Pool Corporation (NASDAQ:POOL) is included among the 15 Dividend Stocks with Low Payout Ratios and Strong Upside. Pool Corp (POOL) Back in Focus as Analysts Revisit the Building Products Outlook On December 23, CFRA upgraded Pool Corporation (NASDAQ:POOL) to Buy from Hold and set a $304 price target. That followed a more cautious note a week earlier. On December 16, Stifel analyst W. Andrew Carter lowered his price target on POOL to $240 from $295 and kept a Hold rating. In a year-ahead outlook, the fir ...

Group 1 - Caterpillar Inc. is highlighted as a strong investment opportunity following the Fed rate cut, with industrials expected to benefit from lower rates [1] - The company is recognized for its significant role in data center construction, which has contributed to its strong market performance [2] - An analyst meeting is scheduled, and there is speculation about the sustainability of Caterpillar's recent performance over multiple years [2] Group 2 - Caterpillar provides a range of products including heavy machinery, engines, turbines, and rail equipment, along with power systems and support services [2] - The company is currently at its all-time highs, reflecting investor confidence in its alignment with current market conditions [1]

Perimeter Solutions MMT Acquisition Call December 11, 2025 Disclaimer Certain statements in this presentation and discussion are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on Perimeter Solutions, Inc.'s (the "Company") expectations, intentions and projections regarding the Company's future performance, anticipated events or trends and other matters that are not historical facts. Words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "seek," "expect," ...

Core Points - AutoNation and the Florida Panthers collaborated to provide a special game-day experience for TaKobe, an 18-year-old oncology patient, as part of AutoNation's DRV PNK initiative aimed at combating cancer [1][4][5] - TaKobe has been undergoing treatment for a rare and aggressive tumor, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation [3] - The game-day experience included premium seating and a unique ride, showcasing the commitment of both organizations to support pediatric oncology patients [3][4] Company Initiatives - AutoNation has raised over $45 million for cancer-related causes through its DRV PNK initiative, which focuses on prevention, education, research, treatment, and survivorship programs [5][7] - The partnership with the Florida Panthers is part of AutoNation's broader community investment strategy, which aims to provide hope and comfort to families affected by cancer [6][7] - Corporate philanthropy is emphasized as a vital component in strengthening community ties and supporting local families [6] Community Impact - The Florida Panthers, as two-time defending Stanley Cup Champions, engage in community service through initiatives like 'Heroes Among Us,' which honors military veterans and supports children's health and education [9][10] - The collaboration between AutoNation and the Florida Panthers highlights the importance of corporate partnerships in enhancing community outreach and providing essential support to pediatric patients [6][10]

Core Insights - Lithia Motors has seen significant interest from institutional investors, with several firms increasing their stakes in the company during the second quarter [1][8] - Analysts are optimistic about Lithia Motors, with multiple firms raising their price targets and maintaining positive ratings [2] - The company reported strong quarterly earnings, exceeding analyst expectations and showing year-over-year revenue growth [4] Institutional Investment Activity - Nisa Investment Advisors LLC increased its stake by 16.9%, owning 276 shares valued at $93,000 after purchasing 40 additional shares [1] - Assetmark Inc. raised its stake by 2.5%, now holding 1,753 shares worth $592,000 after acquiring 42 more shares [1] - Bessemer Group Inc. significantly boosted its holdings by 114.6%, now owning 88 shares valued at $29,000 after acquiring 47 shares [1] Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Citigroup raised its price target from $385.00 to $399.00, maintaining a "buy" rating [2] - JPMorgan Chase increased its price objective from $320.00 to $350.00, giving an "overweight" rating [2] - Evercore ISI raised its price target from $440.00 to $500.00, assigning an "outperform" rating [2] Financial Performance - Lithia Motors reported an EPS of $9.50 for the quarter, surpassing the consensus estimate of $8.53 by $0.97 [4] - The company achieved revenue of $9.68 billion, exceeding expectations of $9.38 billion, with a year-over-year revenue increase of 4.9% [4] - The return on equity was reported at 13.42%, with a net margin of 2.39% [4] Dividend and Share Repurchase - Lithia Motors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.55 per share, representing an annualized dividend of $2.20 and a yield of 0.7% [5] - The company initiated a share repurchase program allowing for the buyback of $750 million in outstanding shares, indicating management's belief in the stock's undervaluation [6] Company Overview - Lithia Motors operates as an automotive retailer, with segments in Vehicle Operations and Financing Operations, providing a range of services including vehicle sales, parts, repair, and financing [9]

