TransDigm is the "dividend" stock everyone overlooks.TransDigm Group (TDG 1.32%) doesn't show up on dividend stock screens, yet it has quietly returned more capital to shareholders than many traditional dividend payers. Since 2019, the aerospace component supplier has paid out $248.50 per share through special dividends, an overlooked return stream that has quietly rewarded patient shareholders while the company built one of the most profitable businesses in its industry.The sole-source advantage and afterm ...

We came across a bullish thesis on Crane Company on Valueinvestorsclub.com by gb48. In this article, we will summarize the bulls’ thesis on CR. Crane Company's share was trading at $180.37 as of December 1st. CR’s trailing and forward P/E were 32.97 and 26.60 respectively according to Yahoo Finance. 10 Highest Paying Countries for Mechanical Engineers Ruslans Golenkovs/Shutterstock.com Crane Company (CR) has undergone a transformative portfolio and capital allocation overhaul in recent years, shedding n ...

We came across a bullish thesis on HEICO Corporation on Expanse Stocks’s Substack by Nikotes. In this article, we will summarize the bulls’ thesis on HEI. HEICO Corporation's share was trading at $309.71 as of December 1st. HEI’s trailing and forward P/E were 67.77 and 57.47 respectively according to Yahoo Finance. Heico Corporation (HEI) stands as a dominant force in aerospace components, benefiting from regulatory barriers, high switching costs, and strong aftermarket pricing power. The company’s core ...

TransDigm Group Incorporated (TDG), based in Cleveland, Ohio, develops and supplies highly engineered aerospace components used across major commercial and military aircraft. Its portfolio covers actuators, controls, ignition systems, pumps, avionics, and interior hardware, supporting critical aircraft functions. With a market cap of approximately $76.3 billion, TDG stands firmly in “large-cap” territory, reflecting its strength in mission-critical aviation products. The company benefits from dependable a ...

Core Viewpoint - TriMas (TRS) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system emphasizes the correlation between changes in earnings estimates and stock price movements, suggesting that revisions in earnings estimates can lead to significant price changes [4][6]. - Institutional investors play a role in this relationship, as they adjust their valuations based on earnings estimates, which can lead to buying or selling activity that affects stock prices [4]. TriMas Earnings Outlook - TriMas is projected to earn $2.08 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2025, with no year-over-year change expected. However, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company has increased by 3.5% over the past three months, indicating a positive trend in earnings estimates [8]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system categorizes stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988, highlighting the effectiveness of this rating system [7]. - The upgrade of TriMas to a Zacks Rank 1 places it in the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting a strong potential for near-term price appreciation due to favorable earnings estimate revisions [10].

