NYSE:LNC
NYSE:LNCInsurance

Lincoln National (LNC): Margin Compression Reinforces Value Narrative for Earnings-Focused Investors

Lincoln National (LNC) is forecast to grow revenue at 3.5% per year, notably slower than the US market’s 10.3% rate. However, earnings are expected to rise 16.6% annually versus the broader US market’s 15.7% pace, even as net profit margin compressed to 5.8% from 12% a year ago. Against a backdrop of declining earnings averaging -5.4% per year over the past five years and a downtrend in profit margins, this new guidance points to profit growth ahead, but not at a rapid pace. See our full...
NYSE:PACK
NYSE:PACKPackaging

Ranpak Holdings (PACK): Losses Deepen, Undermining Value Narrative Despite Low Price-to-Sales Ratio

Ranpak Holdings (PACK) remains in the red, posting losses that have grown at an annual rate of 10.8% over the past five years. Looking ahead, the company is expected to stay unprofitable for at least three more years, while revenue is forecast to rise at a modest 8.3% annually. This is slower than the US market’s 10.3% pace. Despite trading at a strong value versus peers by Price-To-Sales Ratio (1x compared to 5.2x), profitability continues to lag and net margins have shown no improvement...
NYSE:MO
NYSE:MOTobacco

Altria (MO) Margins Decline to 43.3%, Challenging Income-Focused Narratives

Altria Group (MO) saw net profit margins dip to 43.3%, down from 49.9% a year ago. Revenue is forecast to grow at just 0.7% per year, lagging far behind the US market’s 10.3% pace. Annual earnings growth is expected at 2.7%, trailing the market’s average of 15.7%. The company actually posted negative earnings growth most recently after averaging 31.4% per year over the last five years. With growth slowing, investors’ focus may shift toward Altria’s value credentials and the reliability of its...
NYSE:HWM
NYSE:HWMAerospace & Defense

Howmet Aerospace (HWM): Margin Acceleration Strengthens Bullish Narrative Despite Slower Forecasted Revenue Growth

Howmet Aerospace (HWM) posted eye-catching results, with earnings growing 39.9% per year over the past five years and accelerating to a steep 49.8% in the most recent year. Net profit margins recently climbed to 18.1%, up from last year’s 13.1%. While both revenue and earnings are forecast to continue rising, with revenue set to grow at 8.7% per year and earnings at 14.5%, these rates trail the broader US market’s projections. Investors continue to weigh high-quality, rapid profit growth...
NYSE:SO
NYSE:SOElectric Utilities

Southern Company (SO) Margin Compression Puts Bullish Growth Narratives to the Test

Southern (SO) is forecasting earnings growth of 8.12% per year, alongside revenue growth expected at 5.4% annually. The company is operating with a net profit margin of 15.1%, which is narrower than its prior level of 17.6%. While its five-year earnings growth has averaged 10.8% per year, the latest annual reporting period saw a negative trend. With a Price-To-Earnings ratio of 24.4x, Southern is trading higher than the industry average but below its peer group. Its current share price of...
NYSE:GBX
NYSE:GBXMachinery

Greenbrier Companies (GBX) Margin Jump Challenges Bearish Narratives on Profit Sustainability

Greenbrier Companies (GBX) posted a net profit margin of 6.3%, up from 4.5% a year ago, underscoring a more profitable year for the railcar manufacturer. While earnings have grown at an impressive 44.9% annually over the last five years, the most recent year saw slower earnings growth of 27.5%, and Wall Street is eyeing a 6.2% annual revenue decline for the next three years. With shares trading at $41.29 and a P/E ratio of 6.3x, which is well below industry peers, investors are weighing...
NasdaqGM:NBN
NasdaqGM:NBNBanks

Northeast Bank (NBN) Margin Beat Reinforces Bullish Narrative with 41.4% Profit and 47.7% EPS Growth

Northeast Bank (NBN) turned in strong numbers this period, posting net profit margins of 41.4%, which is well above last year's 38.2%. EPS jumped 47.7% over the last twelve months, easily beating the bank’s five-year average annual growth rate of 10%. With earnings projected to climb 9.61% per year and revenue growth expected to keep pace with the broader US market at 10.3% annually, investors see a solid fundamental story. Shares also trade well below estimated fair value and at a notable...
NYSE:CFR
NYSE:CFRBanks

Cullen/Frost (CFR) Net Profit Margin Hits 28.7%, Reinforcing Bullish Profitability Narrative

Cullen/Frost Bankers (CFR) posted a net profit margin of 28.7%, up from last year's 27.1%, with annual earnings growth of 13.3% outpacing its five-year average of 11.5% per year. While revenue and earnings are forecast to grow at 4.8% and 1% per year respectively, both are expected to lag behind the US market averages. Despite trading below internal fair value, the bank's price-to-earnings ratio of 13.3x sits ahead of industry peers, highlighting a relatively higher valuation on this metric...
NYSE:FDP
NYSE:FDPFood

