In today’s India Edition, P R Sanjai writes on the Adani Group’s massive airport bet and Chetna Kumar looks at India’s equation with Russia. https://t.co/MLvpDPIGeT ...

Group 1 - Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte, S.A.B. de C.V. (NASDAQ:OMAB), known as OMA, is recognized as one of the best Mexican stocks to invest in [1] - Jefferies has maintained a Buy rating for OMA and set a price target of $135 for the shares [2] - OMA operates 13 airports in central and northern Mexico, including key locations such as Monterrey, Acapulco, Mazatlán, and Chihuahua [3] Group 2 - OMA announced a second cash dividend installment for 2025, scheduled for November 27, amounting to 2.25 billion Mexican pesos, which corresponds to 5.77 Mexican pesos per share [2] - The total approved dividend for 2025 is 4.5 billion Mexican pesos, with the full-year dividend per share reaching 11.54 Mexican pesos [2]

Core Insights - VINCI Airports experienced a strong traffic growth of 4.2% in Q3 2025, welcoming 94 million passengers compared to the same period in 2024, with an increase of 3.8 million travelers [2][7][17] - The summer of 2025 saw high load factors and an increase in airline seat supply, particularly benefiting Mediterranean resort destinations and routes between China and Japan [2][5] - Traffic growth was notable in various regions, including Portugal, France, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, and Cabo Verde, with specific airports showing remarkable performance [3][6][9][12][13] Traffic Performance - VINCI Airports recorded a year-to-date (YTD) traffic increase of 5.6% as of September 30, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024 [7][9] - Portugal's airports saw an average growth of 4.6%, with Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and Funchal leading the way [3][9] - In Japan, traffic increased by 10% in Q3 2025, driven by high demand during the Universal Exhibition in Osaka and busy connections with China [5][9] Regional Highlights - In Mexico, Monterrey airport experienced a spectacular growth of 15%, attributed to Volaris doubling its capacity [6][12] - Brazilian airports, particularly Salvador de Bahia, benefited from strong domestic and long-haul traffic, with an overall growth of 10% [6][12] - Cabo Verde's airports continued to grow robustly, with a 7.6% increase in traffic, supported by enhanced services from various airlines [6][12] Challenges - Belfast International and London Gatwick airports faced a decline in the number of seats available due to flight reorganization by low-cost airlines, impacting domestic flights within the UK [4][9] - The Dominican Republic's Santo Domingo airport experienced a traffic decline of 9.4%, primarily due to the repositioning of Arajet aircraft [6][12] Commercial Movements - VINCI Airports reported a 4.1% increase in commercial movements in Q3 2025 compared to Q3 2024, with a YTD increase of 5.7% [10][17] - Notable growth in commercial flights was observed in Mexico, with Monterrey airport seeing a 19% increase in Q3 2025 [10][17] - Japan's Kansai Airports recorded a 6.8% increase in commercial movements, reflecting strong demand [10][17]

