Here are three stocks with buy rank and strong momentum characteristics for investors to consider today, February 24:Kaiser Aluminum Corporation (KALU) : This metal fabrication company has a Zacks Rank #1 and witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 9.3% over the last 60 days.Kaiser Aluminum Corporation's shares gained 36.0% over the last three months compared with the S&P 500’s decline of 3.4%. The company possesses a Momentum Score of A.Fluor Corporation (FLR) : This ...

Company Overview - Mueller Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MLI) produces copper, brass, and aluminum components such as tubes, fittings, and valves for plumbing, refrigeration, and HVAC systems [2] Investment Sentiment - Jim Cramer expressed strong support for Mueller Industries, indicating he was a significant holder when the company emerged from bankruptcy and remains a buyer, emphasizing the company's steady growth and infrastructure relevance [1] Market Position - The company is recognized for its extensive product offerings in the infrastructure sector, including pipes and manhole covers, which are critical for various applications [1]

Core Insights - Riverwater Partners' Micro Opportunities Strategy reported solid absolute returns in Q3 2025 but lagged behind the benchmark due to not keeping pace with the market rally [1] - The strategy continues to focus on quality companies amid a volatile environment [1] Company Overview - Mayville Engineering Company, Inc. (NYSE:MEC) is a metal fabrication company involved in design, production, prototyping, tooling, aluminum extrusion, coating, and assembly of aftermarket components [2] - As of December 16, 2025, Mayville Engineering's stock closed at $18.25 per share, with a market capitalization of $370.81 million [2] Performance Metrics - Mayville Engineering's one-month return was 21.67%, and its shares gained 12.31% over the last 52 weeks [2] - In Q3 2025, Mayville Engineering's total sales increased by 6.6% year-over-year to $144.3 million [4] Market Position and Trends - The Industrials sector showed mixed results, with opportunities in reshoring trends and domestic manufacturing, although some companies faced near-term challenges [3] - Mayville Engineering experienced softened customer demand in certain end markets, impacting its performance [3] - Despite near-term weaknesses, there is confidence in Mayville Engineering's long-term positioning to benefit from the reshoring of manufacturing to the U.S. [3] Hedge Fund Interest - Mayville Engineering is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 7 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock at the end of Q3 2025, down from 11 in the previous quarter [4]

Core Viewpoint - Worthington Enterprises Inc. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire LSI Group, LLC for approximately $205 million, enhancing its Building Products portfolio and expanding its market presence in the commercial metal roofing sector [1][2][3] Company Overview - Worthington Enterprises is a designer and manufacturer of market-leading brands that improve everyday life, operating primarily in two segments: Building Products and Consumer Products [10][11] - The Building Products segment includes solutions for heating, cooling, construction, and water applications, while the Consumer Products segment focuses on tools and outdoor living [10] Acquisition Details - The acquisition of LSI Group is expected to close in January 2026, pending regulatory approval and customary closing conditions [2] - LSI Group is recognized as one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of standing seam metal roof clips and retrofit components, with brands such as BPD, Logan Stampings, LSI Metal Fabrication, and Roof Hugger [1][7] Strategic Importance - The acquisition is aimed at strengthening Worthington's Building Products portfolio and enhancing customer engagement across the building envelope [3] - LSI's reputation for superior quality, industry-leading lead times, and strong customer relationships aligns with Worthington's values and commitment to customer support [3][5] Market Demand - There is a growing demand for resilient, energy-efficient, and durable roofing systems as building owners prioritize stronger structures in response to evolving weather patterns and rising energy costs [3] - The retrofit market, served by LSI's Roof Hugger brand, offers advantages such as lower installation costs and improved energy efficiency compared to full roof replacements [4] Leadership and Culture - Robert Baker, the owner and president of LSI Group, will continue to lead the business post-acquisition, emphasizing a people-first culture and commitment to innovation [5][8] - The partnership is expected to accelerate innovation and expand reach, delivering greater value to customers and enhancing investment in the Logansport community [8]

Korea Zinc surged more than 26% on Monday after local media reported that the world’s largest zinc smelter is preparing to approve a 10 trillion won ($6.8 billion)investment in America with financial backing from the US government https://t.co/0H8BDWHwOx ...