Fresh Del Monte (FDP) Profit Growth Surge Challenges Bearish Narratives on Earnings Quality

Fresh Del Monte Produce (FDP) posted a striking turnaround in its latest earnings, with profit growth surging 430.5% versus a five-year average of just 6.3% per year. Net profit margins also improved from 0.3% last year to 1.8% this year. While EPS is forecast to climb an impressive 59.6% annually over the next three years, revenue is expected to decline by 2.9% per year, and the quarter included a one-off $40.5 million loss. Investors now face a balancing act between consistent profit...
NYSE:DAN
NYSE:DANAuto Components

Dana (DAN) Turns Profitable, Earnings Growth Outlook Challenges Caution on One-Off Loss

Dana (DAN) has just turned profitable after several years of losses, though a one-off $72 million loss in the latest twelve months clouds the comparison to its five-year average. Over the past five years, the company’s earnings have declined by 27.4% per year. Looking ahead, analysts expect earnings to surge at a robust 44.4% annually even as revenue is projected to fall by 5.8% per year for the next three years. The stock is trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.2x, which is well above...
NYSE:HSY
NYSE:HSYFood

Hershey (HSY): Margin Decline Challenges Bullish Narratives Despite Strong Long-Term Profit Forecasts

Hershey (HSY) reported forecast earnings growth of 17.5% per year, set to outpace the broader US market’s expected 15.7% annual growth. Despite delivering 7.8% annual earnings growth over the last five years and being recognized for high-quality earnings, the latest data shows negative earnings growth over the past year and a slip in net profit margins to 13.5% from 16.8% previously. Investors are focused on the company’s robust profit outlook and dividend, but premium valuation and recent...
NYSE:LNG
NYSE:LNGOil and Gas

Cheniere Energy (LNG) Margin Decline and Earnings Contraction Challenge Bullish Value Narrative

Cheniere Energy (LNG) is forecasting revenue growth of 6% per year, which trails the broader US market’s 10.3% annual rate. EPS is expected to contract at 3.3% each year over the next three years. Net profit margins have slipped to 21.1%, down from 28% the year prior, signaling some pressure on profitability even as the stock trades at a notably lower Price-to-Earnings multiple compared to peers and industry averages. Despite the margin and growth headwinds, Cheniere’s valuation, well below...
NasdaqGS:DGIC.A
NasdaqGS:DGIC.AInsurance

Donegal Group (DGIC.A) Net Margin Surges to 8.3%, Challenging Pessimistic Growth Narratives

Donegal Group (DGIC.A) posted a standout net profit margin of 8.3%, up sharply from 0.8% last year, even as its earnings have declined by 2.5% per year over the past five years. The company’s EPS growth rate increased by 1029.5% in the past year, vastly outpacing its five-year average trend. For investors, the major focus this quarter is how an attractive valuation and a history of profit growth compare to a forecasted decline in both revenue and earnings. This creates a nuanced debate about...
NasdaqGS:CRTO
NasdaqGS:CRTOMedia

Criteo (CRTO) Margin Surge Reinforces Bullish Value Narrative Despite Forecast Earnings Decline

Criteo (CRTO) delivered improved profitability this quarter, with net profit margins climbing to 8.6% from 5.2% a year earlier. The company's EPS surged 65.6% year-over-year, far outpacing its five-year average annual earnings growth rate of 10%. Despite this strong historic growth, forecasts call for earnings to decline by 3.3% per year and revenue to drop by 16.1% per year over the next three years. This suggests investors face both an attractive valuation and real operational challenges...
NasdaqGS:CMCSA
NasdaqGS:CMCSAMedia

Comcast (CMCSA): Profit Margins Reach 18.4%, Marking Biggest Earnings Growth in Five Years

Comcast (CMCSA) reported net profit margins of 18.4%, up from 12.5% a year ago, with earnings surging 51.8% year-over-year, well above its five-year average annual growth rate of 10.8%. While margins and profit growth point to operational strength, the company’s valuation appears compelling to many investors, as it trades at just 4.4x earnings, far below both the industry and peer averages, and beneath some fair value estimates. See our full analysis for Comcast. Next, we’ll see how these...
NasdaqGS:METC
NasdaqGS:METCMetals and Mining

Ramaco Resources (METC): Losses Deepen as Investors Weigh 14.7% Revenue Growth Forecast Heading Into Earnings

Ramaco Resources (METC) remains unprofitable, with its losses increasing at an annual rate of 5.7% over the past five years and no improvement in net profit margins during this period. Despite these ongoing challenges, forward-looking estimates point to an anticipated 14.7% annual growth in revenue and a robust 106.45% annual growth in earnings, with profitability forecast within the next three years. For investors, the setup centers on weighing these impressive growth expectations against...
NYSE:ESI
NYSE:ESIChemicals

