Here are three stocks with buy ranks and strong growth characteristics for investors to consider today Nov. 19th:Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) : This company, which is the largest provider of dredging services in the US conducting business to maintain and deepen shipping channels, reclaim land from the ocean, and renourish storm damaged coastline, carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 7.8% over the last 60 days.Great ...

Core Insights - Value investors traditionally use the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio to identify value stocks, but for loss-making companies, the price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is more relevant. The price-to-book (P/B) ratio is also a useful tool for identifying undervalued stocks with high return potential [1][5][9]. Valuation Ratios - The P/B ratio is calculated as market capitalization divided by book value of equity, helping to identify low-priced stocks with high growth prospects [2][5]. - A P/B ratio of less than one indicates that a stock is trading below its book value, suggesting it may be undervalued, while a ratio above one may indicate overvaluation [5][6]. - The P/B ratio is particularly useful for industries with tangible assets, such as finance and manufacturing, but can be misleading for companies with high R&D expenses or significant debt [8]. Book Value Definition - Book value represents the total value remaining for shareholders if a company were to liquidate its assets after settling all liabilities, calculated by subtracting total liabilities from total assets [3][4]. Screening Parameters - Stocks with a P/B ratio lower than the industry median are considered to have potential for price appreciation [11]. - Additional screening criteria include a P/S ratio below the industry median, a P/E ratio below the industry median, a PEG ratio less than 1, a current price of at least $5, an average 20-day volume of at least 100,000, and a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 [12][13][14]. Selected Stocks - Five stocks identified with low P/B ratios and solid growth potential include: - **StoneCo (STNE)**: Financial technology solutions provider with a projected 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 30.3% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [15]. - **Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD)**: Largest U.S. dredging services provider with a projected EPS growth rate of 12.0% and a Zacks Rank of 1 [16]. - **EnerSys (ENS)**: Manufacturer of industrial batteries with a projected EPS growth rate of 15.0% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [17]. - **MillerKnoll (MLKN)**: Design solutions provider with a projected EPS growth rate of 12.0% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [17]. - **Keros Therapeutics (KROS)**: Clinical-stage biotech with a projected EPS growth rate of 23.6% and a Zacks Rank of 1 [18].

Market Overview - The S&P 500 dropped 0.28% to 6,735.11, the Nasdaq slipped 0.08% to 23,024.63, and the Dow fell 243.36 points, or 0.52%, closing at 46,358.42 due to concerns over the ongoing U.S. government shutdown [1] - Investors are closely monitoring the potential impacts of the shutdown on economic activity and corporate results, leading to a cautious market sentiment [1] Value Investing Insights - The Price to Cash Flow (P/CF) ratio is highlighted as an effective valuation metric for assessing value stocks, with a lower P/CF indicating better value and strong cash generation potential [2][3] - Analysts emphasize that cash flow is a more reliable indicator of a company's financial health compared to earnings, which can be subject to manipulation [4] Selection Criteria for Value Stocks - Parameters for selecting true-value stocks include: - P/CF less than or equal to the industry median - Price greater than or equal to $5 - Average 20-Day Volume greater than 100,000 - P/E using (F1) less than or equal to the industry median [7][8] - Additional metrics include P/B, P/S, PEG ratios, and Zacks Rank to avoid value traps and identify stocks with strong upside potential [6][10] Featured Value Stocks - StoneCo Ltd. (STNE) has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 11.5% and a Value Score of B, with expected sales and EPS growth of 9.8% and 20% respectively [12][11] - Integer Holdings Corporation (ITGR) has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 1.3% and a Value Score of B, with expected sales and EPS growth of 7.8% and 20.4% respectively [13][12] - Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 9.4% and a Value Score of A, with expected sales and EPS growth of 8.5% and 23% respectively [15][14] - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 45.3% and a Value Score of A, with expected sales and EPS growth of 9% and 21.4% respectively [16][15]

