced a partnership renewal with Polytechnique Montréal to support sustainable aviation technologies, with a projected 39.9% sales improvement for 2025 [21][22] - **Siemens Energy**: Focuses on renewable energy, particularly wind power, and is set to supply gas turbines to Xcel Energy, with a 21.2% sales growth forecast for fiscal 2026 [23][24]

Market Overview - All three major U.S. stock market indices fell by more than 1% on June 13 due to missile strikes between Israel and Iran, impacting global stock markets negatively [1] - Investors are concerned that these geopolitical tensions could lead to increased oil prices and upward pressure on global commodity prices [1] Investment Recommendations - Suggested low-leverage stocks for safeguarding portfolios during market turmoil include Novartis (NVS), The Ensign Group (ENSG), MasTec (MTZ), Bilibili (BILI), and Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) [2][10] - These stocks are characterized by low leverage, making them potentially safer options for investors [2][10] Understanding Leverage - Leverage refers to the practice of borrowing capital for operations and expansion, typically through debt financing [4] - Excessive debt financing can lead to significant losses, hence the importance of selecting companies with low debt levels [5][6] Debt-to-Equity Ratio Analysis - The debt-to-equity ratio is a key metric indicating a company's financial risk, with a lower ratio reflecting better solvency [7] - High debt-to-equity ratios can turn favorable earnings into losses during economic downturns [8] Stock Selection Strategy - A prudent investment strategy involves choosing stocks with low debt-to-equity ratios to ensure steady returns [9] - Additional screening criteria include being less leveraged than industry peers, trading at a minimum price of $10, having substantial trading volume, and showing positive earnings growth expectations [12][13] Company Highlights - **Novartis (NVS)**: Reported a 7.1% improvement in 2025 sales estimates and has a long-term earnings growth rate of 7.9%, currently holding a Zacks Rank 2 [15][16] - **The Ensign Group (ENSG)**: Anticipates a 15% year-over-year sales improvement in 2025, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 15% and a Zacks Rank 2 [17][18] - **MasTec (MTZ)**: Achieved a 6% year-over-year revenue increase and expects an 11% sales improvement in 2025, with a significant earnings growth estimate of 53.7% [19] - **Bilibili (BILI)**: Experienced a 24% revenue increase year-over-year and anticipates an 11.3% sales improvement in 2025, with a Zacks Rank 2 [20] - **Sterling Infrastructure (STRL)**: Reported a 7% revenue increase and a 29% surge in adjusted earnings per share, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 15% [21][22]