Market Overview - The market received a boost from Fed Chair Jerome Powell's Jackson Hole speech, indicating potential rate cuts as early as September, leading to a 1.5% rally in the S&P 500 [1][10] - Powell's acknowledgment of persistent inflation, coupled with a focus on job growth, reassured investors about the Fed's readiness to intervene if economic momentum slows [1][10] - By the end of the week, traders raised their bets on a September rate cut, with odds exceeding 90% [1] Investor Sentiment - Investors interpreted Powell's remarks as a sign that tariff-related inflation is viewed as temporary, not a long-term concern, which has fueled optimism in equities [2][10] - With falling treasury yields and a returning risk appetite, equities are expected to continue gaining in the upcoming weeks [2] Stock Recommendations - Recommended stocks based on relative price strength include Pediatrix Medical Group (MD), Enova International (ENVA), Primoris Services Corporation (PRIM), SkyWest, Inc. (SKYW), and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM) [3][10] Stock Analysis Strategy - Investors should assess stocks based on earnings growth and valuation multiples, while also considering their performance relative to industry peers or benchmarks [4] - Underperforming stocks should be avoided, while those outperforming their sectors in price should be prioritized for potential returns [5] - Stocks that have outperformed the S&P 500 over the past 1 to 3 months and have solid fundamentals are ideal candidates for investment [6] Earnings Estimates - Positive estimate revisions for upcoming earnings are crucial; upward revisions typically lead to additional price gains [7] - Screening parameters include relative price changes over various time frames and positive current-quarter estimate revisions [8] Zacks Rank and Stock Performance - Only Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stocks, which have historically outperformed the S&P 500, are considered for investment [9] - Specific stocks highlighted include: - **Pediatrix Medical Group (MD)**: Market cap of $1.5 billion, 51.8% share price increase over the past year, and a 9.3% upward revision in earnings estimates [11][12] - **Enova International (ENVA)**: Market cap of $2.9 billion, 37.4% share price increase, and a 32.4% growth estimate for 2025 earnings [13][14] - **Primoris Services Corporation (PRIM)**: Market cap not specified, 107.7% share price increase, and a 20.7% growth estimate for 2025 earnings [15] - **SkyWest, Inc. (SKYW)**: Market cap of $4.8 billion, 60.4% share price increase, and a 28.1% growth estimate for 2025 earnings [16] - **Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM)**: Market cap of $69 billion, 66% share price increase, and a 62.2% growth estimate for 2025 earnings [17][18]

Core Insights - Wabtec Corporation (WAB) is set to report its second-quarter 2025 results on July 24, with a history of positive earnings surprises, having outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters, averaging a beat of 5.86% [1][4]. Earnings Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for WAB's Q2 2025 earnings is $2.18 per share, reflecting a 0.46% upward revision in the past 60 days and an 11.22% increase from the previous year's actual [4][5]. - WAB's Q1 2025 earnings per share were reported at $2.28, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.01, marking a 20.6% year-over-year improvement [10]. Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for WAB's Q2 2025 revenues is $2.77 billion, indicating a 4.84% growth from the previous year [5]. - Q2 2025 Freight revenues are estimated at $2.01 billion, representing a 4.6% increase year-over-year, while Transit revenues are pegged at $763 million, indicating a 5.4% growth [6][7]. Influencing Factors - The anticipated earnings performance is supported by higher sales and operating margin expansion, although supply chain issues, economic and political uncertainties, and high costs may pressure margins and revenues [4][8]. - Wabtec's operations outside the U.S. expose it to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, which is a significant concern for its financials [8]. Earnings Prediction Model - The current model predicts a potential earnings beat for Wabtec, supported by a positive Earnings ESP of +0.50% and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [9].

Core Viewpoint - Kirby Corporation (KEX) is positioned as an impressive investment option due to multiple favorable factors impacting its performance [1]. Performance Overview - KEX has shown a strong price trend, gaining 32% over the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Transportation - Shipping industry's growth of 19.8% [2][7]. Investment Ratings - Kirby holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a VGM Score of B, indicating strong investment potential [4]. Earnings Performance - KEX has a positive earnings surprise history, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the last four quarters with an average beat of 5.02% [5]. - Earnings for Q2 2025 are projected to grow by 11.19% year over year, while the overall earnings for 2025 are expected to increase by 18.38% year over year [5][7]. Industry Context - The industry rank for Kirby is 29 out of 245, placing it in the top 12% of Zacks Industries, which is crucial for stock performance [8]. Growth Drivers - Kirby is experiencing favorable market conditions, including higher pricing, increased barge utilization, and improved pricing in both inland and coastal markets [9]. Financial Health - As of Q1 2025, Kirby reported cash and cash equivalents of $51 million against a current debt level of $7 million, indicating strong liquidity [10]. - The current ratio stands at 1.58, higher than the previous quarter's 1.45 and the industry average of 1.31, suggesting a lower risk of default [10]. Shareholder Returns - Kirby has been actively repurchasing shares, having bought back 1.6 million shares for $174.6 million in 2024 and 1.25 million shares for $124.7 million as of April 30, 2025 [11].

