Core Insights - All three major U.S. stock indices rose on July 17, 2025, driven by positive retail sales data and a decline in unemployment claims [1][2][11] - Better-than-expected earnings from major tech companies like Netflix contributed to investor confidence [2] - The current market environment suggests a favorable outlook for investing in U.S. stocks, particularly in low-leverage companies [3] Economic Indicators - U.S. retail sales increased by 0.6% in June 2025, following a 0.9% decline in May, exceeding market expectations [1][11] - Labor data indicated a decline in unemployment claims, further supporting market optimism [1] Investment Recommendations - Recommended stocks include Novartis (NVS), ResMed Inc. (RMD), Wabtec (WAB), Elbit Systems (ESLT), and Ingredion Inc. (INGR), all of which are characterized by low leverage and strong earnings growth [3][11] - Each of these stocks holds a Zacks Rank 2, indicating a favorable investment outlook [11] Stock Analysis - Novartis reported a 12% year-over-year increase in net sales and a 29% improvement in earnings per share for Q2 2025 [15][16] - ResMed anticipates an 8.1% year-over-year increase in fiscal fourth-quarter sales, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 15.3% [17][18] - Wabtec's sales are expected to grow by 5.3% year-over-year, supported by a long-term earnings growth rate of 16% [19][20] - Elbit Systems forecasts a 13.8% increase in 2025 sales, with a four-quarter average earnings surprise of 21.12% [21] - Ingredion expects a 1% improvement in 2025 sales, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 11% [22][23]

Group 1 - The distribution expansion effective from October 1, 2025, will introduce a variety of plant-based and clean label products, including Novation® functional native starches, plant-based proteins, and stevia sweeteners developed by PureCircle by Ingredion to meet consumer demand for clean label ingredients and sugar reduction [1] - Univar Solutions and Ingredion have a longstanding partnership of over 30 years in manufacturing and distributing functional ingredients, which will now expand to 20 countries across the EMEA region [2][3] - The collaboration aims to enhance customer reach and provide consumer-focused innovations across various sectors, including bakery, snacks, dairy, savory, and beverages, leveraging digital capabilities for better service and order management [2] Group 2 - Univar Solutions is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor with a strong logistics network and technical sales force, committed to providing tailored solutions and value-added services across multiple markets [4] - Ingredion Incorporated, headquartered in Chicago, serves nearly 120 countries with annual net sales of approximately $7.4 billion in 2024, focusing on turning plant-based materials into value-added ingredient solutions for various industries [5]