We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
You are being directed to ZacksTrade, a division of LBMZ Securities and licensed broker-dealer. ZacksTrade and Zacks.com are separate companies. The web link between the two companies is not a solicitation or offer to invest in a particular security or type of security. ZacksTrade does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy, any analyst opinion/rating/report or any approach to evaluating individual securities.
If you wish to go to ZacksTrade, click OK. If you do not, click Cancel.
The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights Carrols Restaurant Group, EZCORP, Flexsteel Industries, American Public Education and Universal Technical Institute
Read MoreHide Full Article
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – February 22, 2024 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Carrols Restaurant Group Inc. (TAST - Free Report) , EZCORP Inc. (EZPW - Free Report) , Flexsteel Industries Inc. (FLXS - Free Report) , American Public Education Inc. (APEI - Free Report) and Universal Technical Institute Inc. (UTI - Free Report) .
Here are highlights from Wednesday’s Analyst Blog:
5 Must-Buy, High-Flying Small-Cap Stocks with Huge Potential
U.S. small businesses are still suffering from high inflation and interest rate. The NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business) Small Business Optimism Index decreased two points in January to 89.9, marking the 25th consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98.
On the other hand, a survey by Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Voices — a policy advocate for small business owners — revealed a relatively rosy picture. According to the survey, which was conducted in January, 75% of small business owners are optimistic about their financial well-being in 2024, up from 68% a year earlier.
The survey also showed that 28% of small business owners rated the economy as good or excellent, up 9% from a quarter ago. More than half of the respondents said they expect to create jobs this year, and 62% expect their profits to grow in 2024.
Despite facing a 22-year high interest rate and elevated inflation, the fundamentals of the U.S. economy remain rock solid. Moreover, at present, the CME FedWatch shows a 78% chance that the Fed will reduce the benchmark interest rate by at least 25 basis points in the June FOMC meeting.
Small-cap companies have suffered from record-high inflation, a soaring interest rate and fear of an impending recession. Currently, the inflation rate is less than half of its peak in June 2022. Further, small businesses are predominantly dependent on the domestic economy. They generally have very little access to export markets. Better-than-expected consumer spending has reduced the risk of a near-term recession.
Our Top Picks
We have applied our VGM Style Score to narrow the search to select five small-cap (market capital < $1 billion) companies that have strong potential for 2024. These stocks have seen positive earnings estimate revisions in the last 30 days. Finally, each of our picks sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and a VGM Score of A. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Carrols Restaurant Group Inc. is the largest BURGER KING franchisee in the United States with over 800 restaurants and has operated BURGER KING restaurants since 1976. TAST operates as a Burger King and Popeyes franchisee.
Carrols Restaurant Group has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 3.8% and 25.5%, respectively, for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 10.7% over the last 30 days. The stock price of TAST has climbed 19.9% year to date.
EZCORP Inc. is engaged in establishing, acquiring, and operating pawnshops that function as convenient sources of consumer credit and value-oriented specialty retailers of primarily previously owned merchandise. Through its lending function, EZPW makes relatively small, non-recourse loans secured by pledges of tangible personal property. EZPW contracts for a pawn service charge to compensate it for each pawn loan.
EZCORP has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 11.2% and 14.1%, respectively, for the current year (ending September 2024). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 12.9% over the last 30 days. The stock price of EZPW has jumped 25.4% year to date.
Flexsteel Industries Inc. is engaged in the design, manufacture and sale of a broad line of quality upholstered furniture for residential, commercial, and recreational vehicle seating use. FLXS primarily distributes its products throughout most of the United States through its sales force to furniture dealers, department stores, recreational vehicle manufacturers and van converters, and hospitality and healthcare facilities. FLXS’ products are also sold to several national chains, some of which sell on a private label basis.
Flexsteel Industries has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 3.3% and more than 100%, respectively, for the current year (ending June 2024). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 30% over the last 60 days. The stock price of FLXS has soared 82.3% year to date.
American Public Education Inc. provides online and campus-based postsecondary education and career learning. APEI operates through three segments: American Public University System, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing.
APEI offers 136 degree programs and 115 certificate programs in various fields of study, including nursing, public health, public administration, and business administration. APEI also provides nursing-and health sciences-focused postsecondary education, a diploma in practical nursing, and an associate degree in nursing.
American Public Education has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 2.5% and more than 100%, respectively, for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 1.9% over the last 30 days. The stock price of APEI has surged 19% year to date.
Universal Technical Institute Inc. provides transportation, skilled trades, and healthcare education programs in the United States. UTI operates in two segments, UTI and Concorde. UTI offers certificate, diploma, or degree programs under various brands, such as Universal Technical Institute, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, Marine Mechanics Institute, NASCAR Technical Institute, and MIAT College of Technology.
UTI also provides manufacturer-specific advanced training programs, including student-paid electives at its campuses; and manufacturer or dealer-sponsored training at various campuses and dedicated training centers. UTI serves students, partners, and communities by providing education and support services in various fields.
Universal Technical Institute has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 18.2% and more than 100%, respectively, for the current year (ending September 2024). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 12.9% over the last 30 days. The stock price of UTI has rallied 18.4% year to date.
