Group 1: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) - The company is the largest provider of dredging services in the US, focusing on maintaining and deepening shipping channels, land reclamation, and storm damage restoration [1] - It has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a 39.1% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - The PEG ratio is 1.05, significantly lower than the industry average of 7.79, and it possesses a Growth Score of A [2] Group 2: Intercorp Financial Services (IFS) - This company provides financial products and services and also carries a Zacks Rank of 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 2.6% over the last 60 days [2] - It has a PEG ratio of 0.36 compared to the industry average of 1.51, with a Growth Score of B [2] Group 3: European Wax Center (EWCZ) - The company operates as a personal care franchise offering wax services and proprietary skincare products [3] - It holds a Zacks Rank of 1 and has seen a remarkable 96.8% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days [3] - The PEG ratio stands at 0.51, well below the industry average of 3.65, and it has a Growth Score of B [3]

Group 1: European Wax Center, Inc. (EWCZ) - European Wax Center is a franchisor and operator of out-of-home waxing services with a Zacks Rank 1 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 96.8% over the last 60 days [1] - The company has a PEG ratio of 0.50 compared to the industry average of 3.50 and possesses a Growth Score of B [1] Group 2: Dell Technologies Inc. (DELL) - Dell Technologies is an information technology solutions, products, and services company with a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 6.1% over the last 60 days [2] - The company has a PEG ratio of 1.02 compared to the industry average of 1.32 and possesses a Growth Score of B [2] Group 3: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock is a dredging services company with a Zacks Rank 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 39.1% over the last 60 days [3] - The company has a PEG ratio of 1.03 compared to the industry average of 7.34 and possesses a Growth Score of A [3]

Core Viewpoint - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation has received four significant work awards, enhancing its role in the U.S. energy infrastructure and contributing to its revenue visibility for 2025 and beyond [5][7]. Group 1: Work Awards - The company has been awarded a dredging contract for the Woodside Louisiana LNG project, which includes the construction of a ship berthing basin for LNG carriers, with operations expected to start in early 2026 [1]. - The Galveston Entrance Channel and Houston Ship Channel maintenance project involves dredging to maintain operating depths, with work expected to commence in the third quarter of 2025 and complete by the fourth quarter of 2025 [2]. - The Mississippi River Hopper Dredge Contract No. 3 involves rental of a dredge for maintenance dredging on the Mississippi River, with work having started in May 2025 [3]. - The Charleston Entrance Channel project, awarded in the first quarter of 2025, has been completed in the second quarter of 2025 [4]. Group 2: Financial Aspects - The awarded projects include financial figures: Galveston Entrance Channel and Houston Ship Channel project is valued at $36.2 million, Mississippi River Hopper Dredge Contract No. 3 at $17.6 million, and Charleston Entrance Channel at $10.8 million [7]. Group 3: Company Overview - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation is the largest provider of dredging services in the U.S., with a history of completing significant international projects and a diverse fleet of approximately 200 specialized vessels [6]. - The company is expanding its core business into the offshore energy industry and employs experienced engineering staff for project management [6].

