Core Insights - Three stocks with strong growth characteristics and buy ranks are highlighted for investors: Micron Technology, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, and Alarm.com [1][2][3] Company Summaries - **Micron Technology (MU)**: - Leading provider of semiconductor memory solutions - Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) - Current year earnings estimate increased by 7% over the last 60 days - PEG ratio of 0.48 compared to the industry average of 1.42 - Growth Score of A [1][2] - **Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD)**: - Largest provider of dredging services in the US - Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) - Current year earnings estimate increased by 7.8% over the last 60 days - PEG ratio of 0.98 compared to the industry average of 2.99 - Growth Score of A [2][3] - **Alarm.com (ALRM)**: - Offers interactive security solutions for home and business owners - Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) - Current year earnings estimate increased by 5.5% over the last 60 days - PEG ratio of 1.64 compared to the industry average of 3.17 - Growth Score of B [3]

Core Insights - U.S. stocks are demonstrating strong performance, with major indexes rising and investor sentiment improving due to solid economic data and expectations for further monetary easing [1][2] - The market is entering a historically strong period, supported by positive earnings reports and improving growth forecasts, making it favorable for risk assets [2] - Investors are encouraged to focus on stocks with relative price strength, which indicates potential for significant returns [3][5] Company Highlights - **Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM)**: A gold producer with a market cap of $87.5 billion, AEM has seen its earnings estimates rise by 8.8% over the past 60 days and its shares have doubled in a year [12][13] - **General Motors Company (GM)**: Holding a 16.5% share of the U.S. auto market, GM has a market cap of nearly $70 billion, with earnings estimates increasing by 9.9% over the last 60 days and shares gaining 36% in a year [13][14] - **Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD)**: As the top dredging contractor in the U.S., GLDD has a market cap of $868.4 million and is projected to have 31% earnings growth for 2025, with a 7.8% increase in earnings estimates over the past 60 days [15][16] - **BrightSpring Health Services (BTSG)**: This company focuses on home and community-based care, with a projected EPS growth rate of 53.3% over three to five years. Its earnings estimates have increased from $0.90 to $1.12, and shares have risen by 89.1% in a year [17][18] - **Everus Construction Group (ECG)**: With a market cap of $4.7 billion, ECG has seen a 23% increase in earnings estimates over the past 60 days and shares have increased by 38.7% in a year [19][20] Investment Strategy - A relative price strength strategy is recommended, focusing on stocks that outperform their sectors and have solid fundamentals, as these are more likely to yield considerable returns [5][6][7] - Stocks that have shown better performance than the S&P 500 over the last 1 to 3 months and have positive earnings revisions are considered optimal for investment [7][8] - Screening parameters include positive relative price changes over various time frames and upward revisions in earnings estimates for the current quarter [9][10]

Core Insights - Investors prioritize businesses that consistently generate profits, with net profit margin being a crucial metric for assessing profitability and operational effectiveness [1][2] Summary by Sections Net Profit Margin - Net profit margin is calculated as Net Profit divided by Sales multiplied by 100, indicating a company's efficiency in converting sales into actual profits [2] - A higher net profit margin reflects better operational strength and cost management, which is essential for rewarding stakeholders and attracting talent [2] Pros and Cons of Net Profit Margin - Net profit margin provides clarity on a company's business model, including pricing policy and cost structure, making it a preferred metric for investors [3] - Limitations include significant variations across industries and complications arising from different accounting treatments, particularly for non-cash expenses [3][4] Winning Strategy - A healthy net profit margin and solid earnings per share (EPS) growth are key elements sought in a business model [5] Screening Parameters - Criteria for screening include a net margin of at least 0%, positive percentage change in EPS, and high broker ratings indicating bullish sentiment [6][7] Company Highlights - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) is the largest provider of dredging services in the U.S., with a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM Score of A [9] - Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (NGS) manufactures natural gas compressors, also holding a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM Score of A [10] - Strattec Security Corporation (STRT) designs and manufactures locks for automotive manufacturers, with a significant upward revision in earnings estimates [11] - Northrim BanCorp, Inc. (NRIM) is a full-service commercial bank, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM Score of A [12] Earnings Estimates - GLDD's 2025 earnings estimate has increased by $0.08 to $1.10 per share, with an average surprise of 65.5% over the last four quarters [10] - NGS's 2025 earnings estimate has risen by $0.14 to $1.62 per share, with an average surprise of 28.9% [11] - STRT's fiscal 2026 earnings estimate has moved up by 23.3% to $5.24 per share, with an average surprise of 83.1% [12] - NRIM's 2025 earnings estimate has been revised upward by $0.15 to $2.50 per share, with an average surprise of approximately 19% [13]