Why Haven’t You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks?
Since 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.0 average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +44.9%, +48.4% and +55.2% per year.
Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
See More Zacks Research for These Tickers
Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:
Image: Bigstock
The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights Carrols Restaurant Group, EZCORP, Flexsteel Industries, American Public Education and Universal Technical Institute
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – February 22, 2024 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Carrols Restaurant Group Inc. (TAST - Free Report) , EZCORP Inc. (EZPW - Free Report) , Flexsteel Industries Inc. (FLXS - Free Report) , American Public Education Inc. (APEI - Free Report) and Universal Technical Institute Inc. (UTI - Free Report) .
Here are highlights from Wednesday’s Analyst Blog:
5 Must-Buy, High-Flying Small-Cap Stocks with Huge Potential
U.S. small businesses are still suffering from high inflation and interest rate. The NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business) Small Business Optimism Index decreased two points in January to 89.9, marking the 25th consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98.
On the other hand, a survey by Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Voices — a policy advocate for small business owners — revealed a relatively rosy picture. According to the survey, which was conducted in January, 75% of small business owners are optimistic about their financial well-being in 2024, up from 68% a year earlier.
The survey also showed that 28% of small business owners rated the economy as good or excellent, up 9% from a quarter ago. More than half of the respondents said they expect to create jobs this year, and 62% expect their profits to grow in 2024.
Despite facing a 22-year high interest rate and elevated inflation, the fundamentals of the U.S. economy remain rock solid. Moreover, at present, the CME FedWatch shows a 78% chance that the Fed will reduce the benchmark interest rate by at least 25 basis points in the June FOMC meeting.
Small-cap companies have suffered from record-high inflation, a soaring interest rate and fear of an impending recession. Currently, the inflation rate is less than half of its peak in June 2022. Further, small businesses are predominantly dependent on the domestic economy. They generally have very little access to export markets. Better-than-expected consumer spending has reduced the risk of a near-term recession.
Our Top Picks
We have applied our VGM Style Score to narrow the search to select five small-cap (market capital < $1 billion) companies that have strong potential for 2024. These stocks have seen positive earnings estimate revisions in the last 30 days. Finally, each of our picks sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and a VGM Score of A. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Carrols Restaurant Group Inc. is the largest BURGER KING franchisee in the United States with over 800 restaurants and has operated BURGER KING restaurants since 1976. TAST operates as a Burger King and Popeyes franchisee.
Carrols Restaurant Group has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 3.8% and 25.5%, respectively, for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 10.7% over the last 30 days. The stock price of TAST has climbed 19.9% year to date.
EZCORP Inc. is engaged in establishing, acquiring, and operating pawnshops that function as convenient sources of consumer credit and value-oriented specialty retailers of primarily previously owned merchandise. Through its lending function, EZPW makes relatively small, non-recourse loans secured by pledges of tangible personal property. EZPW contracts for a pawn service charge to compensate it for each pawn loan.
EZCORP has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 11.2% and 14.1%, respectively, for the current year (ending September 2024). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 12.9% over the last 30 days. The stock price of EZPW has jumped 25.4% year to date.
Flexsteel Industries Inc. is engaged in the design, manufacture and sale of a broad line of quality upholstered furniture for residential, commercial, and recreational vehicle seating use. FLXS primarily distributes its products throughout most of the United States through its sales force to furniture dealers, department stores, recreational vehicle manufacturers and van converters, and hospitality and healthcare facilities. FLXS’ products are also sold to several national chains, some of which sell on a private label basis.
Flexsteel Industries has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 3.3% and more than 100%, respectively, for the current year (ending June 2024). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 30% over the last 60 days. The stock price of FLXS has soared 82.3% year to date.
American Public Education Inc. provides online and campus-based postsecondary education and career learning. APEI operates through three segments: American Public University System, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing.
APEI offers 136 degree programs and 115 certificate programs in various fields of study, including nursing, public health, public administration, and business administration. APEI also provides nursing-and health sciences-focused postsecondary education, a diploma in practical nursing, and an associate degree in nursing.
American Public Education has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 2.5% and more than 100%, respectively, for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 1.9% over the last 30 days. The stock price of APEI has surged 19% year to date.
Universal Technical Institute Inc. provides transportation, skilled trades, and healthcare education programs in the United States. UTI operates in two segments, UTI and Concorde. UTI offers certificate, diploma, or degree programs under various brands, such as Universal Technical Institute, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, Marine Mechanics Institute, NASCAR Technical Institute, and MIAT College of Technology.
UTI also provides manufacturer-specific advanced training programs, including student-paid electives at its campuses; and manufacturer or dealer-sponsored training at various campuses and dedicated training centers. UTI serves students, partners, and communities by providing education and support services in various fields.
Universal Technical Institute has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 18.2% and more than 100%, respectively, for the current year (ending September 2024). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 12.9% over the last 30 days. The stock price of UTI has rallied 18.4% year to date.
Why Haven’t You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks?
Since 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.0 average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +44.9%, +48.4% and +55.2% per year.
Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation.
See Stocks Free >>
Media Contact
Zacks Investment Research
800-767-3771 ext. 9339
support@zacks.com
https://www.zacks.com
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.