Core Insights - Pool Corp. is the world's largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool equipment, parts, and supplies, but its revenue sources are diverse and influenced by market conditions [1] Revenue Sources - Approximately one-third of Pool's revenue is derived from new pool installations, which have seen a decline post-pandemic due to high interest rates affecting the housing market [2] - The remaining two-thirds of revenue comes from maintenance and repair of existing pools, which is recurring and provides stability for the company's dividend, currently yielding about 2.1% [3] Stock Valuation - Pool's current stock price is around $239.98, significantly lower than its five-year average price of $372, and even below the price paid by Berkshire Hathaway, which ranged from $285 to $390.03 per share [4][5] - Investors purchasing shares now are receiving a discount of 18.2% to 40.2% compared to what Buffett paid [6] Market Outlook - The decline in Pool's stock price is largely attributed to the outlook for the real estate market, which affects new pool installations [7] - While maintenance and repair revenue is less dependent on real estate, the company faces limitations in price increases due to its role as a distributor [8] - Future growth in maintenance and repair revenue is contingent on an increase in the number of pools, which is tied to a recovering housing market [9]

Core Insights - Finning International Inc. reported strong Q3 2025 results, with revenue growth across all regions and sectors, particularly in mining and power systems [1][5][10] Financial Performance - Q3 2025 revenue reached CAD 2.842 billion, a 14% increase from CAD 2.489 billion in Q3 2024, driven by strong demand in mining and power systems [4][5] - New equipment sales increased by 12% to CAD 1.046 billion, while used equipment sales surged by 122% to CAD 199 million [4][5] - Product support revenue grew by 9% to CAD 1.517 billion, reflecting robust mining sector activity [5][10] - Gross profit for Q3 2025 was CAD 616 million, with a gross profit margin of 21.7%, down from 23.4% in Q3 2024 [4][5] - EBIT increased by 51% to CAD 240 million, with an EBIT margin of 8.5%, up from 6.4% in Q3 2024 [4][5][6] - Adjusted EPS from continuing operations was CAD 1.17, a 33% increase from CAD 0.88 in Q3 2024 [5][6] Operational Highlights - Product support continued to show steady growth, exceeding CAD 1.5 billion in Q3 2025 [3][5] - The company maintained an invested capital turnover of 2.3 times, consistent with the previous quarter [3][8] - SG&A costs decreased by 6% to CAD 382 million, reflecting cost control measures and restructuring savings [4][5] Regional Performance - South America saw a 17% revenue increase, with new equipment sales up 23% driven by mining deliveries [13] - Canada operations reported a 13% revenue increase, with used equipment sales up 105% [13] - UK & Ireland operations experienced a 4% revenue increase, primarily from new equipment sales [13] Market Outlook - The company anticipates steady demand in the mining sector, supported by strong copper prices and capital investments in Chile [16][20] - In Canada, the outlook is mixed but improving, with potential for increased resource development and infrastructure projects [19][20] - The UK market is expected to remain soft, but power systems demand is projected to grow, particularly in data centers [22] Shareholder Returns - The Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of CAD 0.3025 per share, payable on December 11, 2025 [23] - In Q3 2025, the company repurchased 1.2 million shares at an average cost of CAD 59.45 per share [23]

