Core Insights - The Nasdaq has rebounded above its 50-day moving average, indicating bullish sentiment as investors look towards 2026 with a focus on strong earnings growth for the S&P 500 and potential Fed rate cuts [1] - Investors are encouraged to consider stocks that have demonstrated strong performance in 2025, as market conditions are expected to remain favorable [2] Group 1: Stock Screening and Selection - A screening method using the Research Wizard identifies Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stocks, focusing on those with upward price momentum and trading within 20% of their 52-week highs [3][4] - The screening criteria include a PEG ratio and Price to Sales ratio to ensure value, narrowing down to seven stock picks [4] Group 2: Commercial Metals Company (CMC) - CMC has seen a 40% increase in stock price in 2025, reaching all-time highs and significantly outperforming the S&P 500 over the past 30 years [5][6] - The company operates in the steel industry, primarily recycling scrap metal into new steel products, and is positioned to benefit from ongoing infrastructure spending in the U.S. [6][9] - CMC's earnings estimates for FY26 and FY27 have increased by 21% and 31% respectively, contributing to its Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) status [11] - The company trades at a forward P/E of 10.3X, which is a 34% discount to its sector, indicating potential value for investors [14]

Core Insights - Insteel Industries reported fiscal Q3 2025 earnings with a net income of $15.2 million ($0.78 per share) and a gross margin expansion of 650 basis points to 17.1%, alongside a year-over-year shipment volume increase of 10.5% [1] Financial Performance - Gross profit rose by $15.4 million year over year to $30.8 million, with average selling prices increasing by 11.7% year over year and 8.2% sequentially from fiscal Q2 [2] - The company managed to expand spreads as the increase in average selling prices outpaced the rise in raw material costs during the quarter [3] Supply Chain and Tariff Impact - Section 232 tariffs on steel doubled from 25% to 50% in June, leading to the company importing 25% to 30% of its steel requirements, with import exposure contained at roughly 10% of revenue [4] - The company emphasized the necessity of wire rod imports due to insufficient domestic production capacity, which exposes it to elevated input cost risks and regulatory unpredictability [5] Acquisition and Integration - Recent acquisitions, particularly of Engineered Wire Products and O'Brien Wire Products, contributed to shipment growth and required operational restructuring, with $843,000 in related restructuring charges taken in the quarter [6] - Successful integration of these acquisitions is enhancing operational flexibility and productivity, allowing the company to better manage demand fluctuations [7] Future Outlook - Management expects GAAP gross margins to remain stable, supported by elevated demand and favorable inventory costs, while cutting fiscal 2025 capital expenditures guidance to $11 million from $17 million [8] - The company affirmed a robust demand environment through the fiscal year's end but did not provide formal shipment or revenue forecasts due to unpredictability around tariffs and the economic outlook [8]