Here are three stocks with buy ranks and strong growth characteristics for investors to consider today Nov. 17th:Micron Technology (MU) : This company which has established itself as one of the leading worldwide providers of semiconductor memory solutions, carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 23.5% over the last 60 days.Micron Technology has a PEG ratio of 0.53 compared with 1.50 for the industry. The company possesses ...

Core Insights - Zacks Premium provides tools for investors to enhance their stock market engagement and confidence, including daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1] Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores are indicators that assist investors in selecting stocks likely to outperform the market within 30 days, rated from A to F based on value, growth, and momentum [2] - The Value Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios like P/E and Price/Sales [3] - The Growth Score emphasizes a company's financial health and future outlook, analyzing projected and historical earnings and cash flow [4] - The Momentum Score helps investors capitalize on price trends, utilizing factors like recent price changes and earnings estimate shifts [5] - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive indicator for selecting stocks with attractive value, growth potential, and momentum [6] Zacks Rank Integration - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to simplify portfolio building, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks achieving an average annual return of +23.93% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [7] - With over 800 top-rated stocks available, the Style Scores help investors narrow down their choices to those with the highest likelihood of success [8] - Stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B are recommended for optimal investment potential [9] - Stocks rated 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell) are less favorable, even if they have high Style Scores, due to declining earnings forecasts [10] Company Spotlight: Micron Technology - Micron Technology is a leading provider of semiconductor memory solutions, currently rated 1 (Strong Buy) with a VGM Score of B [11] - The company is projected to experience a year-over-year earnings growth of 95.7% for the current fiscal year, supported by a Growth Style Score of A [11] - Recent upward revisions by nine analysts have increased the Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 to $16.22 per share, with an average earnings surprise of +9.4% [12]

Core Insights - Three stocks with strong growth characteristics and buy ranks are highlighted for investors: Micron Technology, Skillsoft, and Tesco [1][2][3] Group 1: Micron Technology (MU) - Micron Technology is a leading provider of semiconductor memory solutions with a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Micron's current year earnings has increased by 24.4% over the last 60 days [1] - The company has a PEG ratio of 0.49, significantly lower than the industry average of 1.40, and possesses a Growth Score of A [2] Group 2: Skillsoft (SKIL) - Skillsoft specializes in digital learning, training, and talent solutions, also holding a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Skillsoft's current year earnings has surged by 240.9% over the last 60 days [2] - Skillsoft has a PEG ratio of 0.36 compared to the industry average of 1.09, and it has a Growth Score of B [2] Group 3: Tesco (TSCDY) - Tesco is the UK's largest retailer and one of the leading international retailers, maintaining a Zacks Rank 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Tesco's current year earnings has increased by 4.6% over the last 60 days [3] - Tesco has a PEG ratio of 1.30, which is lower than the industry average of 2.34, and it possesses a Growth Score of B [3]

Core Insights - Three stocks with strong growth characteristics and buy ranks are highlighted for investors: Universal Health Services, Micron Technology, and Skillsoft [1][2][3] Company Summaries - **Universal Health Services (UHS)**: - Operates acute care hospitals, behavioral health centers, surgical hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and radiation oncology centers - Holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) - Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings increased by 0.7% over the last 60 days - PEG ratio of 0.86 compared to the industry average of 1.02 - Growth Score of A [1][2] - **Micron Technology (MU)**: - A leading provider of semiconductor memory solutions - Holds a Zacks Rank 1 - Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings increased by 24.3% over the last 60 days - PEG ratio of 0.48 compared to the industry average of 1.32 - Growth Score of A [2] - **Skillsoft (SKIL)**: - Provides digital learning, training, and talent solutions - Holds a Zacks Rank 1 - Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings increased by 240.9% over the last 60 days - PEG ratio of 0.49 compared to the industry average of 0.88 - Growth Score of B [3]

