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 Insights - U.S. stock markets are poised to end 2025 positively, with major indexes showing significant gains: Dow up 13.6%, S&P 500 up 16.5%, and Nasdaq Composite up 20.9%, all within 3% of record highs [1] Stock Performance - Several stocks have demonstrated strong price performance, particularly those on a recent bull run, including Strattec Security Corp. (STRT), Astronics Corp. (ATRO), Willdan Group Inc. (WLDN), Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp. (GLDD), and Northrim BanCorp Inc. (NRIM) [2][6] Screening Criteria - Stocks must show a percentage change in price greater than zero over the last four weeks, and over 10% in the last twelve weeks to indicate sustained momentum [4] - Stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and an average broker rating of 1 are preferred, indicating strong future performance expectations [5] - Stocks must be trading at a minimum price of $5 and within 85% of their 52-week high to ensure they are near their peak performance [6] Individual Stock Highlights - Strattec Security Corp. (STRT) has seen a 17.1% increase in stock price over the past four weeks, with a current earnings growth rate expectation of -2.6% for the year ending June 2026 [7][8] - Astronics Corp. (ATRO) has surged 15.4% in the same period, with an expected earnings growth rate of 35% for the next year [9][10] - Willdan Group Inc. (WLDN) has appreciated 14.5% recently, with an expected earnings growth rate of 9.6% for the next year [10][11] - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp. (GLDD) has advanced 13.9% in the past four weeks, with an expected earnings growth of -0.2% for next year [12][14] - Northrim BanCorp Inc. (NRIM) has rallied 11.7%, with an expected earnings growth of 4% for the next year [14][16]

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]