Market Overview - Major U.S. indices rose before Thanksgiving, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining 314.67 points to close at 47,427.12, the S&P 500 increasing by 46.73 points to settle at 6,812.61, and the Nasdaq Composite outperforming with a gain of 0.82% to finish at 23,214.69 [1] Federal Reserve Policy Impact - Market momentum was driven by shifting expectations regarding Federal Reserve policy, with growing confidence that interest rate cuts may occur as soon as next month, fostering optimism [2] - Easing concerns about an overvalued artificial intelligence sector contributed to improved market sentiment [2] Value Stocks Opportunity - Value stocks are seen as appealing due to the potential benefits of lower borrowing costs for companies with stable earnings and discounted valuations [2] - The Price to Cash Flow (P/CF) ratio is highlighted as an effective valuation metric for evaluating value stocks, indicating better value when lower [3][4] Financial Health Indicators - P/CF stands out because it reflects a company's financial health by adding back non-cash charges to net income, making it a more reliable measure than earnings, which can be subject to manipulation [4][5] - Positive cash flow indicates increased liquid assets, allowing companies to manage debt, expenses, and reinvestment, while negative cash flow suggests declining liquidity [6] Value Investing Strategy - A comprehensive investment strategy should include multiple metrics such as price-to-book, price-to-earnings, and price-to-sales ratios, along with a favorable Zacks Rank and Value Score to avoid value traps [7] - Parameters for selecting true-value stocks include a P/CF ratio less than or equal to the industry median, a minimum stock price of $5, and an average 20-day trading volume greater than 100,000 [8] Highlighted Value Stocks - Four value stocks with low P/CF ratios were identified: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD), StoneCo Ltd. (STNE), PG&E Corporation (PCG), and EnerSys (ENS), all showing year-over-year sales and EPS growth projections [9] - Each of these stocks holds a Value Score of A or B and ranks in the top two Zacks Ranks, indicating strong potential [9] Company-Specific Insights - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 65.5% and is projected to see sales and EPS growth of 11.6% and 31%, respectively [12][13] - StoneCo (STNE) has a trailing earnings surprise of 9.1% and is expected to grow sales and EPS by 12.7% and 27.4%, respectively, with shares having rallied 68% in the past year [13][14] - PG&E Corporation (PCG) has a trailing earnings surprise of 0.5% and is projected for sales and EPS growth of 6.7% and 10.3%, respectively, although shares have declined 26% in the past year [14][15] - EnerSys (ENS) has a trailing earnings surprise of 4.9% and is expected to see sales and EPS growth of 4% and 1.3%, respectively, with shares surging 47.8% in the past year [15][16]

Company Overview - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation is the largest provider of dredging services in the United States, with a history of significant international projects [3] - The company is expanding its core business into the offshore energy industry [3] - Great Lakes operates the largest and most diverse fleet in the U.S. dredging industry, consisting of approximately 200 specialized vessels [3] - The company has a disciplined training program for engineers to ensure experienced-based performance [3] - Great Lakes has an Incident-and Injury-Free® (IIF®) safety management program integrated into its culture, emphasizing employee safety [3] Upcoming Event - Scott Kornblau, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will present at NobleCon21 on December 3 at 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time [1] - A high-definition video webcast of the presentation will be available the following day on the company's website and other platforms [2]

