Ouster (OUST) Soars 14.4%: Is Further Upside Left in the Stock?

Ouster, Inc. OUST shares ended the last trading session 14.4% higher at $46.57. The jump came on an impressive volume with a higher-than-average number of shares changing hands in the session. This compares to the stock's 31.9% gain over the past four weeks.

The optimism surrounding the stock can be attributed to rising software adoption, expanding industrial automation and smart infrastructure demand, and increasing AI-driven opportunities. Ouster’s customer diversification, continued product innovation and confidence in its long-term strategy of combining digital lidar hardware with high-margin perception software to drive scalable growth.

This company is expected to post quarterly loss of $0.31 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +18.4%. Revenues are expected to be $50.77 million, up 44.8% from the year-ago quarter.

While earnings and revenue growth expectations are important in evaluating the potential strength in a stock, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

For Ouster, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 10.7% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. And a negative trend in earnings estimate revisions doesn't usually translate into price appreciation. So, make sure to keep an eye on OUST going forward to see if this recent jump can turn into more strength down the road.

The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>

Ouster is part of the Zacks Electronics - Miscellaneous Components industry. TE Connectivity TEL, another stock in the same industry, closed the last trading session 2.6% higher at $217.64. TEL has returned 5.4% in the past month.

For TE Connectivity, the consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming report has remained unchanged over the past month at $2.81. This represents a change of +23.8% from what the company reported a year ago. TE Connectivity currently has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"

Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.

This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research

NeoGenomics (NEO) Soars 7.2%: Is Further Upside Left in the Stock?

NeoGenomics (NEO) shares ended the last trading session 7.2% higher at $11.13. The jump came on an impressive volume with a higher-than-average number of shares changing hands in the session. This compares to the stock's 16.6% gain over the past four weeks.

The company's shares are on strong uptrend, gaining 39.8% in the past three months. The surge in stock price yesterday was likely driven by positive investment sentiment.

This operator of cancer-focused testing laboratories is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.03 per share in its upcoming report, which represents no change from the year-ago quarter. Revenues are expected to be $197.25 million, up 8.8% from the year-ago quarter.

Earnings and revenue growth expectations certainly give a good sense of the potential strength in a stock, but empirical research shows that trends in earnings estimate revisions are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements.

For NeoGenomics, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. And a stock's price usually doesn't keep moving higher in the absence of any trend in earnings estimate revisions. So, make sure to keep an eye on NEO going forward to see if this recent jump can turn into more strength down the road.

The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>

NeoGenomics belongs to the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry. Another stock from the same industry, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY), closed the last trading session 2.3% lower at $54. Over the past month, BMY has returned -5.6%.

For Bristol Myers, the consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming report has changed -0.6% over the past month to $1.61. This represents a change of +10.3% from what the company reported a year ago. Bristol Myers currently has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"

Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.

This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research

Middleby (MIDD) Surges 4.6%: Is This an Indication of Further Gains?

The Middleby Corporation MIDD shares soared 4.5% in the last trading session to close at $172.26. The move was backed by solid volume with far more shares changing hands than in a normal session. This compares to the stock's 14.9% gain over the past four weeks.

Middleby’s rally is largely driven by optimism over solid momentum in the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group segment, driven by an increase in demand for ice and beverage equipment. The company’s focus on launching new products and upgrading the existing ones per the industry trend also bodes well.

This food preparation equipment company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $2.30 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -2.1%. Revenues are expected to be $837.95 million, down 14.3% from the year-ago quarter.

Earnings and revenue growth expectations certainly give a good sense of the potential strength in a stock, but empirical research shows that trends in earnings estimate revisions are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements.

For Middleby, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised marginally lower over the last 30 days to the current level. And a negative trend in earnings estimate revisions doesn't usually translate into price appreciation. So, make sure to keep an eye on MIDD going forward to see if this recent jump can turn into more strength down the road.

The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>

Middleby is part of the Zacks Manufacturing - General Industrial industry. Ingersoll Rand IR, another stock in the same industry, closed the last trading session 1.1% higher at $77.91. IR has returned 9.5% in the past month.

Ingersoll's consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming report has changed -0.6% over the past month to $0.82. Compared to the company's year-ago EPS, this represents a change of +2.5%. Ingersoll currently boasts a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"

Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.

This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research

ITT (ITT) Stock Jumps 3.0%: Will It Continue to Soar?

ITT Inc. ITT shares soared 3% in the last trading session to close at $196.81. The move was backed by solid volume with far more shares changing hands than in a normal session. This compares to the stock's 1.2% loss over the past four weeks.

ITT’s rally is primarily driven by optimism over solid momentum in the Flow Technologies segment, driven by strength in the short-cycle business arising from increase in demand for all product categories. Growth in component and connector sales within the aerospace and defense markets is supporting the Connect and Control Technologies segment.