Core Insights - The primary purpose of a business is to generate profits for reinvestment or shareholder rewards, with net profit margin being a key metric for measuring profitability [1][3] - A higher net profit margin indicates a company's efficiency in converting sales into profits and reflects its operational management [2][4] Net Profit Margin Analysis - Net profit margin is calculated as Net Profit/Sales * 100, representing the amount retained after all expenses [3] - A strong net profit margin attracts investors and skilled employees, providing a competitive edge over peers [4] Pros and Cons of Net Profit Margin - Net profit margin offers clarity on a company's business model, including pricing, cost structure, and efficiency, making it a preferred metric for investors [5] - However, the metric varies significantly across industries, and differences in accounting treatments can complicate comparisons [6] Investment Strategy - A healthy net profit margin and solid earnings per share (EPS) growth are crucial for maximizing returns [7] - Screening parameters include a net margin of at least 0%, positive EPS growth, and a broker rating of 1, indicating strong bullishness [8] Company Performance Highlights - InfuSystem Holdings (INFU), Century Aluminum Company (CENX), Remitly Global (RELY), and Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) exhibit strong net margins and upward EPS revisions for 2025, all holding a Zacks Rank of 1 [9][10] - INFU's 2025 earnings estimate was revised upward by 160% to $0.26 per share, with an average surprise of 79.2% in recent quarters [11][12] - CENX's earnings estimate increased by 11.6% to $2.30 per share, with an average surprise of -15.4% [12][13] - RELY's earnings estimate rose by $0.03 to $0.12 per share, consistently beating estimates with an average surprise of 132.9% [13][14] - GLDD's earnings estimate increased by $0.06 to $1.02 per share, with an average surprise of 45.3% [15][16]

Group 1: Montrose Environmental Group (MEG) - Montrose Environmental Group provides environmental services primarily in the United States and has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 103.03% over the last 60 days [1] - The company has a PEG ratio of 1.22, significantly lower than the industry average of 5.09, and possesses a Growth Score of A [2] Group 2: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock is the largest provider of dredging services in the US, focusing on maintaining and deepening shipping channels, land reclamation, and storm damage restoration [2] - The company also carries a Zacks Rank of 1 and has seen a 6.3% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock has a PEG ratio of 0.99 compared to the industry average of 5.07, and it has a Growth Score of B [3] Group 3: KT (KT) - KT provides a range of telecommunication services, including mobile telecommunications, telephone services, fixed-line, and VoIP [3] - The company holds a Zacks Rank of 1 and has experienced a 5.3% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3] - KT has a PEG ratio of 0.14, which is lower than the industry average of 0.20, and it has a Growth Score of B [4]

Group 1: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) - The company is the largest provider of dredging services in the US, focusing on maintaining and deepening shipping channels, land reclamation, and storm damage restoration [1] - It has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a 39.1% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - The PEG ratio is 1.05, significantly lower than the industry average of 7.79, and it possesses a Growth Score of A [2] Group 2: Intercorp Financial Services (IFS) - This company provides financial products and services and also carries a Zacks Rank of 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 2.6% over the last 60 days [2] - It has a PEG ratio of 0.36 compared to the industry average of 1.51, with a Growth Score of B [2] Group 3: European Wax Center (EWCZ) - The company operates as a personal care franchise offering wax services and proprietary skincare products [3] - It holds a Zacks Rank of 1 and has seen a remarkable 96.8% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days [3] - The PEG ratio stands at 0.51, well below the industry average of 3.65, and it has a Growth Score of B [3]

Group 1: European Wax Center, Inc. (EWCZ) - European Wax Center is a franchisor and operator of out-of-home waxing services with a Zacks Rank 1 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 96.8% over the last 60 days [1] - The company has a PEG ratio of 0.50 compared to the industry average of 3.50 and possesses a Growth Score of B [1] Group 2: Dell Technologies Inc. (DELL) - Dell Technologies is an information technology solutions, products, and services company with a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 6.1% over the last 60 days [2] - The company has a PEG ratio of 1.02 compared to the industry average of 1.32 and possesses a Growth Score of B [2] Group 3: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock is a dredging services company with a Zacks Rank 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 39.1% over the last 60 days [3] - The company has a PEG ratio of 1.03 compared to the industry average of 7.34 and possesses a Growth Score of A [3]