Core Insights - The public infrastructure sector in the U.S. is experiencing robust demand, driven by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and FEMA initiatives, benefiting companies like Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) and Orion Group Holdings, Inc. (ORN) [1][7] Company Analysis: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) - GLDD, with a market cap of approximately $825.3 million, is capitalizing on large-scale capital and coastal protection projects, with a significant dredging backlog of $1 billion as of March 31, 2025, up from $879.4 million year-over-year [3][4] - The company focuses on government-funded projects, which minimizes payment failure risks and enhances revenue visibility, with adjusted EBITDA margin increasing by 230 basis points to 24.7% and gross margin by 570 basis points to 28.6% in Q1 2025 [4][6] - GLDD has invested over $500 million in its new build program, expecting to spend an additional $140 million to $160 million in 2025 to modernize its fleet for coastal restoration projects [5] - Despite growth opportunities, GLDD faces challenges from rising expenses, particularly in incentive compensation and employee benefits, leading to a 52% decline in maintenance revenues year-over-year in Q1 2025 [6] Company Analysis: Orion Group (ORN) - ORN, with a market cap of about $350.5 million, is also benefiting from public infrastructure demand, with its backlog growing by 11% to $839.7 million as of March 31, 2025, with the Marine segment contributing over 70% [9][10] - The company secured nearly $350 million in new contracts, with a significant portion in the Marine segment, indicating strong growth potential [9] - ORN's adjusted EBITDA margin was 4.3% in Q1 2025, up 180 basis points year-over-year, reflecting its operational resilience [10] - However, ORN's selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 18.7% year-over-year to $22.5 million, impacting profitability [11] Stock Performance & Valuation - GLDD's stock has outperformed ORN's in the past month, with both stocks performing well above the Zacks Building Products - Heavy Construction industry average [12] - Over the last five years, GLDD has traded at a lower forward P/E ratio compared to ORN, suggesting a more attractive entry point for investors [13] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GLDD's 2025 earnings has increased by 39.1% to $0.96 per share, while ORN's 2025 earnings estimate has risen by 128.6% to $0.16 per share [17][19] - GLDD's trailing 12-month return on equity (ROE) stands at 15.7%, significantly higher than ORN's average of 5.1%, indicating better efficiency in generating shareholder returns [20] Investment Outlook - GLDD is positioned as a strong investment option for those seeking steady growth and substantial returns, given its discounted valuation and robust market fundamentals [20][22] - Conversely, while ORN shows promising growth potential, its premium valuation may pose challenges for short-term investors [21][22]

Financial Performance - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) reported Q1 2025 revenue of $243 million[14], a $44.2 million increase compared to Q1 2024[80] - Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $60.1 million for Q1 2025[78], a $17.2 million increase from Q1 2024[78] - The company's dredging backlog ended Q1 2025 at $1 billion[14], with 95% from capital and coastal protection projects[15] - The company has liquidity of over $300 million and announced a $50 million stock repurchase program in March 2025[87] Market and Operations - The company's dredging bid market share represents 27% of a $2375 million market average over the prior three years (2022-2024)[24, 32] - The U S Army Corps of Engineers' budget for 2024 was approved for $8.7 billion, leading to a $2.9 billion U S dredging bid market[33] - The company received notice to proceed in Q2 2025 for dredging work on the Woodside Louisiana LNG project[15] - The company is expanding its core business into the offshore energy industry[22] Fleet and Sustainability - The company is committed to fleet improvement, including new hopper dredges and support equipment[46] - The company is building the first Jones Act compliant, subsea rock installation vessel - Acadia, expected delivery in 2026[46] - The company achieved zero recordable incidents in Q1 2025[64]

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 - Net profit margin provides clarity on a company's business model, including pricing policy and manufacturing efficiency, 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 a high broker rating indicating bullishness on the stock [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, and its 2025 earnings estimate has been revised upward by $0.27 to $0.96 per share [9][10] - Interface, Inc. (TILE) is the world's largest manufacturer of modular carpets, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 and a VGM Score of A, with its 2025 earnings estimate revised to $1.58 per share [10][11] - Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (CPRX) focuses on therapies for rare diseases, carrying a Zacks Rank of 2 and a VGM Score of A, with a recent upward revision of its 2025 earnings estimate to $2.25 per share [11][12] - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) operates in E-Infrastructure and Building Solutions, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 and a VGM Score of B, with its 2025 earnings estimate revised upward by $0.11 to $8.56 per share [13][14]

Group 1: LATAM Airlines Group S.A. (LTM) - LATAM Airlines Group S.A. is a passenger and cargo air transportation services company with a Zacks Rank 1 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LATAM's current year earnings has increased by 22.3% over the last 60 days [1] - LATAM has a PEG ratio of 0.62, which is lower than the industry average of 0.64, and possesses a Growth Score of A [1] Group 2: Unisys Corporation (UIS) - Unisys Corporation is an information technology solutions company with a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Unisys's current year earnings has increased by 132% over the last 60 days [2] - Unisys has a PEG ratio of 0.51, significantly lower than the industry average of 2.84, and possesses a Growth Score of B [2] Group 3: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation is a dredging services company with a Zacks Rank 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Great Lakes Dredge & Dock's current year earnings has increased by 39.1% over the last 60 days [3] - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock has a PEG ratio of 1.00, compared to the industry average of 6.87, and possesses a Growth Score of A [3]