This supplier of parts and services to a wide variety of industries is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.93 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +17.7%. Revenues are expected to be $1.39 billion, up 43.4% from the year-ago quarter.

Earnings and revenue growth expectations certainly give a good sense of the potential strength in a stock, but empirical research shows that trends in earnings estimate revisions are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements.

For ITT, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised marginally lower over the last 30 days to the current level. And a negative trend in earnings estimate revisions doesn't usually translate into price appreciation. So, make sure to keep an eye on ITT going forward to see if this recent jump can turn into more strength down the road.

The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>

ITT is part of the Zacks Diversified Operations industry. CompoSecure, Inc. GPGI, another stock in the same industry, closed the last trading session 2.1% higher at $14.42. GPGI has returned 17.6% in the past month.

GPGI INC's consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming report has remained unchanged over the past month at $0.14. Compared to the company's year-ago EPS, this represents a change of -44%. GPGI INC currently boasts a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy).

Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"

Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.

This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research

Strength Seen in CSW Industrials (CSW): Can Its 3.4% Jump Turn into More Strength?

CSW Industrials, Inc. CSW shares soared 3.4% in the last trading session to close at $279.94. The move was backed by solid volume with far more shares changing hands than in a normal session. This compares to the stock's 3% gain over the past four weeks.

CSW Industrials’ rally is largely driven by optimism over solid momentum in the Contractor Solutions segment, driven by increase in demand for HVAC/R and electrical product offerings. The acquisition of Duckt-Strip also bodes well for the company.

This industrial products and coatings maker is expected to post quarterly earnings of $3.66 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +28.4%. Revenues are expected to be $340.56 million, up 29.2% from the year-ago quarter.

While earnings and revenue growth expectations are important in evaluating the potential strength in a stock, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

For CSW Industrials, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 2.2% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. And a positive trend in earnings estimate revision usually translates into price appreciation. So, make sure to keep an eye on CSW going forward to see if this recent jump can turn into more strength down the road.

The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>

CSW Industrials belongs to the Zacks Chemical - Specialty industry. Another stock from the same industry, Minerals Technologies MTX, closed the last trading session 2.3% higher at $78.67. Over the past month, MTX has returned 1.2%.

Minerals Technologies' consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming report has remained unchanged over the past month at $1.63. Compared to the company's year-ago EPS, this represents a change of +5.2%. Minerals Technologies currently boasts a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"

Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.

This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research

Is Marsico MidCap Growth Focus (MXXIX) a Strong Mutual Fund Pick Right Now?

If you've been stuck searching for Large Cap Growth funds, consider Marsico MidCap Growth Focus (MXXIX) as a possibility. MXXIX bears a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), which is based on various forecasting factors like size, cost, and past performance.

Objective

MXXIX is classified in the Large Cap Growth segment by Zacks, an area full of possibilities. Companies are usually considered to be large-cap if their stock market valuation is more than $10 billion. Large Cap Growth mutual funds invest in many large U.S. firms that are projected to grow at a faster rate than their large-cap peers.

History of Fund/Manager

Marsico is based in Denver, CO, and is the manager of MXXIX. Since Marsico MidCap Growth Focus made its debut in February of 2000, MXXIX has garnered more than $506.50 million in assets. The fund is currently managed by a team of investment professionals.

Performance

Investors naturally seek funds with strong performance. This fund has delivered a 5-year annualized total return of 11.82%, and it sits in the top third among its category peers. Investors who prefer analyzing shorter time frames should look at its 3-year annualized total return of 30.84%, which places it in the top third during this time-frame.

It is important to note that the product's returns may not reflect all its expenses. Any fees not reflected would lower the returns. Total returns do not reflect the fund's [%] sale charge. If sales charges were included, total returns would have been lower.

When looking at a fund's performance, it is also important to note the standard deviation of the returns. The lower the standard deviation, the less volatility the fund experiences. MXXIX's standard deviation over the past three years is 18% compared to the category average of 14.52%. Over the past 5 years, the standard deviation of the fund is 20.02% compared to the category average of 16.36%. This makes the fund more volatile than its peers over the past half-decade.

Risk Factors

The fund has a 5-year beta of 1.12, so investors should note that it is hypothetically more volatile than the market at large. Alpha is an additional metric to take into consideration, since it represents a portfolio's performance on a risk-adjusted basis relative to a benchmark, which in this case, is the S&P 500. Over the past 5 years, the fund has a negative alpha of -2.61. This means that managers in this portfolio find it difficult to pick securities that generate better-than-benchmark returns.

