Group 1: RenaissanceRe (RNR) - RenaissanceRe provides property-catastrophe reinsurance globally on an excess of loss basis [1] - The company has a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and a Growth Score of A [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 12.9% over the last 60 days [1] Group 2: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock is the largest provider of dredging services in the US [2] - The company also holds a Zacks Rank 1 and a Growth Score of A [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 6.9% over the last 60 days [2] Group 3: Phibro Animal Health (PAHC) - Phibro Animal Health is a leading global diversified animal health and mineral nutrition company [3] - The company carries a Zacks Rank 1 and has a Growth Score of B [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 9.1% over the last 60 days [3]

Core Insights - Net profit is a crucial indicator of a company's financial health, reflecting its ability to convert sales into profits [1] - A low profit margin indicates higher risks, while companies like Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD), Strattec Security Corporation (STRT), Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (NGS), and Standard Motor Products, Inc. (SMP) demonstrate solid net profit margins [2] - A higher net profit margin compared to peers provides a competitive edge and attracts investors and skilled employees [4] Financial Metrics - Net Profit Margin is calculated as Net Profit/Sales * 100, serving as a reference for assessing operational strength and cost control [3] - A healthy net profit margin and solid EPS growth are essential for maximizing returns [7] Screening Criteria - Companies with a net margin of at least 0% indicate solid profitability [8] - Positive percentage change in EPS indicates earnings growth [8] - A Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 suggests strong performance potential [10] Selected Companies - GLDD is the largest provider of dredging services in the U.S., with a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM Score of A; its 2026 earnings estimate has increased by $0.10 to $1.09 per share [10][11] - STRT designs and manufactures automotive locks, holding a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM Score of A; its 2026 earnings estimate has risen by 23.3% to $5.24 per share [12][13] - NGS produces natural gas compressors, also with a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM Score of B; its 2026 earnings estimate has increased by 14.1% to $2.11 per share [13][14] - SMP manufactures automotive replacement parts, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 2 and a VGM Score of A; its 2026 earnings estimate has risen by $0.04 to $4.31 per share [15][16]

Core Viewpoint - Three stocks with strong growth characteristics and buy ranks are highlighted for investors to consider, including Ciena Corporation, Alarm.com Holdings, and Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation [1][2][3] Company Summaries - **Ciena Corporation (CIEN)**: - Zacks Rank 1 - Current year earnings estimate increased by 18.1% over the last 60 days - PEG ratio of 1.12 compared to the industry average of 5.21 - Growth Score of A [1] - **Alarm.com Holdings, Inc. (ALRM)**: - Zacks Rank 1 - Current year earnings estimate increased by 5.5% over the last 60 days - PEG ratio of 1.63 compared to the industry average of 2.92 - Growth Score of B [2] - **Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD)**: - Zacks Rank 1 - Current year earnings estimate increased by 6.9% over the last 60 days - PEG ratio of 1.03 compared to the industry average of 3.09 - Growth Score of A [3]

Key Takeaways STRT shares jumped 17.1% in four weeks, standing out among stocks riding the market's late-2025 rally. ATRO has surged 15.4% in four weeks as improving earnings expectations support its momentum into next year.NRIM has risen 11.7% in four weeks, as solid earnings estimates adding support to its recent price strength.U.S. stock markets are set to close 2025 on a high note after an astonishing rally in the previous two years. With just seven trading days left to conclude this year, the three maj ...

Group 1: Ciena Corporation (CIEN) - Ciena Corporation is a network technology company with a Zacks Rank 1 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 18.1% over the last 60 days [1] - Ciena has a PEG ratio of 1.07, significantly lower than the industry average of 5.12, and possesses a Growth Score of A [1] Group 2: Alarm.com Holdings, Inc. (ALRM) - Alarm.com Holdings, Inc. is an IoT solutions provider with a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 5.5% over the last 60 days [2] - Alarm.com has a PEG ratio of 1.66 compared to the industry average of 2.94, and possesses a Growth Score of B [2] Group 3: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation is a dredging company with a Zacks Rank 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 6.9% over the last 60 days [3] - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock has a PEG ratio of 1.03, lower than the industry average of 3.06, and possesses a Growth Score of A [3]

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]