Core Insights - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) has a competitive edge in large-scale capital and coastal protection projects, with a dredging backlog of $1 billion as of March 31, 2025, up from $879.4 million year-over-year, with 95% of this backlog related to capital and coastal protection projects [1][8] - The company benefits from strong demand for government-funded coastal restoration projects, enhancing revenue visibility and margin growth due to reduced payment failure risks and efficient asset utilization [2] - GLDD's new build program, with over $500 million invested, is crucial for modernizing its fleet for large-scale projects, and the company plans to spend between $140 million and $160 million in 2025 on this program and maintenance [3] Industry Trends - Other heavy construction firms like Orion Group Holdings, Inc. and Quanta Services, Inc. are also experiencing backlog growth due to strong public funding for infrastructure projects [4] - Orion Group's backlog increased by 11% year-over-year to $839.7 million, with 72.3% from the Marine segment, reflecting optimism in end markets [5] - Quanta Services reported a total backlog of $35.25 billion, with a 12-month backlog of $19.42 billion, marking year-over-year increases of 17.9% and 16.7%, respectively [6] Financial Performance - GLDD's stock price surged 52.8% in the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Building Products - Heavy Construction industry and the broader S&P 500 index [7][8] - The company's gross margin expanded by 570 basis points year-over-year to 28.6% in Q1 2025, driven by large-scale, government-funded coastal projects [8] - Earnings estimates for GLDD have increased by 34.8% for 2025 to $0.93 per share and by 11.8% for 2026 to $0.95 per share, indicating year-over-year growth of 10.7% and 2.7%, respectively [11]

Group 1: Strattec Security (STRT) - Strattec Security designs, develops, manufactures, and markets mechanical and electro-mechanical locks for automotive manufacturers in the US, Canada, and Mexico [1] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a Growth Score of A [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 19.9% 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, focusing on maintaining and deepening shipping channels, land reclamation, and coastline renourishment [2] - The company also holds a Zacks Rank of 1 and a Growth Score of A [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has risen by 34.8% over the last 60 days [2] Group 3: The ODP Corporation (ODP) - The ODP Corporation provides business services, products, and digital workplace technology solutions to various business sizes [3] - It carries a Zacks Rank of 1 and has a Growth Score of B [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 18.4% over the last 60 days [3]

Core Insights - Healthy cash flow is essential for a company's existence, development, and success, acting as the lifeblood of any business [1] - Companies such as Dave Inc. (DAVE), Nomad Foods Limited (NOMD), Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD), and Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (NGS) are identified as potential investment opportunities due to their rising cash flows [2][9] Cash Flow Importance - Profitability alone does not guarantee a company's survival; uneven cash flow can lead to bankruptcy, making cash flow analysis crucial for prudent investment decisions [3] - In the current economic climate, analyzing a company's cash-generating efficiency is particularly relevant due to global uncertainties and liquidity concerns [4] Cash Flow Dynamics - Positive cash flow indicates an increase in liquid assets, enabling a company to meet obligations, reinvest, and return wealth to shareholders, while negative cash flow signifies declining liquidity [5] - Continuous growth in cash flow is necessary for future growth, reflecting management's efficiency and reducing reliance on external financing [6] Screening Parameters - Stocks were screened for those with cash flow in the latest quarter at least equal to the 5-year average, indicating a positive trend [7] - Additional criteria include Zacks Rank 1, average broker rating of 1, current price above $5, and a VGM Score of B or better [8] Selected Stocks - DAVE is a neobank and fintech innovator with a 33.8% improvement in the 2025 earnings per share estimate [10] - NOMD, a frozen food manufacturer, has a current-year earnings estimate of $2.07 per share, reflecting a 7.3% year-over-year increase [11] - GLDD, the largest U.S. dredging service provider, has seen a 34.8% upward revision in its 2025 earnings estimate to 93 cents per share [12] - NGS, which manufactures natural gas compressors, has an 18.6% improvement in its 2025 earnings estimate [12]