Core Insights - Canadian National Railway Company (CNI) is investing $110 million in Wisconsin as part of its 2025 capital investment program, indicating strong confidence in the region's economic potential and the future of freight rail [1] - The investment focuses on track maintenance and strategic infrastructure initiatives to enhance rail operations, including improvements in infrastructure, technology, capacity, and network performance [2][9] - CNI's president, Tracy Robinson, emphasized that investing in the network is about building for the future and aims to strengthen the resiliency and efficiency of the network across Wisconsin [3] Investment Details - The $110 million investment in Wisconsin follows a similar expenditure in the previous year, which also amounted to $110 million, primarily for track maintenance and infrastructure improvements [3][9] - CNI has made several other significant investments across various states, including $50 million in Louisiana, $85 million in Michigan, and $600 million CAD in Ontario, among others, demonstrating a commitment to expanding rail operations [5] Strategic Focus - CNI is doubling down on its core strengths of efficiency, innovation, and infrastructure, which are expected to pave the way for long-term returns [4] - The company's robust investment initiatives are believed to enhance investor confidence and support long-term performance [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter revenue was $23,500,000, at the high end of the expected range of $21,000,000 to $24,000,000, keeping the company on track to meet the full year expectation of over $100,000,000 in revenue [8][26] - Adjusted EBITDA loss in Q1 was $14,400,000, within the expected range provided in the last earnings release [8][27] - Scheduled service revenue decreased by 23% year over year, primarily due to the elimination of unprofitable routes and a brief interruption of service in January [27] - On-demand service revenue decreased by 25% year over year, driven by lower sales and flight completions [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Essential Air Service (EAS) Program represents approximately 40% of revenue, with long-term subsidized contracts providing connectivity to underserved domestic markets [21] - The company is focusing on profitability in the on-demand business and has exited several unprofitable charter products [13][27] - The company returned five older aircraft to lessors during Q1, simplifying the fleet to focus on the operationally efficient Cessna Grand Caravan [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operates almost exclusively in the U.S., primarily flying aircraft manufactured domestically, which mitigates the impact of tariffs [4][20] - The current economic environment has benefited the company, particularly with lower fuel costs [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become a premier regional air mobility platform, focusing on three growth vectors: expansion of air mobility operations, commercial rollout of the regional air mobility software platform, and sale of electrified powertrains for the Cessna Caravan [29] - The company is in late-stage discussions with key partners to advance its electrification initiative [18][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges a challenging economic, regulatory, and funding environment but emphasizes proactive management of operations and cost structure [29] - The company expects to achieve positive adjusted EBITDA in airline operations by 2025 [19][28] Other Important Information - The company raised an incremental $5,000,000 in funding subsequent to the end of Q1 [9] - The interline agreement with Japan Airlines allows for expanded access to over 435 million customers [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of changes to the essential air service budget - Management believes that being a low-cost operator provides a competitive advantage, especially if higher-cost operators face subsidy reductions [33][36] Question: Core versus non-core scheduled and charter flights - Hawaii is identified as a core area, with a focus on profitability and operational efficiency in route selection [37][38] Question: Adding new profitable routes - The company is currently focused on exiting unprofitable routes and plans to enter new tier one routes next year [41] Question: Progress on Surf OS product - The company is integrating feedback from beta users and plans a full commercial rollout of Surf OS in 2026 [44][46] Question: Service interruption details - The service interruption in January was unplanned and related to maintenance issues, which have since been resolved [48] Question: Future partnerships and geographic targets - The company is open to expanding partnerships beyond the U.S., following the successful agreement with Japan Airlines [50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter revenue was $23,500,000, at the high end of the expected range of $21,000,000 to $24,000,000, keeping the company on track to meet the full year expectation of over $100,000,000 in revenue [7][25] - Adjusted EBITDA loss in Q1 was $14,400,000, within the expected range provided in the last earnings release [7][26] - Scheduled service revenue decreased by 23% year over year, primarily due to the elimination of unprofitable routes and a brief interruption of service in January [26] - On-demand service revenue decreased by 25% year over year, driven by lower sales and flight completions [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Essential Air Service (EAS) Program represents approximately 40% of revenue, with the company being the lowest cost provider on routes below 500 miles [5][21] - The company returned five older aircraft to lessors during Q1, focusing on operationally efficient Cessna Grand Caravan [10] - Flight completion factors improved to above 92% in the first six weeks of Q2, with a goal to return to 96% prior to route expansion [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operates almost exclusively in the US, with minimal impact from tariffs due to domestic operations and aircraft manufacturing [4][20] - The current economic environment has benefited the company, particularly with lower fuel costs [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three growth vectors: expanding air mobility operations, commercial rollout of the regional air mobility software platform, and marketing electrified powertrains for the Cessna Caravan [28] - The transformation plan includes an optimization phase, with a goal to achieve positive adjusted EBITDA in airline operations in 2025 [19][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted substantial changes in the economic, regulatory, and political environment, but expressed confidence in the company's competitive advantage as a low-cost provider [4][5] - The company anticipates minimal impacts from potential tariffs and is actively managing operations to improve cost structure and efficiencies [20][28] Other Important Information - The company raised an incremental $5,000,000 in funding after the end of Q1 [8] - An interline agreement with Japan Airlines was announced, expanding access to over 435 million customers [12][48] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on changes to the essential air service budget - Management acknowledged the potential budget cuts but emphasized their competitive advantage as a low-cost operator [31][34] Question: Discussion on core versus non-core scheduled and charter flights - Management identified Hawaii as a core area and discussed the importance of profitability in route selection [35][36] Question: Plans for adding new profitable routes - Management indicated that while they have targeted drafts to exit, some routes are being held longer than planned due to additional subsidies [38] Question: Service interruption details - Management clarified that the service interruption in January was unplanned and related to maintenance issues [47] Question: Potential for more interline agreements - Management expressed excitement about the Japan Airlines partnership and indicated interest in expanding to other carriers globally [48]