Investment Strategy Overview - LRT Global Opportunities strategy returned -8.00% in September and -0.17% year-to-date as of October 1, 2025 [4][5] - The strategy focuses on long positions in high-quality companies and short positions in broad market indexes, viewing September's performance as a temporary setback [6] - Current market valuations are at extreme levels, with a trailing P/E ratio over 30x, P/B ratio over 5.6x, and cyclical P/E over 40x, indicating potential future return challenges [7] Company Highlights StoneX Group Inc. (SNEX) - StoneX operates as a diversified financial services network, providing execution, clearing, payment, and advisory services across various asset classes [12][13] - The company focuses on underserved client segments, leveraging deep institutional knowledge and a robust global infrastructure [13][14] - StoneX's growth strategy combines organic expansion with strategic acquisitions, enhancing capabilities and geographic reach [14][15] Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. (SSD) - Simpson is a leader in engineered structural connectors, with products specified in building codes, creating high switching costs for customers [16][17] - The company benefits from a strong distribution network and technical support, reinforcing its market position [18][19] - Demand for Simpson's products is driven by housing construction and stricter building codes due to extreme weather events [19][20] Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (ABG) - Asbury operates a diverse portfolio of dealerships, focusing on high-margin parts and service operations for revenue stability [21][22] - The company has a proven track record in strategic acquisitions, enhancing its operational footprint and earnings power [23][24] - Asbury's digital retailing platform, Clicklane, integrates online and in-store experiences, providing a competitive advantage [24][25] Chemed Corp. (CHE) - Chemed operates VITAS Healthcare and Roto-Rooter, benefiting from strong demand in hospice care and plumbing services [26][27] - VITAS is positioned to capitalize on the aging U.S. population, while Roto-Rooter offers recession-resistant services [28][29] - The company has a disciplined capital allocation strategy, returning significant capital to shareholders [29] The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) - TD is a major player in North America's banking sector, with a focus on retail and commercial banking [30][31] - The bank's U.S. retail segment has been a primary growth engine, supported by strategic acquisitions [32] - TD's conservative risk culture and strong capital management contribute to its competitive advantage [34] RLI Corp. (RLI) - RLI is a specialty insurance company known for its underwriting discipline and focus on niche markets [35][36] - The company prioritizes profitability over growth, maintaining a strong alignment of interests through employee ownership [37][38] - RLI has a history of returning excess capital to shareholders, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder value [38] The Toro Company (TTC) - Toro is a leader in turf and landscape solutions, known for its quality and innovation [39][40] - The company has a strong distribution network and a disciplined growth strategy, including strategic acquisitions [41][42] - Toro consistently generates strong free cash flow, which is reinvested in product development and shareholder returns [42] Crown Castle International Corp. (CCI) - Crown Castle owns the largest portfolio of shared communications infrastructure in the U.S., primarily macro cell towers [43][44] - The company benefits from long-term lease agreements, providing predictable revenue streams [44][45] - Crown Castle is divesting non-core businesses to focus on its tower portfolio, enhancing shareholder value [46] Corporación América Airports S.A. (CAAP) - CAAP operates 53 airports across six countries, generating revenue from aeronautical and commercial activities [48][49] - The company invests in airport infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience [51] - CAAP is well-positioned to benefit from the recovery in global air travel [52] Colliers International Group Inc. (CIGI) - Colliers is a global leader in commercial real estate services, distinguished by its decentralized structure and entrepreneurial culture [53][54] - The company pursues a balanced growth strategy, focusing on high-margin business lines [56] - Colliers' ownership culture aligns interests with long-term shareholders, enhancing its competitive advantage [54] The Travelers Companies, Inc. (TRV) - Travelers is a leading provider of property and casualty insurance, organized into three primary segments [57][58] - The company benefits from a vast distribution network and strong relationships with independent agents [58][62] - Travelers leverages its scale and data advantages to maintain profitability and manage risks effectively [62] Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras (PBR-A) - Petrobras is a major integrated energy producer, controlling significant pre-salt oil reserves [63][64] - The company focuses on maximizing value from its most profitable exploration and production activities [65][66] - Petrobras' performance is closely tied to its operational execution in the pre-salt basins [66] Fabrinet (FN) - Fabrinet specializes in advanced optical packaging and precision manufacturing, serving leading OEMs [67][68] - The company's engineering expertise and focus on complex manufacturing create high switching costs [68][69] - Fabrinet benefits from secular tailwinds in the optical communications market, driven by data traffic growth [69][70] UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) - UnitedHealth is a leading healthcare enterprise, combining health benefits with diversified health services [71][72] - The company's scale provides cost advantages and superior negotiating power in the healthcare market [73][74] - UnitedHealth's integrated model enhances efficiency and patient outcomes, positioning it for continued growth [74] Charter Communications, Inc. (CHTR) - Charter is a major connectivity provider in the U.S., focusing on high-speed broadband services [76][77] - The company is upgrading its network to meet increasing bandwidth demands and expanding into underserved areas [79] - Charter's convergence of services, including mobile offerings, enhances customer loyalty and reduces churn [78][79] Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (GPI) - Group 1 operates a diversified automotive retail business, focusing on luxury and import brands [80][81] - The company's disciplined acquisition strategy enhances performance and profitability [82] - Group 1's digital retailing platform improves customer experience and operational efficiency [82][83] Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM) - Exxon Mobil is a leading integrated energy and chemical manufacturer with a vertically integrated business model [85]

Core Insights - Corporación América Airports S.A. is one of the largest airport operators globally, managing over 50 airports [1] Company Overview - The company operates a significant number of airports, indicating its substantial presence in the aviation industry [1] Market Context - There are numerous uncertainties surrounding the company's operations, which may impact its performance and investment potential [1]