Core Insights - The current market environment has made hybrid investment strategies particularly relevant due to elevated volatility and global policy uncertainty, with a blended earnings growth rate for the S&P 500 in Q3 2025 at 13.7% and 86.9% of companies exceeding EPS estimates [1][2] Group 1: Investment Strategies - A gradual shift in Federal Reserve policy towards rate easing is stabilizing discount-rate pressure, improving the risk-reward balance for fundamentally strong companies [2] - The GARP (Growth at a Reasonable Price) investment strategy combines growth and value investing principles, focusing on stocks that are undervalued yet have solid growth potential [4][6] - GARP investing prioritizes the PEG (Price/Earnings to Growth) ratio, which relates P/E ratios to future earnings growth rates, with a lower PEG ratio indicating better investment potential [6][7] Group 2: Stock Analysis - Carnival Corporation (CCL) is the largest cruise operator globally, with a Zacks Rank of 1 and a Value Score of A, showing a long-term historical growth rate of 28.5% [12][13] - Micron Technology (MU) is a leading provider of semiconductor memory solutions, also holding a Zacks Rank of 1 and a Value Score of B, with a long-term expected growth rate of 28.5% [14][15] - Synchrony Financial (SYF) offers a range of credit products and has a Zacks Rank of 2 and a Value Score of A, with a solid long-term historical growth rate of 13.1% [16][17] - Ericsson (ERIC) is a major player in telecommunications, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 and a Value Score of B, with a long-term expected growth rate of 8.4% [17][18]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium provides various tools for investors to enhance their stock market engagement and confidence [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores are indicators designed to help investors select stocks likely to outperform the market within 30 days, rated from A to F based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics [3] - The Value Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios like P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales [4] - The Growth Score emphasizes a company's financial health and future outlook, analyzing projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow [5] - The Momentum Score assists investors in capitalizing on price trends, utilizing factors like one-week price changes and monthly earnings estimate changes [6] - The VGM Score combines the three Style Scores to identify stocks with attractive value, strong growth forecasts, and promising momentum, serving as a useful indicator alongside the Zacks Rank [7] Zacks Rank and Performance - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to simplify portfolio building, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks achieving an average annual return of +23.81% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [8][9] - Investors are encouraged to select stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B for optimal success [11] - Stocks rated 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell) may still have high Style Scores but are likely to experience declining earnings forecasts, increasing the risk of price drops [12] Company Spotlight: Micron Technology - Micron Technology, based in Idaho, is a leading provider of semiconductor memory solutions, currently holding a 1 (Strong Buy) Zacks Rank and a VGM Score of A [13] - The company is projected to achieve year-over-year earnings growth of 100% for the current fiscal year, supported by a Growth Style Score of A [13] - Recent upward revisions from nine analysts have increased the Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 by $3.53 to $16.58 per share, with an average earnings surprise of +9.4% [14]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights three stocks with strong growth characteristics and buy ranks for investors to consider as of October 15th, including Micron Technology, Western Digital, and Skillsoft [1][2][3]. Group 1: Micron Technology (MU) - Micron Technology is a leading provider of semiconductor memory solutions with a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [1]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Micron's current year earnings has increased by 27.1% over the last 60 days [1]. - Micron has a PEG ratio of 0.40, significantly lower than the industry average of 1.35, and possesses a Growth Score of A [2]. Group 2: Western Digital (WDC) - Western Digital is a prominent developer and manufacturer of data storage devices and solutions, also holding a Zacks Rank 1 [2]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Western Digital's current year earnings has increased by 1.9% over the last 60 days [2]. - Western Digital has a PEG ratio of 0.88 compared to the industry average of 2.29, and it has a Growth Score of B [3]. Group 3: Skillsoft (SKIL) - Skillsoft specializes in digital learning, training, and talent solutions, and it carries a Zacks Rank 1 [3]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Skillsoft's current year earnings has also increased by 1.9% over the last 60 days [3]. - Skillsoft has a PEG ratio of 0.40, lower than the industry average of 0.78, and possesses a Growth Score of B [3].