Group 1 - The commentary discusses stocks reaching new 52-week highs and lows, particularly in relation to the performance of the "Magnificent Seven" companies over the past five years [1][2] - The average cumulative return of the Magnificent Seven was 292.8%, with Nvidia contributing nearly 61% of that return [3] - Excluding the highest and lowest returns among the Magnificent Seven, the average return is 153.2%, indicating a more attainable performance benchmark [3] Group 2 - Mueller Industries (MLI) reached a new 52-week high of $110.52, marking its 35th high in the past year and an all-time high, with a 553.2% increase over the past five years [4] - The company has been positively viewed due to its strong positioning to benefit from construction industry demand and a solid balance sheet, holding $1.07 billion in net cash valued at 5.2 times cash per share [5] - As of Q3 2025, Mueller Industries reported $1.32 billion in net cash with no debt, a 25% increase from December 2024, and a cash per share of $11.89, trading at 9.3 times cash [6]

Financial Performance - Net sales increased by 6.6% year-over-year, while organic net sales decreased by 9.1% to $123.1 million[6] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased year-over-year to $14.1 million, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 9.8%[6] - Free Cash Flow decreased year-over-year to ($1.1) million[6] - Adjusted Diluted EPS was $0.10[6] Strategic Initiatives and Outlook - The company maintained its 2025 financial guidance[8] - Accu-Fab integration is proceeding as planned, with expected completion by year-end 2025[8] - Increased 2026 Accu-Fab revenue synergies are projected to be $20 to $30 million, as the Data Center & Critical Power pipeline exceeds $100 million[8] End-Market Outlook - Commercial Vehicle market sales are expected to decline by 16%-26% in 2025[13] - Data Center & Critical Power is expected to grow by 12%-14% in 2025[18] - Accu-Fab acquisition is expected to add $32 - $36 million in net sales to the Data Center & Critical Power end market in 2H25[22] Capital Allocation - Net leverage ratio was 3.5x as of September 30, 2025, with a target of 3.0x or lower by the end of 2026[6, 32] - The company is prioritizing $7 – $10 million of investment in equipment and automation to meet high-growth Data Center & Critical Power demand over the next 18 months[28]

Core Insights - Monroe Capital LLC has led the debt financing and made an equity co-investment to support Westbourne Capital Partners LLC in acquiring Harvey Vogel Manufacturing Co., a metal fabrication company [1][3]. Company Overview - Harvey Vogel is recognized as a leading high-precision stamper and fabricator of metal components, focusing on hard-to-produce, tight tolerance, and appearance-focused parts. The company serves aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial markets and holds AS9100, ISO 9001, and ITAR certifications [2]. Investment Strategy - Westbourne Capital Partners expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Monroe Capital, highlighting the flexible capital structure that positions Harvey Vogel for growth. The partnership aims to professionalize and scale the company into a market leader while maintaining its local reputation for service and reliability [3]. - Monroe Capital's Independent Sponsor group specializes in providing flexible capital solutions, including both debt and equity co-investments for various corporate activities such as acquisitions and growth initiatives [3]. Monroe Capital Profile - Monroe Capital LLC is a premier asset management firm focusing on private credit markets, offering a range of strategies including direct lending and alternative credit solutions. The firm has been active since 2004, providing capital solutions across the U.S. and Canada [4].

Financial Performance - Sales reached $417.3 million, a 2.0% increase compared to the previous fiscal year[3] - Adjusted EBITDA was $88.7 million, representing a substantial 150.0% increase[3] - Adjusted Diluted EPS stood at $1.55, up by 3.4%[3] Segment Results - Metal Coatings sales amounted to $190 million, reflecting a 10.8% increase[1, 5] with Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 30.8%[5] - Precoat Metals sales were $227.3 million, a decrease of 4.3%[1, 6] with Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 20.2%[6] Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - Cash provided by operating activities in Q2 was $58.4 million, a 23% increase[1] - Debt reduction of $5 million was achieved, resulting in a net leverage ratio of 1.7X[1] FY2026 Guidance - The company maintains its FY2026 sales guidance of $1.625-$1.725 billion[1] - Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be in the range of $360-$400 million[1] - Adjusted Diluted EPS is expected to be $5.75-$6.25[1] Shareholder Returns - Total value returned to shareholders year-to-date in FY2026 through dividend payments was $11.1 million[7]

Financial Performance - Net sales decreased by 191% year-over-year in 2Q25, reaching $1323 million compared to $1636 million in 2Q24 [6, 10] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased year-over-year to $137 million in 2Q25, compared to $196 million in 2Q24 [6, 10] - Adjusted EBITDA margin improved sequentially to 103% in 2Q25, an increase of 130 bps [6] - Adjusted Diluted EPS was $010 in 2Q25 [6, 10] - Free Cash Flow was $125 million in 2Q25 [6, 10] Strategic Initiatives and Capital Allocation - The company repurchased $29 million of shares during the quarter [6] - Capital expenditures are prioritized with $7 to $10 million of investment in growth/automation advancements [27] - Net leverage was 14x as of June 30, 2025 [6, 30] Outlook - Revenue for 2025 is expected to be between $528 million and $562 million, a decrease of (9%) – (3%) year-over-year [35] - Adjusted EBITDA for 2025 is projected to be between $49 million and $55 million, a decrease of (24%) – (15%) year-over-year [35] - Free cash flow for 2025 is expected to be between $25 million and $31 million, a decrease of (68%) – (60%) year-over-year [35] End-Market Outlook - Commercial Vehicle end market is expected to decline by (9%) – (14%) in 2025 [13, 35] - Agriculture end market is projected to decline by (25%) – (29%) in 2025 [13, 35]