Group 1 - Corporación América Airports S.A. is one of the largest airport operators globally, managing over 50 airports [1] - The company operates in a sector characterized by significant uncertainties, impacting its performance and outlook [1] Group 2 - The analysis focuses on fundamental aspects, aiming to identify undervalued stocks with growth potential [1]

Industry Trend - The Gokongwei and Gotianun joint venture aims to expand Philippine airport operations amidst a travel boom [1]

Industry Trend - Philippine airport operations are poised for expansion amid a travel boom [1] Business Development - Gokongwei and Gotianun are forming a joint venture [1] - The joint venture aims to expand airport operations in the Philippines [1]

Core Insights - VINCI Airports experienced a dynamic second quarter in 2025, welcoming over 86 million passengers, marking a 6.7% increase in traffic compared to the same period in 2024, equivalent to 5 million additional passengers [3][8] - The growth was primarily driven by increased airline capacity, particularly from low-cost carriers, and high load factors indicating strong demand [3][8] - Long-haul routes saw the most significant growth at 11%, with notable performance in Japan and the diversification of European hub networks [3][8] Traffic Trends - Japan's international traffic surged, particularly with China, which saw a 66% increase compared to 2024 and a 20% increase compared to pre-COVID levels [4] - Monterrey Airport in Mexico recorded a 25% growth, attributed to the recovery of Volaris [4] - Strong traffic dynamics were also observed in Budapest, Cabo Verde, and Cambodia, with Cabo Verde experiencing a 26% increase in traffic [4][5] Regional Performance - Portugal recorded a 6.6% increase in traffic, with long-haul routes to Brazil and the United States growing by 12% and 9% respectively [5][10] - Edinburgh's long-haul traffic grew by 30%, driven by connections with North America [5] - The United States saw a slowdown in air traffic, negatively impacting regions dependent on leisure and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) traffic, particularly in Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic [6] Passenger Traffic Data - VINCI Airports reported a year-to-date (YTD) traffic increase of 5.1% as of June 2025, with notable growth in several regions including Japan (+12%), Cambodia (+11%), and Cabo Verde (+26%) [10] - The overall traffic for VINCI Airports in Q2 2025 was 86.4 million passengers, reflecting a 6.7% increase compared to Q2 2024 [16][20] Commercial Movements - VINCI Airports recorded a 6.5% increase in commercial movements in Q2 2025 compared to the previous year [11][12] - Notable increases in commercial flights were seen in Mexico, with Monterrey Airport showing a 25% growth [18] - The Dominican Republic faced a decline in commercial movements, with a 14% drop in traffic [18]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of efficiency levels in assessing a company's potential for profitability, with a high efficiency level correlating positively with price performance [1] Efficiency Ratios - The article identifies key efficiency ratios for stock selection, including Receivables Turnover, Asset Utilization, Inventory Turnover, and Operating Margin, which help gauge a company's ability to manage credit, assets, inventory, and operating expenses effectively [2][3][4][5] - A high Receivables Turnover ratio indicates a company's capability to collect debts efficiently, reflecting quality customer relationships [2] - Asset Utilization measures how well a company converts its assets into sales, with higher values indicating better efficiency [3] - Inventory Turnover assesses a company's ability to manage inventory relative to its cost of goods sold, with high values suggesting effective inventory management [4] - Operating Margin reflects a company's control over operating expenses, with higher ratios indicating more efficient expense management compared to peers [5] Screening Criteria - The screening process for identifying stocks includes a favorable Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) alongside the efficiency ratios, narrowing down the stock universe from over 7,906 to just 10 [6][7] - The top five stocks identified for superior efficiency metrics are Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, International Seaways, BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Ardmore Shipping, and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, all of which have positive earnings surprises over the last four quarters [7] Company Highlights - Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste operates airports in Mexico and has an average four-quarter earnings surprise of 18.4% [8] - International Seaways provides energy transportation services and has an average four-quarter earnings surprise of 17.4% [9] - BioCryst Pharmaceuticals specializes in drug design for various diseases, with an average four-quarter earnings surprise of 12.9% [10] - Ardmore Shipping offers seaborne transportation of petroleum products, achieving an average four-quarter earnings surprise of 5.2% [11] - Red Robin Gourmet Burgers is a casual dining chain with an average four-quarter earnings surprise of 3.1% [12]