Most of us have heard the dictum "the trend is your friend." And this is undeniably the key to success when it comes to short-term investing or trading. But it isn't easy to ensure the sustainability of a trend and profit from it.The trend often reverses before exiting the trade, leading to a short-term capital loss for investors. So, for a profitable trade, one should confirm factors such as sound fundamentals, positive earnings estimate revisions, etc. that could keep the momentum in the stock alive.Our " ...

Helios Technologies (HLIO) appears an attractive pick given a noticeable improvement in the company's earnings outlook. The stock has been a strong performer lately, and the momentum might continue with analysts still raising their earnings estimates for the company.The upward trend in estimate revisions for this maker of screw-in hydraulic cartridge valves and manifolds reflects growing optimism of analysts on its earnings prospects, which should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical resea ...

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of identifying sustainable trends in short-term investing, highlighting that while price momentum can be profitable, ensuring its longevity is crucial for success [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Helios Technologies (HLIO) has shown a significant price increase of 73.2% over the past 12 weeks, indicating strong investor interest [4]. - In the last four weeks, HLIO's stock price has risen by 50.8%, suggesting that the upward trend is still intact [5]. - Currently, HLIO is trading at 87.8% of its 52-week high-low range, indicating a potential breakout opportunity [6]. Group 2: Fundamental Strength - HLIO holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), placing it in the top 5% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises [6]. - The stock has an Average Broker Recommendation of 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting high optimism from the brokerage community regarding its near-term price performance [7]. - The Zacks Rank system has a strong historical performance, with Rank 1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. Group 3: Investment Strategy - The "Recent Price Strength" screen is a useful tool for identifying stocks with sufficient fundamental strength to maintain their upward momentum [3]. - In addition to HLIO, there are other stocks that meet the criteria of the "Recent Price Strength" screen, providing additional investment opportunities [8].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Hengli Hydraulic is "Buy" with a target price of Rmb85.0, indicating an expected share price return of 22.6% and an expected total return of 23.6% [4][13]. Core Insights - The commencement of operations at Hengli's Mexico plant is viewed positively, as it will help mitigate the impact of US reciprocal tariffs, despite the plant's revenue contribution being limited to Rmb200 million-300 million in 2025, which is only 2%-3% of the projected revenue [1][3]. - In May 2025, while the overall excavator shipment growth in China decreased to 2% YoY, Hengli's excavator cylinder production surged by 51% YoY, indicating strong demand and restocking from US customers [3]. - Management anticipates that Hengli's revenue growth in Q2 2025 could accelerate to double-digit YoY growth, up from 3% YoY in Q1 2025, driven by increased production guidance [3]. Summary by Sections Company Overview - Hengli hosted an opening ceremony for its Mexico plant on June 11, 2025, and plans to start production of excavator components for US clients [1]. Financial Projections - The revenue target for the Mexico plant is set at Rmb200 million-300 million for 2025, contributing minimally to the overall revenue forecast [1]. - The expected dividend yield is 1.0%, contributing to the total expected return of 23.6% [4]. Production and Market Trends - The production guidance for June 2025 is set at 55,000 units, which is 28% higher than the actual output of 34,200 units in June 2024 [3]. - The overall excavator shipment growth in China has slowed, but Hengli's production has significantly outperformed this trend, indicating a strong market position [3].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a Buy rating on Hengli Hydraulic with a target price of Rmb85.0, indicating an expected share price return of 26.1% and a total return of 27.2% [6][15]. Core Insights - Hengli Hydraulic aims for over 10% year-on-year growth in both revenue and earnings in 2025, primarily driven by a 20% increase in excavator component revenue despite flat non-excavator business [1]. - The Mexico plant is set to ramp up in June 2025, expected to contribute Rmb200m-300m to revenue in 2025, which would represent approximately 50% of Hengli's US revenue [4]. - The impact of US tariffs on demand has been limited, as major US customers can source Hengli's products from non-US plants [1]. Summary by Sections Excavator Business - Revenue from excavator pumps and valves is projected to grow by 30% year-on-year in 2025, while cylinder revenue is expected to increase by 10% year-on-year, driven by market share gains in China [2]. - Monthly production has been at full utilization from March to May 2025, but a decline is anticipated in June due to seasonal factors [2]. Non-Excavator Business - Revenue in the non-excavator segment is expected to remain flat in 2025, primarily due to weaker demand for Aerial Work Platforms (AWP), which accounted for about 10% of total revenue in 2024 [3]. - Non-excavator cylinders are projected to decline by a single digit year-on-year, while pump and valve revenues may still see a year-on-year increase [3]. Mexico Plant - The Mexico plant's revenue contribution is expected to double to Rmb600m-700m in 2026 and potentially reach Rmb3.0bn in the future [4]. Ball Screw and Linear Guide Business - Combined revenue from ball screws, linear guides, and electric actuators is anticipated to reach Rmb250m in 2025, with expectations to double to Rmb500m-600m in 2026, achieving gross and net profit margins of 30% and 10% respectively [5].