The following are today’s upgrades for Validea’s Small-Cap Growth Investor model based on the published strategy of Motley Fool. This strategy looks for small cap growth stocks with solid fundamentals and strong price performance.
KURA SUSHI USA INC (KRUS) is a small-cap value stock in the Restaurants industry. The rating according to our strategy based on Motley Fool changed from 43% to 76% based on the firm’s underlying fundamentals and the stock’s valuation. A score of 80% or above typically indicates that the strategy has some interest in the stock and a score above 90% typically indicates strong interest.
Company Description: Kura Sushi USA, Inc. (Kura Sushi) is a technology-enabled Japanese restaurant. Kura Sushi is engaged in serving Japanese cuisine through a sushi service model. Kura Sushi menu comprises nigiri, rolls, hot rolls, hand rolls, gunkan, sides, noodles and desserts. Its nigiri includes aburi eel with miso cream cheese, albacore otoro, garlic ponzu salmon, salmon toro and yellowtail. Its rolls include caterpillar roll, ikura norimaki, rainbow roll and shrimp avocado roll. Its hot rolls include avocado hand roll, spicy tuna hand roll, eel hand roll (soy paper) and vegetable hand roll (soy paper). Its gunkan includes ikura (salmon roe), real crab meat and tuna yukhoe. Its sides include chicken gyoza dumplings, fried takoyaki, softshell crab tempura and yellowtail cheek. Its noodles include beef udon, shoyu ramen and tonkotsu ramen. Its desserts include watermelon, vanilla ice cream and watermelon. The Company operates over 40 restaurants across 12 states and Washington, District of Columbia.
The following table summarizes whether the stock meets each of this strategy’s tests. Not all criteria in the below table receive equal weighting or are independent, but the table provides a brief overview of the strong and weak points of the security in the context of the strategy’s criteria.
| PROFIT MARGIN: | FAIL |
| RELATIVE STRENGTH: | PASS |
| COMPARE SALES AND EPS GROWTH TO THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR: | PASS |
| INSIDER HOLDINGS: | PASS |
| CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS: | FAIL |
| PROFIT MARGIN CONSISTENCY: | PASS |
| R&D AS A PERCENTAGE OF SALES: | NEUTRAL |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: | PASS |
| INVENTORY TO SALES: | PASS |
| ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE TO SALES: | PASS |
| LONG TERM DEBT/EQUITY RATIO: | PASS |
| “THE FOOL RATIO” (P/E TO GROWTH): | FAIL |
| AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING: | PASS |
| SALES: | PASS |
| DAILY DOLLAR VOLUME: | PASS |
| PRICE: | PASS |
| INCOME TAX PERCENTAGE: | FAIL |
Detailed Analysis of KURA SUSHI USA INC
CLEAR SECURE INC (YOU) is a mid-cap value stock in the Software & Programming industry. The rating according to our strategy based on Motley Fool changed from 52% to 72% based on the firm’s underlying fundamentals and the stock’s valuation. A score of 80% or above typically indicates that the strategy has some interest in the stock and a score above 90% typically indicates strong interest.
Company Description: Clear Secure, Inc. offers member-centric secure identity platform. The Company’s secure identity platform uses biometrics ( eyes, face and fingerprints) to automate the identity verification process through its CLEAR brand in airports and helped make the travel experience safe as well as predictable and trusted for both members and partners. CLEAR’s offerings include CLEAR Plus, a consumer aviation subscription service, which enables access to predictable and fast experiences through entry lanes in airport security checkpoints nationwide; the flagship CLEAR App including Home to Gate and Health Pass; and Reserve powered by CLEAR, its virtual queuing technology that enables customers to manage lines. CLEAR also has software development kits (SDKs) and application programming interface (API) to enable its partners to integrate directly into its platform. Its APIs include identity validation, identity verification, attribute validation such as age validation, vaccine status and others.
The following table summarizes whether the stock meets each of this strategy’s tests. Not all criteria in the below table receive equal weighting or are independent, but the table provides a brief overview of the strong and weak points of the security in the context of the strategy’s criteria.
| PROFIT MARGIN: | FAIL |
| RELATIVE STRENGTH: | PASS |
| COMPARE SALES AND EPS GROWTH TO THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR: | PASS |
| INSIDER HOLDINGS: | PASS |
| CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS: | FAIL |
| PROFIT MARGIN CONSISTENCY: | PASS |
| R&D AS A PERCENTAGE OF SALES: | PASS |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: | PASS |
| ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE TO SALES: | PASS |
| LONG TERM DEBT/EQUITY RATIO: | PASS |
| “THE FOOL RATIO” (P/E TO GROWTH): | FAIL |
| AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING: | PASS |
| SALES: | PASS |
| DAILY DOLLAR VOLUME: | FAIL |
| PRICE: | PASS |
| INCOME TAX PERCENTAGE: | FAIL |
Detailed Analysis of CLEAR SECURE INC
AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC. (ASYS) is a small-cap value stock in the Semiconductors industry. The rating according to our strategy based on Motley Fool changed from 52% to 79% based on the firm’s underlying fundamentals and the stock’s valuation. A score of 80% or above typically indicates that the strategy has some interest in the stock and a score above 90% typically indicates strong interest.
