Industry Overview - The U.S. manufacturing sector is showing signs of recovery after a prolonged downturn, with new orders for manufactured goods increasing by 8.2% in May compared to a revised 3.9% decline in April, and a year-over-year increase of 3.2% [3][4] - The rebound in manufacturing activity is supported by easing inflationary pressures and expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts, which are anticipated to boost demand [1][6][11] Manufacturing Activity - The Institute of Supply Management's manufacturing PMI rose to 49 in June from 48.5 in May, indicating a continued contraction but a rebound from a six-month low [5][6] - Manufacturing activity accounts for 10.2% of the U.S. economy, highlighting its significance [5] Stock Recommendations - Four stocks from the manufacturing sector are recommended for investment: Allegion plc (ALLE), AptarGroup, Inc. (ATR), Broadwind, Inc. (BWEN), and DXP Enterprises, Inc. (DXPE), all of which have strong earnings growth prospects and Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) [2][11] Allegion plc (ALLE) - Allegion is a global provider of security products and solutions, with an expected earnings growth of 3.9% for the current year and a Zacks Rank 2 [8][9] AptarGroup, Inc. (ATR) - AptarGroup specializes in innovative dispensing and packaging solutions, with an expected earnings growth of 4.1% for the current year and a Zacks Rank 2 [12][13] Broadwind, Inc. (BWEN) - Broadwind is a precision manufacturer focused on clean tech, particularly in the U.S. wind energy sector, with an expected earnings growth of 60% for the current year and a Zacks Rank 2 [14][15] DXP Enterprises, Inc. (DXPE) - DXP Enterprises is a distributor providing innovative solutions to industrial customers, with an expected earnings growth rate of 17.5% for the current year and a Zacks Rank 2 [16][17]

JOINT VENTURE FOR INNOVATIVE PLASTICS RECYCLING PROMOTES CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Sika and Sulzer have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint venture to advance plastics recycling in the construction industry. The aim is to combine the strengths of both companies: Sika's extensive expertise in polymer applications and high-performance building materials and Sulzer's leading process knowledge in chemical recycling. The joint venture, based in the Zurich area, will be ...

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of efficiency levels in assessing a company's potential for profitability and price performance [1] - It highlights specific efficiency ratios that can be used to evaluate companies, including Receivables Turnover, Asset Utilization, Inventory Turnover, and Operating Margin [2][3][4][5] Efficiency Ratios - **Receivables Turnover**: This ratio measures a company's ability to extend credit and collect debts, with a higher ratio indicating better performance [2] - **Asset Utilization**: This ratio assesses how effectively a company converts its assets into sales, with higher values suggesting greater efficiency [3] - **Inventory Turnover**: This ratio indicates how well a company manages its inventory relative to its cost of goods sold, with higher values reflecting better inventory management [4] - **Operating Margin**: This ratio evaluates a company's ability to control operating expenses, with higher values indicating more efficient expense management [5] Screening Criteria - The article mentions that companies were screened based on the aforementioned efficiency ratios being greater than industry averages, narrowing down the selection to eight stocks [7] - A favorable Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) was also included in the screening criteria to enhance profitability [6] Selected Companies - **Microvast (MVST)**: A technology company specializing in lithium-ion battery solutions, with an average four-quarter earnings surprise of 88.8% [8] - **Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp (SBS)**: Provides public water and sewage services in Sao Paulo, with an average four-quarter earnings surprise of 30.8% [8] - **CarGurus (CARG)**: An online automotive marketplace with an average four-quarter earnings surprise of nearly 11.8% [9] - **AptarGroup (ATR)**: A global supplier of innovative packaging solutions, with an average four-quarter earnings surprise of nearly 7.3% [9]