Expenses

For investors, taking a closer look at cost-related metrics is key, since costs are increasingly important for mutual fund investing. Competition is heating up in this space, and a lower cost product will likely outperform its otherwise identical counterpart, all things being equal. In terms of fees, MXXIX is a no load fund. It has an expense ratio of 1.31% compared to the category average of 0.99%. Looking at the fund from a cost perspective, MXXIX is actually more expensive than its peers.

While the minimum initial investment for the product is $2,500, investors should also note that each subsequent investment needs to be at least $100.

Fees charged by investment advisors have not been taken into consideration. Returns would be less if those were included.

Bottom Line

Overall, even with its comparatively strong performance, average downside risk, and higher fees, Marsico MidCap Growth Focus ( MXXIX ) has a high Zacks Mutual Fund rank, and therefore looks a good potential choice for investors right now.

This could just be the start of your research on MXXIX in the Large Cap Growth category. Consider going to www.zacks.com/funds/mutual-funds for additional information about this fund, and all the others that we rank as well for additional information. Want to learn even more? We have a full suite of tools on stocks that you can use to find the best choices for your portfolio too, no matter what kind of investor you are.

Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"

Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.

This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research

Is HSNAX a Strong Bond Fund Right Now?

Having trouble finding a Diversified Bonds fund? Hartford Strategic Income A (HSNAX) is a potential starting point. HSNAX holds a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), which is based on various forecasting factors like size, cost, and past performance.

Objective

The world of Diversified Bonds funds is an area filled with options, such as HSNAX. Investors looking for exposure to a variety of fixed income types that stretch across issuers, maturities, and credit levels will find a good fit with Diversified Bonds funds. Typically, these funds have a solid amount of exposure to government debt, as well as modest holdings in the corporate bond market.

History of Fund/Manager

HSNAX finds itself in the Hartford family, based out of Woodbury, MN. Hartford Strategic Income A made its debut in May of 2007, and since then, HSNAX has accumulated about $338.37 million in assets, per the most up-to-date date available. A team of investment professionals is the fund's current manager.

Performance

Obviously, what investors are looking for in these funds is strong performance relative to their peers. This fund carries a 5-year annualized total return of 2.61%, and is in the middle third among its category peers. But if you are looking for a shorter time frame, it is also worth looking at its 3-year annualized total return of 8.26%, which places it in the top third during this time-frame.

It is important to note that the product's returns may not reflect all its expenses. Any fees not reflected would lower the returns. Total returns do not reflect the fund's [%] sale charge. If sales charges were included, total returns would have been lower.

When looking at a fund's performance, it is also important to note the standard deviation of the returns. The lower the standard deviation, the less volatility the fund experiences. The standard deviation of HSNAX over the past three years is 5.16% compared to the category average of 10.15%. Over the past 5 years, the standard deviation of the fund is 6.33% compared to the category average of 11.86%. This makes the fund less volatile than its peers over the past half-decade.

Bond Duration

Modified duration is a measure of a given bond's interest rate sensitivity, and is a metric that's a good way to judge how fixed income securities will respond in a shifting rate environment.

For those that believe interest rates will rise, this is an important factor to consider. HSNAX has a modified duration of 5.62, which suggests that the fund will decline 5.62% for every hundred-basis-point increase in interest rates.

Income

Since income is, of course, a big reason for purchasing a fixed income security, it is always important to consider the fund's average coupon. A fund's average coupon is simply its average payout in a given year. For example, this fund's average coupon of 5.58% means that a $10,000 investment should result in a yearly payout of $558.

While a higher coupon is good for when you want a strong level of current income, it could present a reinvestment risk if rates are lower in the future when compared to the initial purchase date of the bond. Investors also need to consider risk relative to broad benchmarks, as income is only one part of the bond picture.

Ratings

Expenses

Costs are increasingly important for mutual fund investing, and particularly as competition heats up in this market. And all things being equal, a lower cost product will outperform its otherwise identical counterpart, so taking a closer look at these metrics is key for investors. In terms of fees, HSNAX is a load fund. It has an expense ratio of 0.89% compared to the category average of 0.93%. From a cost perspective, HSNAX is actually cheaper than its peers.

Investors should also note that the minimum initial investment for the product is $2,000 and that each subsequent investment needs to be at $50.

Fees charged by investment advisors have not been taken into consideration. Returns would be less if those were included.

Bottom Line

Overall, Hartford Strategic Income A ( HSNAX ) has a high Zacks Mutual Fund rank, and in conjunction with its comparatively similar performance, better downside risk, and lower fees, Hartford Strategic Income A ( HSNAX ) looks like a great potential choice for investors right now.

For additional information on the Diversified Bonds area of the mutual fund world, make sure to check out www.zacks.com/funds/mutual-funds. There, you can see more about the ranking process, and dive even deeper into HSNAX too for additional information. If you are more of a stock investor, make sure to also check out our Zacks Rank, and our full suite of tools we have available for novice and professional investors alike.

Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"

Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.

This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research