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: Sterling Construction, Universal Forest Products, Zumiez, Insight Enterprises and Spartan Motors
Read MoreHide Full Article
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – November 5, 2019 – 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: Sterling Construction Co. Inc. (STRL - Free Report) , Universal Forest Products Inc. (UFPI - Free Report) , Zumiez Inc. (ZUMZ - Free Report) , Insight Enterprises Inc. (NSIT - Free Report) and Spartan Motors Inc. .
Here are highlights from Monday’s Analyst Blog:
5 Top-Ranked Stocks to Tap Record-High Nasdaq Rally
The Nasdaq Composite –-- one of the three major stock indexes of Wall Street --- has been performed impressively so far in 2019. On Nov 1, the tech-laden index closed at a fresh all-time high, surpassing its previous closing high on Jul 26.
A fundamentally stable U.S. economy, which is growing for the historically longest 11 years --- albeit with some loss in pace and a dovish Fed this year --- has strengthened investors’ confidence in risky assets like equities despite the U.S.-China trade conflict. Additionally, better-than-expected economic data and third-quarter earnings have strengthened sentiments of market participants.
Nasdaq Rally Continues
Last year was extremely disappointing for Nasdaq. The index plunged 3.9% recording its worst-ever yearly performance since 2008. However, the Nasdaq started 2019 on a strong note. The tech-heavy index is up an impressive 26.4% year to date. On Nov 1, the index closed at 8,386.40, recording a fresh closing high after Jul 26 when it closed at 8,330.21. The intraday high was 8,386.75, beating the previous high of 8,339.64 recorded on Jul 26.
The primary reason for Nasdaq’s turnaround is the rebound of the technology sector although several stocks from other sectors also performed impressively. The technology sector suffered a severe setback in 2018. Technology Select Sector SPDR (XLK), one of the 11 sectors of the S&P 500 Index, declined 2.9% last year. However, XLK is the best performer of the S&P 500 so far this year, having jumped 36.6%.
Next Major Catalyst
Signing of a partial trade deal between the United States and China will give a major boost to the Nasdaq Composite. According to President Trump, the first phase of the deal will address issues related to safeguarding of U.S. intellectual property rights, including force transfer or theft of technologies, reform of the China’s financial markets and its practice of arbitrarily setting foreign-exchange rate.
The U.S. government has decided to scrap its decision to raise tariff rates from 25% to 30% on $250 billon Chinese goods, effective Oct 15. Also, no decision has been taken on the planned new set of 15% tariff on $160 billion Chinese exports, effective Dec 15.
China is the largest trading partner of the United States. Moreover, China plays the role of a low-cost supplier of intermediary products and other inputs to high-tech U.S. industries. U.S. companies that rely on Chinese imports are unhappy about higher tariffs on Chinese intermediary goods, which raised prices of high-tech equipment and electronics products.
On the other hand, a trade spat with the United States resulted in a significant slowdown of China’s economy. However, a strong Chinese economy will give U.S. high-tech companies a solid boost as China is also the largest market for U.S. high-tech products.
A solution to the U.S.-China trade war is likely to restore Chinese and global economic growth, which in turn will create demand for high-tech U.S. products. Likewise, the repeal of tariffs on Chinese intermediary goods will raise the profit margin of U.S. tech giants.
Our Top Picks
At this stage, it will be prudent to invest in Nasdaq stocks. However, the selection may be difficult. Here our VGM Score will come in handy. We have narrowed down our search to five such stocks that have skyrocketed in 2019 and still have upside left. Each of our picks carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and a VGM Score of A or B. You can seethe complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Sterling Construction Co. Inc.is a leading heavy civil construction company that specializes in the building and reconstruction of transportation and water infrastructure projects in the United States. The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 30.1% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 15.2% over the last 60 days. The stock has surged 51.2% year to date.
Universal Forest Products Inc.supplies wood, wood composite and other products in retail, industrial, and construction markets in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 21.3% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 1.7% over the last 60 days. The stock has jumped 98.7% year to date.
Zumiez Inc.operates as a specialty retailer of apparel, footwear, accessories, and hardgoods for young men and women. Its hardgoods include skateboards, snowboards, bindings, components, and other equipment. The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 20.7% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 10.8% over the last 60 days. The stock has soared 66.6% year to date.
Insight Enterprises Inc.provides information technology, hardware, software and services solutions in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 7.6% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 2.7% over the last 60 days. The stock has surged 54.2% year to date.
Spartan Motors Inc.engineers, manufactures, assembles, and sells specialty and heavy-duty vehicles in the United States, Canada, South America, and Asia. It operates through three segments: Fleet Vehicles and Services, Emergency Response Vehicles, and Specialty Chassis and Vehicles. The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 54.2% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 1.4% over the last 60 days. The stock has jumped 155.4% year to date.
Biggest Tech Breakthrough in a Generation
Be among the early investors in the new type of device that experts say could impact society as much as the discovery of electricity. Current technology will soon be outdated and replaced by these new devices. In the process, it’s expected to create 22 million jobs and generate $12.3 trillion in activity.
A select few stocks could skyrocket the most as rollout accelerates for this new tech. Early investors could see gains similar to buying Microsoft in the 1990s. Zacks’ just-released special report reveals 8 stocks to watch. The report is only available for a limited time.
