Core Insights - The primary purpose of a business is to generate profits for reinvestment or shareholder rewards, with net profit margin being a key metric for measuring profitability [1][3] - A higher net profit margin indicates a company's efficiency in converting sales into profits and reflects its operational management [2][4] Net Profit Margin Analysis - Net profit margin is calculated as Net Profit/Sales * 100, representing the amount retained after all expenses [3] - A strong net profit margin attracts investors and skilled employees, providing a competitive edge over peers [4] Pros and Cons of Net Profit Margin - Net profit margin offers clarity on a company's business model, including pricing, cost structure, and efficiency, making it a preferred metric for investors [5] - However, the metric varies significantly across industries, and differences in accounting treatments can complicate comparisons [6] Investment Strategy - A healthy net profit margin and solid earnings per share (EPS) growth are crucial for maximizing returns [7] - Screening parameters include a net margin of at least 0%, positive EPS growth, and a broker rating of 1, indicating strong bullishness [8] Company Performance Highlights - InfuSystem Holdings (INFU), Century Aluminum Company (CENX), Remitly Global (RELY), and Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) exhibit strong net margins and upward EPS revisions for 2025, all holding a Zacks Rank of 1 [9][10] - INFU's 2025 earnings estimate was revised upward by 160% to $0.26 per share, with an average surprise of 79.2% in recent quarters [11][12] - CENX's earnings estimate increased by 11.6% to $2.30 per share, with an average surprise of -15.4% [12][13] - RELY's earnings estimate rose by $0.03 to $0.12 per share, consistently beating estimates with an average surprise of 132.9% [13][14] - GLDD's earnings estimate increased by $0.06 to $1.02 per share, with an average surprise of 45.3% [15][16]

Core Viewpoint - Century Aluminum Company (CENX) reported earnings of 28 cents per share for Q1 2025, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 53 cents, but showing improvement from a loss of 39 cents per share in the prior year [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - CENX's net sales reached $633.9 million, a 29.5% increase year over year, but fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $643.8 million [2] - Primary aluminum shipments were 168,672 tons, reflecting a decrease of approximately 3.4% year over year [2] - The company had cash and cash equivalents of $44.9 million at the end of the quarter, up 36.5% from the previous quarter [3] - Net cash provided by operating activities was $72.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 [3] Group 2: Future Outlook - For Q2 2025, CENX forecasts adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $80 million to $90 million, influenced by increased Midwest regional premiums and lower energy costs, partially offset by planned major maintenance and seasonal labor expenses [4] Group 3: Stock Performance - Shares of Century Aluminum have increased by 0.6% over the past year, compared to the industry's growth of 10.2% [5] Group 4: Zacks Rank and Comparisons - CENX currently holds a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell), while competitors like Brenntag SE and Contango Ore, Inc. have better rankings [7]