Core Insights - The recent 13F filing from Abrams Capital Management reveals a portfolio valued at $6.17 billion, heavily concentrated in five main holdings that constitute nearly 80% of total assets [1] - David Abrams emphasizes long-term compounding over diversification, maintaining a focus on durable, cash-rich businesses [1][7] Company Summaries - **Loar Holdings Inc. (LOAR)**: The largest position, valued at $2.56 billion across 32 million shares, represents over 40% of total assets. Loar is characterized by mission-critical products and recurring revenue, indicating strong conviction in its growth potential [2] - **Lithia Motors Inc. (LAD)**: The second-largest holding with 2.49 million shares worth $787 million, accounting for 12.8% of assets. Abrams slightly increased this position, reflecting confidence in the auto retail sector's resilience and cash flow [3] - **Asbury Automotive Group (ABG)**: Valued at $527 million with 2.16 million shares, representing 8.54% of assets. Abrams's modest increase in this holding supports his belief in auto-dealer consolidation and operational efficiency [4] - **Alphabet Inc. Class A (GOOGL)**: A $516 million stake provides selective exposure to the digital economy, fitting Abrams's quality-at-a-reasonable-price strategy. This position serves as a growth counterweight to more cyclical investments [5] - **Tempur Sealy International Inc. (TPX)**: Rounding out the top five with a value of $493 million, accounting for 8% of assets. The company is favored for its recurring consumer demand and strong brand power [6] Conclusion - The Q3 2025 filing highlights Abrams's strategy of focusing on a few exceptional businesses with durable cash flows and disciplined management, aiming to buy below intrinsic value and hold for long-term growth [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a Q4 EBITDA margin of 54.2%, supported by growth in the commercial aftermarket and a focus on operating strategy [7] - Fiscal 2025 revenue and EBITDA margins exceeded guidance, with a full-year free cash flow of approximately $2.4 billion [24][25] - The net debt-to-EBITDA ratio was 5.8 times at year-end, slightly improved from 5.9 times in the previous quarter [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial OEM revenue increased by 7% in Q4 but was down 1% for the full year due to challenges from Boeing and Airbus [15] - Commercial aftermarket revenue grew approximately 11% in Q4 and 10% for the full year, with all submarkets showing positive growth [17] - Defense market revenue grew by approximately 16% in Q4 and 13% for the full year, driven by new business wins [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial aerospace market trends remain favorable, with air traffic growing at 3-4% year-over-year [6] - The company expects commercial OEM revenue growth in the high single-digit to mid-teens percentage range for fiscal 2026 [11] - Defense revenue growth is anticipated in the mid-single-digit to high-single-digit percentage range for fiscal 2026 [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on proprietary aerospace businesses with significant aftermarket content, aiming for private equity-like returns with public market liquidity [4][5] - Capital allocation priorities include reinvesting in businesses, disciplined M&A, and returning capital to shareholders [9] - The company is actively seeking small to mid-size acquisition opportunities that fit its strategic model [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position entering fiscal 2026, despite potential challenges in the OEM market [12] - The company anticipates EBITDA margins will improve throughout fiscal 2026, with Q1 expected to be the lowest margin quarter [12] - Management remains focused on operational excellence and value creation, despite the challenges in the commercial OEM market [14] Other Important Information - The company allocated approximately $7 billion in capital for M&A and shareholder returns, including a special dividend of $90 per share [8] - The integration of recent acquisitions, Servotronics and Simmons Precision Products, is progressing well [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Future M&A strategy beyond aerospace and defense - Management indicated that while there is potential for branching out, the current focus remains on aerospace and defense components [31] Question: Trends in aftermarket sub-markets - Management noted no dramatic changes, with refurb business for interiors picking up and strong performance in engines [32] Question: Defense revenue guidance for 2026 - Management acknowledged a conservative approach to defense revenue guidance, citing the lumpy nature of defense sales [33] Question: Margin improvement from recent acquisitions - Management expressed confidence in improving margins for recent acquisitions over time, despite initial lower margins [35] Question: CapEx and headcount expectations - Management expects flat headcount despite growth in commercial and defense OEM work, with CapEx focused on productivity and automation [39] Question: Sell-in versus sell-through in aftermarket - Management reported that point of sale was up more than the underlying commercial aftermarket, with inventory levels managed effectively [52] Question: Position on new defense programs - Management indicated solid wins in new defense programs, emphasizing the company's engineering capabilities [56]

Financial Performance - Q4 FY2025 - Revenue increased by 115% to $2437 million compared to $2185 million in Q4 FY2024[14] - EBITDA As Defined increased by 149% to $1320 million compared to $1149 million in Q4 FY2024[14] - Adjusted EPS increased by 101% to $1082 compared to $983 in Q4 FY2024[14] Financial Performance - Full Year 2025 - Revenue increased by 112% to $8831 million compared to $7940 million in FY2024[16] - EBITDA As Defined increased by 141% to $4760 million compared to $4173 million in FY2024[16] - Adjusted EPS increased by 98% to $3733 compared to $3399 in FY2024[16] Fiscal Year 2026 Outlook - Revenue is projected to be between $9750 million and $9950 million[17, 20] - EBITDA As Defined is projected to be between $5075 million and $5225 million, representing 521% to 525% of sales[20] - Adjusted EPS is projected to be between $3649 and $3853[20] Market Growth Assumptions for FY2026 - Commercial OEM is expected to grow in the high single-digit to mid-teens percentage range[17] - Commercial Aftermarket is expected to grow in the high single-digit percentage range[17] - Defense is expected to grow in the mid-single-digit to high single-digit percentage range[17]

