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Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
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Unusual Call Options Activity in Marvell Technology Highlights the Value of MRVL Stock
Today, Marvell Technology, Inc. (MRVL) is having heavy, unusual call options volume (out-of-the-money calls) after reporting strong earnings results yesterday for its fiscal Q1 ending May 3. This highlights the value of the system-on-a-chip semiconductor designer and MRVL stock. MRVL stock is at $75.08, up over 7% in morning trading. However, the stock is still well off its highs from earlier in the year. It could have significantly more upside, as will be seen in this article. How to Use Barchart's Tools to Create My Favorite Low-Risk, High-Reward Options Trades 2 Option Ideas to Consider this Wednesday for Bearish Traders Unusual Call Options Activity in Marvell Technology Highlights the Value of MRVL Stock Stop Missing Market Moves: Get the FREE Barchart Brief – your midday dose of stock movers, trending sectors, and actionable trade ideas, delivered right to your inbox. Sign Up Now! Marvell reported +63% revenue growth Y/Y, propelled by strong data center-related growth for its cloud and AI server products. Moreover, revenue rose to almost $1.9 billion, up by +4.27% from the prior quarter. This led to very high free cash flow (FCF), despite higher capex spending. For example, operating cash flow (OCF) was $332.9 million, up +2.6% over last year's $324.5 million FCF. After deducting $118.8 million, FCF came in at $214.1 million. That represents 11.2% of its $1.895 billion revenue for the quarter, a very strong FCF margin. On an adjusted FCF basis (including asset sales, etc.), FCF came in at $238.8 million, or 12.6% of sales. That was 7.1% higher than last year's $223 million adj. FCF. This was despite significantly higher capex spending this quarter (i.e., $119m vs. $91.5m last year, or +30%). As a result, we can project higher FCF going forward. For example, analysts project revenue this year of $8.25 billion (+43%) and $9.78 billion next year, using 37 analysts' estimates. This implies a next 12-month (NTM) run rate of $9.015 billion. As a result, we can project FCF using the company's most recent higher FCF margin: $9 billion x 12.6% FCF margin = $1.134 billion FCF That is much higher than a simple 4x projection using the Q1 FCF. For example, $238.8m Q1 FCF x 4 = $955.2 million FCF $1,134m FCF / $955.2m = 1.187 = n+18.7% Therefore, MRVL stock could end up with an 18.7% higher market value over the next 12 months. Let's test that. For example, right now, MRVL has a market cap of $64.55 billion. That represents 67.6x the run rate projection of $955m. Another way to say this is that the stock has a 1.50% FCF yield (i.e., the reciprocal of 67.6x). This means that its NTM market cap could be significantly higher: $1.134b NTM FCF / 0.015 = $75.6 billion That is 17.1% higher than today's market value of $64.55 billion. In other words, MRVL stock is worth $87.92 per share: $75.08 p/sh x 1.171 = $87.92 per share So, no wonder investors are buying calls today (and, alternatively, selling out-of-the-money calls). This can be seen in Barchart's Unusual Stock Options Activity Report. It shows that for the period ending June 20, over 7,000 call option contracts have traded at the $79.00 strike price. That is higher than the trading price and implies that buyers feel the stock will rise over the next two days. Alternatively, it also shows that holders of MRVL stock are willing to sell their shares at $79.00 and receive a bid-side premium of 70 cents. That represents a covered call yield of 93 basis points (i.e., $0.70/$75.36 = 0.0093 = 0.93%). In any case, this shows that investors are bullish on MRVL stock. By the way, analysts agree that MRVL stock looks undervalued. For example, Yahoo! Finance reports that 41 analysts have an average price target of $89.24 per share. Similarly, Barchart's mean survey is $91.31. These are close to my FCF margin and FCF-yield-based price target of $87.31 per share (see above). In fact, which tracks recent sell-side analysts' price recommendations, shows that 29 analysts have an average target price of $90.61 per share. The bottom line is that either from a FCF analysis basis or using analysts' price targets, MRVL stock looks deeply undervalued. So, no wonder investors are trading out-of-the-money MRVL call options in heavy volume. On the date of publication, Mark R. Hake, CFA did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
PPIH Stock Soars 46% as Q1 Earnings Rise Y/Y on Solid MENA Growth
Shares of Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc. PPIH have surged 45.5% since the company released its earnings for the quarter ended April 30, 2025. This robust advance notably outpaced the S&P 500 index, which declined by 1% during the same period. Over the past month, PPIH's momentum accelerated further with a 63.8% gain, while the S&P 500 posted a modest 1% increase. Perma-Pipe posted earnings per share of 61 cents in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, which rose from 18 cents in the prior-year quarter on the back of both volume growth and enhanced project execution. (See the Zacks Earnings Calendar to stay ahead of market-making news.) The company's net sales of $46.7 million marked a 36.2% jump from $34.3 million in the same quarter last year. Net income attributable to common stock soared to $5 million from $1.4 million, marking a 243% year-over-year increase. Gross profit improved to $16.7 million, representing 36% of net sales, up from $10.5 million or 31% of sales in the year-ago period. Income from operations more than doubled to $7.9 million, reinforcing the company's improved operational leverage. Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc. Quote The performance was buoyed by increased sales volumes in both the Middle East and North America, suggesting diversified demand across key operating geographies. Management highlighted that the Americas and the MENA region delivered comparable results, contributing significantly to the overall performance uptick. The combination of higher sales volumes and improved product mix led to better margins, helping gross profit expand by $6.2 million. General and administrative costs rose $1.6 million to $7.7 million, driven by higher payroll and professional fees. Selling expenses remained steady year over year. Meanwhile, net interest expense and other non-operating costs were essentially flat compared to the prior-year quarter. President and CEO Saleh Sagr characterized the quarter as 'unprecedented,' noting that both net sales and net income attributable to common stock reached their highest levels for a first quarter since the company's rebranding in 2017. Sagr emphasized that first-quarter net income already represents approximately 55% of the company's total earnings for fiscal 2024, hinting at strong momentum heading into the remaining quarters of fiscal 2025. He also expressed confidence in the company's competitive positioning and strategy, particularly in its ability to participate in development initiatives in the MENA region and to expand its market share in North America. Perma-Pipe's improved financial results were primarily driven by increased project volumes and effective execution strategies. The higher margin performance is credited to a more favorable product mix and enhanced project management practices. These operational improvements are especially noteworthy given the inflationary and geopolitical uncertainties affecting global infrastructure markets. Management commentary suggested a bullish outlook for the remainder of fiscal 2025, citing a strong sales pipeline and sustained market activity across regions. The company's ability to maintain robust backlog levels is expected to support this growth trajectory. Backlog as of April 30, 2025, stood at $131.1 million, more than double the $63.1 million reported at the same point last year, despite a sequential dip from $138.1 million at the end of January 2025. This year-over-year growth of 108% in backlog signals a robust demand environment and underpins management's optimism about near-term business prospects. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc. (PPIH): Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
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Can Philip Morris Rely on Pricing to Drive 2025 EPS Growth?
Philip Morris International PM continues to lean on pricing as a key earnings driver. The company delivered a strong first quarter of 2025, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) rising 12.7% year over year to $1.69. Pricing contributed 6 percentage points to organic revenue growth of 10.2%, supported by an 8.3% increase in combustible pricing and around 3% in smoke-free products, excluding devices. The company has raised its full-year EPS forecast to $7.36-$7.49. The question is whether pricing alone can sustain that pointed to continued pricing strength in markets like Turkey, Poland and Germany. However, it also noted that gross pricing and negative geographic mix are expected to moderate over the remainder of the year. In the smoke-free category, gross margins expanded 670 basis points to surpass 70%, now standing more than five points above combustibles at the current product and geographic mix. ZYN, a key contributor to smoke-free profit growth, saw shipment volumes rise 63% in the quarter, reinforcing the segment's scale and strategic so, Philip Morris delivered a 180-basis-point gross margin boost from pricing alone, reflecting the effectiveness of its pricing strategy. While pricing gains may be less pronounced in the second half, Philip Morris emphasized continued investments behind its smoke-free growth. With volume and mix improvements already visible in the first quarter, the company appears positioned to support earnings growth through a combination of pricing and product performance. Altria Group MO reported a 10.8% rise in net price realization for combustibles, which supported operating income growth despite steep volume declines. Yet, MO is facing consumer pressure, with many smokers trading down to discount brands, limiting pricing flexibility. In oral nicotine, Altria Group's on! posted 18% shipment growth alongside higher retail prices, but category competition and cost-conscious behavior remain visible Point Brands TPB saw explosive growth in its modern oral segment, with pouch sales increasing nearly tenfold year over year. However, this growth came with mix-driven margin pressure. Turning Point Brands' gross margin declined 220 basis points and it acknowledged the need for further investment to scale brands and improve profitability. With rising freight and tariff costs also in play, Turning Point Brands' pricing power remains limited without additional volume leverage. Shares of Philip Morris have gained 4.9% in the past month compared with the industry's growth of 5.1%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a valuation standpoint, PM trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 23.19X, up from the industry's average of 15.64X. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PM's 2025 earnings implies year-over-year growth of 13.7%, whereas its 2026 earnings estimate indicates a year-over-year uptick of 11.7%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research PM stock currently holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Altria Group, Inc. (MO) : Free Stock Analysis Report Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Turning Point Brands, Inc. (TPB) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