Group 1: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) - The company is the largest provider of dredging services in the US, focusing on maintaining and deepening shipping channels, land reclamation, and storm damage restoration [1] - It has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a 39.1% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days [1][2] - The PEG ratio is 1.02, significantly lower than the industry average of 7.02, and it possesses a Growth Score of A [2] Group 2: Strattec Security (STRT) - The company designs, develops, manufactures, and markets mechanical and electro-mechanical locks for automotive manufacturers in the US, Canada, and Mexico [2] - It also carries a Zacks Rank of 1 and has seen a 19.9% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days [2][3] - The PEG ratio stands at 1.30 compared to the industry average of 4.04, with a Growth Score of A [3] Group 3: European Wax Center (EWCZ) - This personal care franchise offers wax services and a range of proprietary skincare products [3] - It holds a Zacks Rank of 1 and has experienced a remarkable 96.8% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days [3][4] - The PEG ratio is 0.50, much lower than the industry average of 3.26, and it has a Growth Score of B [4]

Group 1: LATAM Airlines Group S.A. (LTM) - LATAM Airlines Group S.A. is a passenger and cargo air transportation services company with a Zacks Rank 1 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LATAM's current year earnings has increased by 22.3% over the last 60 days [1] - LATAM has a PEG ratio of 0.62, which is lower than the industry average of 0.64, and possesses a Growth Score of A [1] Group 2: Unisys Corporation (UIS) - Unisys Corporation is an information technology solutions company with a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Unisys's current year earnings has increased by 132% over the last 60 days [2] - Unisys has a PEG ratio of 0.51, significantly lower than the industry average of 2.84, and possesses a Growth Score of B [2] Group 3: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation is a dredging services company with a Zacks Rank 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Great Lakes Dredge & Dock's current year earnings has increased by 39.1% over the last 60 days [3] - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock has a PEG ratio of 1.00, compared to the industry average of 6.87, and possesses a Growth Score of A [3]

Core Insights - Healthy cash flow is essential for a company's existence, development, and success, acting as the lifeblood of any business [1] - Companies such as Dave Inc. (DAVE), Nomad Foods Limited (NOMD), Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD), and Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (NGS) are identified as potential investment opportunities due to their rising cash flows [2][9] Cash Flow Importance - Profitability alone does not guarantee a company's survival; uneven cash flow can lead to bankruptcy, making cash flow analysis crucial for prudent investment decisions [3] - In the current economic climate, analyzing a company's cash-generating efficiency is particularly relevant due to global uncertainties and liquidity concerns [4] Cash Flow Dynamics - Positive cash flow indicates an increase in liquid assets, enabling a company to meet obligations, reinvest, and return wealth to shareholders, while negative cash flow signifies declining liquidity [5] - Continuous growth in cash flow is necessary for future growth, reflecting management's efficiency and reducing reliance on external financing [6] Screening Parameters - Stocks were screened for those with cash flow in the latest quarter at least equal to the 5-year average, indicating a positive trend [7] - Additional criteria include Zacks Rank 1, average broker rating of 1, current price above $5, and a VGM Score of B or better [8] Selected Stocks - DAVE is a neobank and fintech innovator with a 33.8% improvement in the 2025 earnings per share estimate [10] - NOMD, a frozen food manufacturer, has a current-year earnings estimate of $2.07 per share, reflecting a 7.3% year-over-year increase [11] - GLDD, the largest U.S. dredging service provider, has seen a 34.8% upward revision in its 2025 earnings estimate to 93 cents per share [12] - NGS, which manufactures natural gas compressors, has an 18.6% improvement in its 2025 earnings estimate [12]