Stock Picks Overview - Strategists highlight stocks poised for positive returns, focusing on those with strong earnings reports [1] - Two stocks are featured: one in tech (AI play) and one in the cruise line industry [2] Carnival Corporation (CCL) Analysis - Carnival is a Zacks number one ranked stock with an A for VGM, indicating value [3][4] - Stock experienced a dip of over 10% in the past month, potentially creating a buying opportunity [5] - Carnival reported an 83% earnings surprise and has had eight consecutive quarters of record earnings [5][6] - Pre-bookings for the next year are at the same level as last year's record levels, with strong demand seen for 2027 [7] - Carnival offers a variety of cruise lines to meet different price points [8] - Analysts have raised earnings estimates six times for this fiscal year and next year [12] - Earnings are projected to grow 49% this year and 12% next year [13] - The company benefits from lower fuel prices and reduced promotional activity due to strong demand [13][14] - Carnival's valuation includes a forward PE ratio of 13 and a PEG ratio of 06, suggesting both growth and value [14] Micron Technology (MU) Analysis - Micron Technology is a Zacks rank number one strong buy rated stock, benefiting from the AI boom [16] - The stock is up approximately 48% as of the recording and is rebounding after a selloff [17] - BNP Pariba analyst raised the price target by 170% to $270, anticipating a memory super cycle [18] - Fiscal fourth quarter 2025 results showed earnings up 157% year-over-year and revenues up 46% year-over-year [18] - Analysts have been raising estimates for the current quarter and year [20] - The stock is up 125% year-to-date, making it the top-performing chip stock in 2025 [21] - Micron is trading at a forward PE multiple of 1095 times [22]

Core Insights - The U.S. market is experiencing significant turbulence due to renewed U.S.-China trade tensions, an ongoing government shutdown, and the start of the third-quarter earnings season [1][11] - Investors are closely monitoring key reports on inflation and jobs, as well as remarks from Fed Chair Powell that may influence rate expectations [2] - Amidst these uncertainties, value investing is gaining traction, focusing on fundamentally strong companies that are undervalued [2][11] Value Investing and Earnings Yield - Earnings yield is a crucial metric for identifying attractive value opportunities, calculated as annual earnings per share (EPS) divided by the market price [4] - Stocks with higher earnings yield are considered undervalued compared to those with lower earnings yield, which are seen as overpriced [5] - A stock's yield should be compared to the 10-year Treasury yield to assess its relative value; a higher yield indicates a potentially better investment for value investors [6] Screening Criteria for Stock Selection - The primary screening criterion is an earnings yield greater than 10%, supplemented by additional parameters such as estimated EPS growth and average daily trading volume [7][8] - Stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) are expected to outperform peers in various market conditions [9] Top Stock Picks - **Allied Gold Corporation (AAUC)**: Expected EPS growth of 907% and 193% for 2025 and 2026, respectively, with a Zacks Rank 1 [12] - **Micron Technology Inc. (MU)**: Anticipated EPS growth of 100% and 12% for fiscal 2026 and 2027, respectively, also holding a Zacks Rank 1 [13] - **Fortrea Holdings Inc. (FTRE)**: Projected EPS growth of 63.6% and 64.5% for 2025 and 2026, with a Zacks Rank 1 [14] - **StoneCo Ltd. (STNE)**: Expected EPS growth of 20% and 17% for 2025 and 2026, respectively, and a Zacks Rank 1 [15] - **HF Sinclair Corporation (DINO)**: Forecasted EPS growth of 257.4% and 26.4% for 2025 and 2026, with a Zacks Rank 1 [16]

Core Insights - Investor sentiment remains bullish despite tariff policies leading to higher inflation, with the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates for the first time this year amid a deteriorating labor market [1] Group 1: Stock Recommendations - Stocks such as Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. (FOLD), Micron Technology Inc. (MU), and General Dynamics Corp. (GD) are recommended for investment based on broker ratings [2] - Amicus Therapeutics is focused on developing treatments for rare metabolic diseases, with a projected earnings increase of 29.2% year-over-year for 2025 and a 7.7% upward revision in broker ratings [7] - Micron Technology, a leading provider of semiconductor memory solutions, is expected to see a 100% year-over-year earnings surge for fiscal 2026, with a 2.7% upward revision in broker ratings [8] - General Dynamics, involved in mission-critical systems and technologies, is forecasted to have an 11.7% earnings increase for 2025, with a 4.8% upward revision in broker ratings [9][10] Group 2: Investment Strategy - A screening strategy is proposed to identify potential winners, focusing on stocks with broker rating upgrades of 1% or more over the past four weeks, current prices above $5, and an average 20-day volume greater than 100,000 [5] - Stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) have a proven record of success, especially when combined with a VGM Score of A or B, indicating strong upside potential [6]