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 http://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: Sterling Construction, Universal Forest Products, Zumiez, Insight Enterprises and Spartan Motors
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – November 5, 2019 – 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: Sterling Construction Co. Inc. (STRL - Free Report) , Universal Forest Products Inc. (UFPI - Free Report) , Zumiez Inc. (ZUMZ - Free Report) , Insight Enterprises Inc. (NSIT - Free Report) and Spartan Motors Inc. .
Here are highlights from Monday’s Analyst Blog:
5 Top-Ranked Stocks to Tap Record-High Nasdaq Rally
The Nasdaq Composite –-- one of the three major stock indexes of Wall Street --- has been performed impressively so far in 2019. On Nov 1, the tech-laden index closed at a fresh all-time high, surpassing its previous closing high on Jul 26.
A fundamentally stable U.S. economy, which is growing for the historically longest 11 years --- albeit with some loss in pace and a dovish Fed this year --- has strengthened investors’ confidence in risky assets like equities despite the U.S.-China trade conflict. Additionally, better-than-expected economic data and third-quarter earnings have strengthened sentiments of market participants.
Nasdaq Rally Continues
Last year was extremely disappointing for Nasdaq. The index plunged 3.9% recording its worst-ever yearly performance since 2008. However, the Nasdaq started 2019 on a strong note. The tech-heavy index is up an impressive 26.4% year to date. On Nov 1, the index closed at 8,386.40, recording a fresh closing high after Jul 26 when it closed at 8,330.21. The intraday high was 8,386.75, beating the previous high of 8,339.64 recorded on Jul 26.
The primary reason for Nasdaq’s turnaround is the rebound of the technology sector although several stocks from other sectors also performed impressively. The technology sector suffered a severe setback in 2018. Technology Select Sector SPDR (XLK), one of the 11 sectors of the S&P 500 Index, declined 2.9% last year. However, XLK is the best performer of the S&P 500 so far this year, having jumped 36.6%.
Next Major Catalyst
Signing of a partial trade deal between the United States and China will give a major boost to the Nasdaq Composite. According to President Trump, the first phase of the deal will address issues related to safeguarding of U.S. intellectual property rights, including force transfer or theft of technologies, reform of the China’s financial markets and its practice of arbitrarily setting foreign-exchange rate.
The U.S. government has decided to scrap its decision to raise tariff rates from 25% to 30% on $250 billon Chinese goods, effective Oct 15. Also, no decision has been taken on the planned new set of 15% tariff on $160 billion Chinese exports, effective Dec 15.
China is the largest trading partner of the United States. Moreover, China plays the role of a low-cost supplier of intermediary products and other inputs to high-tech U.S. industries. U.S. companies that rely on Chinese imports are unhappy about higher tariffs on Chinese intermediary goods, which raised prices of high-tech equipment and electronics products.
On the other hand, a trade spat with the United States resulted in a significant slowdown of China’s economy. However, a strong Chinese economy will give U.S. high-tech companies a solid boost as China is also the largest market for U.S. high-tech products.
A solution to the U.S.-China trade war is likely to restore Chinese and global economic growth, which in turn will create demand for high-tech U.S. products. Likewise, the repeal of tariffs on Chinese intermediary goods will raise the profit margin of U.S. tech giants.
Our Top Picks
At this stage, it will be prudent to invest in Nasdaq stocks. However, the selection may be difficult. Here our VGM Score will come in handy. We have narrowed down our search to five such stocks that have skyrocketed in 2019 and still have upside left. Each of our picks carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and a VGM Score of A or B. You can seethe complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Sterling Construction Co. Inc.is a leading heavy civil construction company that specializes in the building and reconstruction of transportation and water infrastructure projects in the United States. The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 30.1% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 15.2% over the last 60 days. The stock has surged 51.2% year to date.
Universal Forest Products Inc.supplies wood, wood composite and other products in retail, industrial, and construction markets in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 21.3% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 1.7% over the last 60 days. The stock has jumped 98.7% year to date.
Zumiez Inc.operates as a specialty retailer of apparel, footwear, accessories, and hardgoods for young men and women. Its hardgoods include skateboards, snowboards, bindings, components, and other equipment. The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 20.7% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 10.8% over the last 60 days. The stock has soared 66.6% year to date.
Insight Enterprises Inc.provides information technology, hardware, software and services solutions in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 7.6% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 2.7% over the last 60 days. The stock has surged 54.2% year to date.
Spartan Motors Inc.engineers, manufactures, assembles, and sells specialty and heavy-duty vehicles in the United States, Canada, South America, and Asia. It operates through three segments: Fleet Vehicles and Services, Emergency Response Vehicles, and Specialty Chassis and Vehicles. The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 54.2% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 1.4% over the last 60 days. The stock has jumped 155.4% year to date.
Biggest Tech Breakthrough in a Generation
Be among the early investors in the new type of device that experts say could impact society as much as the discovery of electricity. Current technology will soon be outdated and replaced by these new devices. In the process, it’s expected to create 22 million jobs and generate $12.3 trillion in activity.
A select few stocks could skyrocket the most as rollout accelerates for this new tech. Early investors could see gains similar to buying Microsoft in the 1990s. Zacks’ just-released special report reveals 8 stocks to watch. The report is only available for a limited time.
See 8 breakthrough stocks now>>
Media Contact
Zacks Investment Research
800-767-3771 ext. 9339
support@zacks.com
http://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 http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.