Core Insights - Finning International Inc. reported strong Q3 2025 results, with a revenue increase of 14% year-over-year, driven by robust demand in the mining and power systems sectors despite challenges in the construction market [3][7][12]. Financial Performance - Q3 2025 revenue reached CAD 2.84 billion, up from CAD 2.49 billion in Q3 2024, with product support revenues increasing by 9% and new equipment sales rising by 12% [5][7]. - Gross profit for Q3 2025 was CAD 616 million, reflecting a gross profit margin of 21.7%, down from 23.4% in the previous year [5][7]. - SG&A costs decreased by 6% to CAD 382 million, resulting in an SG&A margin improvement to 13.4% [5][7]. - EBIT for Q3 2025 was CAD 240 million, a 51% increase from CAD 160 million in Q3 2024, with an EBIT margin of 8.5% [5][7][8]. - EPS from continuing operations was CAD 1.17, up 33% from CAD 0.88 in Q3 2024 [7][8]. Operational Highlights - Product support revenue exceeded CAD 1.5 billion, and new equipment revenue set a quarterly record of over CAD 1 billion [4][7]. - Equipment backlog stood at CAD 2.9 billion as of September 30, 2025, indicating strong future demand [7]. - The company continues to focus on maximizing product support and enhancing return on invested capital [4][7]. Regional Performance - South America operations saw a 17% revenue increase, with new equipment sales up 23% driven by mining deliveries [15][21]. - Canada operations reported a 4% revenue increase, primarily from new equipment sales, while product support revenue decreased by 3% [24][25]. - UK & Ireland operations experienced a 4% revenue increase, with product support revenue stable despite lower construction sector demand [28][24]. Market Outlook - The company anticipates steady activity levels in the mining sector and continued demand in the power systems market, particularly in data centers [21][26]. - In South America, strong copper prices and capital deployment into large-scale projects are expected to drive growth [21][22]. - The outlook for Western Canada remains mixed but is improving, with potential for accelerated resource development [25][26].

Core Viewpoint - Shares of Pool Corp are currently trading at a lower price than what Berkshire Hathaway paid, presenting a potential investment opportunity, but caution is advised due to market conditions and company performance [1][2]. Company Overview - Pool Corp is the world's largest wholesaler of pools, pool equipment, parts, and supplies, with a significant portion of its revenue derived from servicing and maintaining existing pools [8][10]. - Approximately 64% of Pool's revenue comes from servicing existing pools, while only 14% is from new pool installations [10]. Investment Activity - Berkshire Hathaway began acquiring shares of Pool Corp in Q3 2024, initially purchasing 404,057 shares valued at $152.2 million, and increased its stake to over $1 billion by Q2 2025 [3][4]. - The total stake held by Berkshire in Pool Corp reached 9.2% of the company [4]. Share Price Analysis - The lowest price Berkshire could have paid for Pool shares was $296.17 in Q3 2024, with prices fluctuating in subsequent quarters, reaching a low of $285 in Q2 2025 [5][6]. - Current trading price of Pool shares is $267.06, which is lower than any price Berkshire paid [7]. Market Conditions - Pool Corp's stock price surged during the pandemic due to increased demand for home leisure options, but has since declined due to rising mortgage rates and falling home construction starts [8][9]. - The market for new pool installations remains soft, which is expected to continue until the housing market improves [10]. Valuation and Investment Considerations - Pool Corp is currently trading at a below-average valuation of 26 times trailing earnings and offers a dividend yield of 1.73% [11]. - Long-term investors may find Pool Corp appealing despite near-term volatility, but it may be prudent to wait for signs of recovery in the housing market before investing [11].

Core Viewpoint - Finning International Inc. is set to report its Q3 2025 results on November 11, 2025, with an investor call scheduled for November 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Finning is the world's largest Caterpillar dealer, providing services for over 90 years [2] - The company is headquartered in Surrey, British Columbia, and operates in Western Canada, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, the United Kingdom, and Ireland [2] Group 2: Investor Communication - The investor call can be accessed via a toll-free number for Canada and the US, as well as an international toll number [1] - The call will be webcast live and archived for three months, with access available through the company's website [1]