Company Overview - HEICO Corporation is a leading manufacturer of FAA-approved jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts, as well as electronic equipment for various industries including aviation, defense, and telecommunications [11] - The company targets a wide range of applications, including large commercial aircraft, military aircraft, industrial turbines, and electro-optical devices [11] Investment Potential - HEICO is currently rated 3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B, indicating a solid investment potential [12] - The company is particularly appealing to growth investors, with a Growth Style Score of B and a forecasted year-over-year earnings growth of 27.5% for the current fiscal year [12] - Recent upward revisions in earnings estimates by seven analysts over the last 60 days have increased the Zacks Consensus Estimate by $0.11 to $4.68 per share [12] - HEICO has demonstrated an average earnings surprise of +13.4%, further enhancing its attractiveness to investors [12] Summary of Zacks Style Scores - The Zacks Style Scores categorize stocks based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics, providing a comprehensive assessment for investors [2][3][4][5][6] - The VGM Score combines all three styles, helping to identify stocks with the best value, growth forecast, and momentum [6] - Stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B are considered to have the highest probability of success [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record sales of $123 million in Q2 2025, representing a 13% increase compared to the prior year [25] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by $12 million in Q2 2025 versus Q2 2024, with adjusted EBITDA margins reaching a record 38.3% [28][30] - Net income rose by $9 million in Q2 2025 compared to Q2 2024, primarily due to higher operating income and lower interest expenses [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial aftermarket sales increased by 13% in Q2 2025 compared to Q2 2024, driven by strong demand for commercial air travel [25] - Commercial OEM sales grew by 14% in Q2 2025, attributed to higher sales across various platforms [25] - Defense sales saw a 19% increase, primarily due to strong demand and new product launches [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects organic sales growth in the commercial aftermarket to be in the low double digits for 2025, while defense sales are projected to grow in the high double digits [33] - The demand for narrow-body aircraft remains high, with the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 platforms being the largest contributors to net sales [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on providing an entrepreneurial environment for its business units to drive above-market growth rates [8] - A strategic emphasis is placed on optimizing manufacturing and market management to enhance productivity and improve margins [12] - The recent acquisition of Beadlight is expected to contribute significantly to future growth, with a strong pipeline of opportunities identified [18][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting or exceeding guidance for 2025, citing strong execution on value drivers and no degradation in demand across end markets [32] - The company anticipates continued strong demand in the commercial aftermarket, despite potential choppiness in the OE side due to inventory management by OEMs [57] Other Important Information - The cash flow conversion percentage for 2025 is expected to exceed 125%, with a year-to-date conversion percentage of 148% [14] - The company plans to maintain a capital expenditure of approximately $14 million, representing around 23% of sales [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the status of the L and B acquisition? - The company is in a holding pattern awaiting regulatory approval, optimistic about closing in Q3 [40] Question: How does the commercial aftermarket exposure to engines compare to airframes? - Engines account for roughly 7% of overall revenue and grew in line with commercial aftermarket growth rates [47] Question: What is the timing for new product introductions and their impact on growth? - New product introductions in 2025 are expected to be closer to the lower end of the growth guide due to certification delays, with higher growth anticipated in 2026 and 2027 [52] Question: How does the company view potential headwinds from airline efficiency in aftermarket sales? - The company has not seen changes in demand dynamics for the commercial aftermarket, indicating consistent demand despite potential inventory management by airlines [57] Question: Can you provide more details on the Beadlight acquisition and its future potential? - Beadlight is expected to be significantly accretive, with a strong pipeline of opportunities and synergy with existing businesses [62]