Element Solutions (ESI) Margin Compression Challenges Bullish Outlook Despite Strong Growth Forecast

Element Solutions (NYSE:ESI) posted a net profit margin of 9.6%, down from 11% last year, and delivered average annual earnings growth of 9.8% over the past five years, even though its most recent year saw negative earnings growth. Analysts expect ESI’s earnings to accelerate by 28.6% per year moving forward, far outpacing the forecasted 15.7% annual gain for the broader US market. Revenue growth is projected at 6.4% per year. With a share price of $26, below fair value estimates, and a...
NYSE:EAT
NYSE:EATHospitality

Brinker International (EAT) Margin Surge Challenges Valuation Gap Narratives After 138% EPS Jump

Brinker International (EAT) delivered a net profit margin of 7.9%, up from 4.1% a year ago, alongside powerful EPS growth of 138.4%. Over the past five years, profits have climbed at an average rate of 39.4% per year, and the company is now forecasting annual earnings growth of 8.5% and revenue growth of 4.1% going forward. With high-quality earnings and margins trending upward, investors are likely to focus on how these improving fundamentals set the stage for future performance. See our...
NYSE:CPF
NYSE:CPFBanks

Central Pacific Financial (CPF) Margin Improvement Reinforces Bullish Narrative on Earnings Quality

Central Pacific Financial (CPF) reported a net profit margin of 25.3%, up from 23.3% a year ago. Earnings grew 15.8% compared to its 5-year average growth of just 1.3%. With the company’s earnings quality strong and profit margins improving, investors are seeing a mix of margin expansion, profit growth, and perceived value. Valuation relative to peers and industry averages remains an influencing factor for future expectations. See our full analysis for Central Pacific Financial. Next, we’ll...
NasdaqGS:ALGN
NasdaqGS:ALGNMedical Equipment

Align Technology (ALGN) Margin Drop Reinforces Bearish Narratives Despite Turnaround Forecasts

Align Technology (ALGN) has faced a challenging five-year stretch, with reported earnings declining by 28.3% annually and the current net profit margin at 9.5%, down from last year’s 11.1%. Looking forward, earnings are forecast to rebound at an 18.1% annual rate, above the broader US market’s 15.7% projection. However, revenue growth expectations remain muted at 4.8% compared to the market’s 10.3%. Despite the recent margin pressure, investors may find encouragement in forecasts for profit...
NYSE:VZ
NYSE:VZTelecom

Verizon (VZ): Margin Rebound Doubles Earnings, Underscoring Value Investor Narratives

Verizon Communications (VZ) posted a net profit margin of 14.4%, doubling from 7.3% the previous year, while earnings reversed a five-year decline with an impressive 102.5% growth over the past twelve months. With earnings forecast to rise 3.19% per year and revenue projected at 1.5% annual growth, investors have plenty to consider as the company’s share price trades at a Price-To-Earnings ratio of 8.3x, well below both the global telecom average and peers. Strong profitability, attractive...
NasdaqGS:COKE
NasdaqGS:COKEBeverage

Coca-Cola Consolidated (COKE): Net Margin Tops 8% as Earnings Momentum Reinforces Bullish Narratives

Coca-Cola Consolidated (COKE) has posted robust earnings numbers, with net profit rising at an average rate of 26.5% per year over the past five years, including a 15.6% jump in the latest period. Net profit margin improved to 8.7%, up from last year’s 7.8%, while shares are trading at $132.49, a notable discount to their estimated fair value of $168.96. With high-quality earnings and a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.8x that looks favorable against peer averages, the backdrop for COKE is all...
NYSE:CVNA
NYSE:CVNASpecialty Retail

Carvana (CVNA) Margin Jump to 3.4% Reinforces Growth Bull Case Versus Premium Valuation Concerns

Carvana (CVNA) reported a net profit margin of 3.4%, a sharp climb from just 0.1% last year. The company has swung to profitability, with earnings growing at a brisk 34.6% per year over the past five years. Recent reported earnings growth surged by 3600%, with revenue and earnings both forecast to outpace the broader US market at 20.9% and 26.5% per year, respectively. See our full analysis for Carvana. The next section puts Carvana’s headline results side by side with the prevailing...
NYSE:CBZ
NYSE:CBZProfessional Services

CBIZ (CBZ) One-Off Loss Drives Margin Decline, Challenging Growth Optimism

CBIZ (CBZ) reported a one-off loss of $54.6 million in the twelve months leading up to September 30, 2025. This result brought net profit margins down to 3.9% from 7.1% last year and impacted year-over-year earnings. Despite the recent setback, earnings have grown at an average rate of 5.3% annually over the past five years. The outlook for next year is positive, with forecasts calling for earnings growth of 34.8% per year. With the share price trading well below an estimated fair value and...