Core Insights - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation has received a credit rating upgrade from S&P Global Ratings, moving from "B-" to "B" with a stable outlook [1][2] Financial Performance - The upgrade is attributed to improved revenues, earnings, and expanding margins, alongside decreasing capital expenditures, which are expected to support healthy free cash flow generation in the coming years [2] - S&P anticipates continued revenue growth and margin expansion through 2026, with increasingly positive free cash flow as the new build program concludes [2] Company Overview - Great Lakes is the largest provider of dredging services in the U.S. and has a long history of significant international projects [3] - The company is expanding its core business into the offshore energy sector and employs experienced civil, ocean, and mechanical engineers [3] - With over 135 years of history, Great Lakes has a perfect track record of completing marine projects and operates the largest and most diverse fleet in the U.S. dredging industry, consisting of approximately 200 specialized vessels [3] - The company has a disciplined training program for engineers and emphasizes a safety management culture through its Incident-and Injury-Free® (IIF®) program [3]

Market Overview - The U.S. Senate's actions to resolve the government shutdown have restored access to delayed official data, leading to increased investor optimism regarding economic indicators related to inflation, employment, and Federal Reserve actions [1] - Major U.S. stock indexes experienced significant gains, with the S&P 500 rising 1.5% to 6,832.43, the Nasdaq Composite gaining 2.3% to 23,527.17, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average increasing 0.8% to 47,368.63, reflecting renewed confidence in the economy [2] Value Stocks - The change in market sentiment has enhanced the attractiveness of value stocks, which typically benefit from stabilizing economic conditions and reduced market volatility [3] - Companies such as Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD), StoneCo Ltd. (STNE), PG&E Corporation (PCG), and Pan American Silver Corp. (PAAS) are highlighted for their low Price to Cash Flow (P/CF) ratios, indicating strong potential for recovery as investors recognize their inherent value [4][10] Price to Cash Flow Ratio - The P/CF ratio is emphasized as a critical metric for evaluating a company's financial health, as it assesses the market price of a stock relative to its cash flow per share, with lower values being more favorable [7][11] - Positive cash flow is indicative of a company's ability to manage debt, reinvest, and provide returns to shareholders, while negative cash flow suggests liquidity issues [9] Investment Strategy - A comprehensive investment strategy should not rely solely on the P/CF metric; it should also incorporate other valuation metrics such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-book (P/B), and price-to-sales (P/S) ratios to avoid value traps [10][11] - Parameters for selecting true-value stocks include a P/CF ratio less than or equal to the industry median, a minimum stock price of $5, and a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2, which indicates strong buy potential [11][14] Company Performance Highlights - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 65.5% and is projected to see sales and EPS growth of 11.6% and 31%, respectively [15][16] - StoneCo (STNE) has a trailing earnings surprise of 9.1% and is expected to grow sales and EPS by 11.8% and 24.4%, respectively, with shares having rallied 47.9% in the past year [16][17] - PG&E Corporation (PCG) has a trailing earnings surprise of 0.5% and is projected for sales and EPS growth of 6.7% and 10.3%, respectively, despite a 21.9% decline in shares over the past year [17][18] - Pan American Silver (PAAS) has a trailing earnings surprise of 45.2% and is expected to see significant growth in sales and EPS of 23.9% and 173.4%, respectively, with shares surging 70% in the past year [18][19]