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5 Must-Read Analyst Questions From Celsius's Q1 Earnings Call
Celsius' first quarter results drew a positive market reaction despite falling short of Wall Street's top- and bottom-line expectations. Management attributed the revenue decline primarily to slower product velocity, shifts in the timing and structure of distributor incentives, and increased retail promotional activity. CEO John Fieldly highlighted that the company was facing difficult comparisons to the prior year, which included the nationwide launch of CELSIUS ESSENTIALS and elevated retail promotions. Fieldly noted, 'We saw business fundamentals strengthen through the quarter and are encouraged by the positive momentum heading into Q2.' Is now the time to buy CELH? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $329.3 million vs analyst estimates of $342.3 million (7.4% year-on-year decline, 3.8% miss) Adjusted EPS: $0.18 vs analyst expectations of $0.19 (5.9% miss) Adjusted EBITDA: $69.69 million vs analyst estimates of $72.12 million (21.2% margin, 3.4% miss) Operating Margin: 15.8%, down from 23.4% in the same quarter last year Market Capitalization: $11.38 billion While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention. Kaumil Gajrawala (Jefferies) asked about the continued strength of the energy drink category and drivers behind velocity. CEO John Fieldly described health and wellness trends and category innovation as key factors. Peter Grom (UBS) inquired about the drivers of first quarter sales decline in North America. Fieldly and CFO Jarrod Langhans explained that slower velocity, distributor incentives, and promotional timing were the primary contributors. Kevin Grundy (BNP Paribas) questioned Celsius' pricing strategy amid mixed industry dynamics. Fieldly said the company took price in Q4 but remains cautious about further increases due to shifting consumer purchase behaviors. Jon Andersen (William Blair) asked for details on shelf space expansion and the impact for both Celsius and Alani Nu. Fieldly cited gains in secondary placements and excitement about Alani Nu's distribution momentum, particularly among female consumers. Andrea Teixeira (JPMorgan) sought clarification on Costco performance and the impact of allowances and destocking. Langhans stated that scanner data for Costco was up, with timing and promotional allowances impacting reported revenue, but no major destocking was observed. In the coming quarters, our analysts will closely track (1) the integration progress and performance of Alani Nu within Celsius' broader portfolio, (2) the effectiveness of new marketing campaigns and their impact on product velocity, and (3) ongoing shelf space expansion efforts, including secondary placements and foodservice channel growth. The trajectory of gross margins and adaptability to potential cost pressures will also be key indicators of future execution. Celsius currently trades at $44.44, up from $33.95 just before the earnings. Is the company at an inflection point that warrants a buy or sell? The answer lies in our full research report (it's free). Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election sent major indices to all-time highs, but stocks have retraced as investors debate the health of the economy and the potential impact of tariffs. While this leaves much uncertainty around 2025, a few companies are poised for long-term gains regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate, like our Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
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LZB Q1 Deep Dive: Retail Expansion and Supply Chain Initiatives Shape Outlook
Furniture company La-Z-Boy (NYSE:LZB) reported Q1 CY2025 results topping the market's revenue expectations , with sales up 3.1% year on year to $570.9 million. The company expects next quarter's revenue to be around $500 million, close to analysts' estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.92 per share was 1.1% below analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy LZB? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $570.9 million vs analyst estimates of $558.6 million (3.1% year-on-year growth, 2.2% beat) Adjusted EPS: $0.92 vs analyst expectations of $0.93 (1.1% miss) Revenue Guidance for Q2 CY2025 is $500 million at the midpoint, roughly in line with what analysts were expecting Operating Margin: 5.2%, down from 9.1% in the same quarter last year Market Capitalization: $1.56 billion La-Z-Boy's first quarter delivered sales growth amid a challenging consumer environment, with management highlighting the benefits of new store openings and acquisitions, particularly in the Retail segment. CEO Melinda Whittington credited the company's 'vertically integrated model and agile supply chain' for enabling continued growth despite persistent economic and industry volatility. Management noted that while company-owned store sales rose, same-store sales declined, reflecting broader consumer caution. The quarter's performance was further shaped by targeted pricing actions and swift operational responses to supply chain disruptions, including storm-related factory damage. CFO Taylor Luebke emphasized that improved sourcing and lower input costs helped offset tariff impacts and cost pressures. Looking forward, La-Z-Boy's outlook is anchored by ongoing expansion of its direct-to-consumer retail footprint and a multiyear project to redesign its distribution and home delivery network. Management anticipates that continued consumer uncertainty will weigh on near-term demand, particularly impacting the Joybird online channel, but expects long-term benefits from operational investments and a refreshed brand identity. Whittington described the upcoming distribution redesign as key to supporting growth, saying it will 'cut time out of the system and less miles on product as well.' The company remains focused on agility in responding to trade policy shifts and cost inflation while maintaining prudent investment in both new stores and supply chain capabilities. Management attributed the quarter's performance to retail network growth, improved supply chain execution, and targeted pricing actions to mitigate tariff and cost pressures. Retail network expansion: New store openings and acquisitions in the company-owned Retail segment drove growth, with 11 new stores and 7 acquisitions completed over the past year. Management emphasized that direct ownership allows La-Z-Boy to control the end-to-end consumer experience and collect valuable customer insights, supporting its Century Vision strategy. Supply chain agility: The company's predominantly U.S.-based manufacturing footprint and Mexican cut-and-sew facilities allowed it to minimize tariff exposure and maintain speed to market. Management cited its quick recovery from a storm-damaged Arkansas facility as evidence of operational resilience, with only a one-week production loss. Joybird channel divergence: While physical Joybird stores showed relative strength, online sales for this segment declined. Management attributed this to greater macroeconomic sensitivity among Joybird's younger, urban customer base and is adjusting store growth plans accordingly, with 3–4 new stores planned for the coming year. Margin management: Adjusted operating margins were supported by lower input costs and improved sourcing, but offset by higher fixed costs from new store openings and incremental tariff expenses. CFO Luebke noted that continued investment in distribution redesign is expected to provide further margin benefits over time. Brand strategy evolution: La-Z-Boy is set to launch a refreshed brand identity, with updated look and tone to increase relevance in digital channels. This is part of a broader effort to modernize the brand and reach new audiences, building on the success of its 'Long Live the Lazy' campaign. La-Z-Boy's outlook is shaped by a cautious consumer environment, continued investment in retail and supply chain, and efforts to manage industry-wide cost pressures. Distribution network overhaul: The multiyear redesign of La-Z-Boy's distribution and home delivery system is expected to drive efficiency gains, reduce warehouse overhead, and improve delivery times. Management believes this project is essential for reaching long-term double-digit wholesale margins and supporting a growing retail footprint. Tariff and trade policy management: The company is actively monitoring global trade developments and leveraging its U.S.-centric supply chain to mitigate new tariffs. Targeted, nominal pricing actions and inventory strategies are in place to offset cost impacts, but management remains cautious about potential effects on consumer demand. Retail expansion and brand refresh: Continued investment in new company-owned stores and the upcoming brand identity update are central to management's growth strategy. The ability to control the in-store experience and adapt marketing for digital audiences is seen as key to gaining share in a fragmented market, though higher fixed costs and cautious consumers may present near-term challenges. In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will be watching (1) the pace and effectiveness of La-Z-Boy's distribution network redesign, (2) ongoing performance of new and acquired company-owned stores, and (3) the impact of the brand refresh on customer engagement and sales trends. Additionally, developments in tariff policy and the trajectory of consumer demand will be pivotal in assessing the company's execution against its Century Vision strategy. La-Z-Boy currently trades at $38.19, down from $38.79 just before the earnings. Is the company at an inflection point that warrants a buy or sell? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election sent major indices to all-time highs, but stocks have retraced as investors debate the health of the economy and the potential impact of tariffs. While this leaves much uncertainty around 2025, a few companies are poised for long-term gains regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate, like our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