Core Insights - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation reported a strong third quarter for 2025, with net income of $17.7 million and adjusted EBITDA of $39.3 million, driven by effective project execution and high equipment utilization [2][4][10] - The company's dredging backlog stood at $934.5 million as of September 30, 2025, with an additional $193.5 million in low bids and options pending award, indicating strong revenue visibility for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026 [4][10][16] Financial Performance - Revenue for the third quarter was $195.2 million, an increase of $4.0 million compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to higher capital project revenue [10][16] - Gross profit was $43.8 million, with a gross profit margin of 22.4%, both showing improvement from the previous year's figures of $36.2 million and 19.0% respectively [16] - Operating income increased to $28.1 million from $16.7 million in the prior year's third quarter, attributed to improved gross profit and lower general and administrative expenses [16][25] Operational Highlights - The company has maintained uninterrupted operations during the recent government shutdown, ensuring full project execution and support to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers [6][14] - Significant projects in the dredging backlog include major port deepening LNG projects, with operations for two projects having commenced in Q3 2024 and another expected to start in early 2026 [5][10] Capital Structure and Investments - An amendment to the revolving credit facility was completed, increasing the amount by $100 million to a total of $430 million, which reduced annual interest expenses by nearly $6 million [7] - Total capital expenditures for the third quarter were $32.8 million, including investments in new vessels such as the Acadia and Amelia Island [16][25] Market Position and Strategy - Great Lakes is the largest provider of dredging services in the U.S. and is expanding into the offshore energy sector, with a focus on safeguarding critical subsea infrastructure [21][17] - The company is actively pursuing opportunities in oil and gas pipeline protection and international offshore wind projects to ensure sustained utilization of its new vessels [17][9]

Core Insights - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) is expected to report its third-quarter 2025 financial results on November 4, prior to market opening [1] - In the previous quarter, GLDD's adjusted earnings per share (EPS) and revenues exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 58.5% and 12.3%, with year-over-year growth of 61.5% and 20.9% respectively [1] Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GLDD's third-quarter adjusted EPS remains at 17 cents, reflecting a 30.8% year-over-year increase from 13 cents [3] - The consensus estimate for revenues is $197.6 million, indicating a 3.4% year-over-year increase [3] - GLDD has surpassed the consensus earnings mark in each of the last four quarters [2] Revenue Drivers - Revenue growth is anticipated due to strong infrastructure demand, expansion in the offshore wind sector, and effective project execution [4] - Maintenance dredging, which accounted for 11.8% of total revenues in Q2 2025, is expected to show weaker demand, particularly in Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, and Mississippi [5] - Coastal protection dredging, making up 33.7% of Q2 2025 revenues, is projected to gain momentum due to increased government initiatives [5] - Capital dredging, which comprised 54.5% of Q2 2025 revenues, is expected to face challenges due to decreased revenues from Virginia projects [5] Segment Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Dredging Capital revenues is $107.5 million, a slight decline of 1.1% from the previous year [6] - Dredging Maintenance revenues are estimated at $21.2 million, reflecting a significant decrease of 44.1% from $37.9 million a year ago [6] - Dredging Coastal Protection revenues are expected to reach $72.5 million, indicating a year-over-year growth of 65.1% [6] Earnings Outlook - GLDD's bottom line is projected to improve year-over-year due to better utilization, project performance, and a favorable project mix [7] - Q3 revenues are expected to grow 3.4% year-over-year, driven by strong coastal protection activities [8] - Despite higher labor costs, improved project mix and equipment utilization are likely to enhance margins [8] - The focus on higher-margin capital and coastal protection projects is anticipated to support the bottom line, despite increased employee benefit expenses [9] Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for GLDD, as it has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [10][11]

Core Viewpoint - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation will release its financial results for the third quarter of 2025 on November 4, 2025, at 7:00 a.m. CDT, followed by a conference call at 9:00 a.m. CDT [1][2] Company Overview - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation is the largest provider of dredging services in the United States and has a significant history of international projects [3] - The company is expanding its core business into the offshore energy industry and employs experienced civil, ocean, and mechanical engineering staff [3] - With over 135 years of history, the company has never failed to complete a marine project and operates the largest and most diverse fleet in the U.S. dredging industry, consisting of approximately 200 specialized vessels [3] - Great Lakes has a disciplined training program for engineers to ensure performance based on experience as they progress through company operations [3] - The company's Incident-and Injury-Free® (IIF®) safety management program is integrated into all aspects of its culture, promoting a work environment where employee safety is paramount [3]