Company Description: Amtech Systems, Inc. is a manufacturer of capital equipment, including thermal processing and wafer polishing, and related consumables used in fabricating semiconductor devices, such as silicon carbide (SiC) and silicon power devices, analog and discrete devices, electronic assemblies, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Its segments include Semiconductor and Material and Substrate. The Semiconductor segment designs, manufactures, sells, and services thermal processing equipment and related controls for use by semiconductor manufacturers, and in electronics, automotive and other industries. The Material and Substrate segment produces consumables and machinery for lapping (fine abrading) and polishing of materials, such as sapphire substrates, optical components, silicon wafers, numerous types of crystal materials, ceramics, and metal components. It sells its products in Asia, North America, and Europe. It serves various industries, such as computing, telecom, medical, and industrial.
The following table summarizes whether the stock meets each of this strategy’s tests. Not all criteria in the below table receive equal weighting or are independent, but the table provides a brief overview of the strong and weak points of the security in the context of the strategy’s criteria.
| PROFIT MARGIN: | PASS |
| RELATIVE STRENGTH: | FAIL |
| COMPARE SALES AND EPS GROWTH TO THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR: | PASS |
| INSIDER HOLDINGS: | FAIL |
| CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS: | PASS |
| PROFIT MARGIN CONSISTENCY: | PASS |
| R&D AS A PERCENTAGE OF SALES: | PASS |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: | PASS |
| INVENTORY TO SALES: | PASS |
| ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE TO SALES: | PASS |
| LONG TERM DEBT/EQUITY RATIO: | PASS |
| “THE FOOL RATIO” (P/E TO GROWTH): | PASS |
| AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING: | PASS |
| SALES: | PASS |
| DAILY DOLLAR VOLUME: | FAIL |
| PRICE: | PASS |
| INCOME TAX PERCENTAGE: | FAIL |
Detailed Analysis of AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC.
NAPCO SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES INC (NSSC) is a small-cap growth stock in the Communications Equipment industry. The rating according to our strategy based on Motley Fool changed from 69% to 76% based on the firm’s underlying fundamentals and the stock’s valuation. A score of 80% or above typically indicates that the strategy has some interest in the stock and a score above 90% typically indicates strong interest.
Company Description: Napco Security Technologies, Inc. (NAPCO) manufactures and designs electronic security devices, cellular communication services and school safety solutions. The Company offers a diversified array of security products, encompassing access control systems, door-locking products, intrusion and fire alarm systems and video surveillance products. The products are used by commercial, residential, institutional, industrial and governmental applications, and are sold worldwide to independent distributors, dealers and installers of security equipment. It manufactures and markets various products for alarm systems, which include automatic communicators, control panels, combination control panels/digital communicators and digital keypad systems, fire alarm control panel and area detectors. It also manufactures a variety of door locking devices including microprocessor-based electronic door locks with push button, card reader and bio-metric operation, door alarms, door locks and bolt locks.
The following table summarizes whether the stock meets each of this strategy’s tests. Not all criteria in the below table receive equal weighting or are independent, but the table provides a brief overview of the strong and weak points of the security in the context of the strategy’s criteria.
| PROFIT MARGIN: | PASS |
| RELATIVE STRENGTH: | PASS |
| COMPARE SALES AND EPS GROWTH TO THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR: | FAIL |
| INSIDER HOLDINGS: | PASS |
| CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS: | PASS |
| PROFIT MARGIN CONSISTENCY: | PASS |
| R&D AS A PERCENTAGE OF SALES: | FAIL |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: | PASS |
| INVENTORY TO SALES: | PASS |
| ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE TO SALES: | PASS |
| LONG TERM DEBT/EQUITY RATIO: | PASS |
| “THE FOOL RATIO” (P/E TO GROWTH): | FAIL |
| AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING: | PASS |
| SALES: | PASS |
| DAILY DOLLAR VOLUME: | PASS |
| PRICE: | PASS |
| INCOME TAX PERCENTAGE: | FAIL |
Detailed Analysis of NAPCO SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES INC
UNITED BANKSHARES, INC. (UBSI) is a mid-cap value stock in the Money Center Banks industry. The rating according to our strategy based on Motley Fool changed from 52% to 72% based on the firm’s underlying fundamentals and the stock’s valuation. A score of 80% or above typically indicates that the strategy has some interest in the stock and a score above 90% typically indicates strong interest.
Company Description: United Bankshares, Inc. is a financial holding company. The Company, through its subsidiaries, engages primarily in community banking and mortgage banking. The banking services offered are the acceptance of deposits in checking, savings, time and money market accounts; the making and servicing of personal, commercial, and floor plan loans; and the making of construction and real estate loans. Its segments include community banking and mortgage banking. The community banking segment includes both commercial and consumer lending and provides customers with such products as commercial loans, real estate loans, business financing and consumer loans. This segment also provides various deposit products. The mortgage banking segment engages primarily in the origination and acquisition of residential mortgages for sale into the secondary market, through the Company’s mortgage banking subsidiaries, George Mason Mortgage, LLC (George Mason) and Crescent Mortgage Company (Crescent).
The following table summarizes whether the stock meets each of this strategy’s tests. Not all criteria in the below table receive equal weighting or are independent, but the table provides a brief overview of the strong and weak points of the security in the context of the strategy’s criteria.
| PROFIT MARGIN: | PASS |
| RELATIVE STRENGTH: | FAIL |
| COMPARE SALES AND EPS GROWTH TO THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR: | PASS |
| INSIDER HOLDINGS: | FAIL |
| CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS: | PASS |
| PROFIT MARGIN CONSISTENCY: | PASS |
| R&D AS A PERCENTAGE OF SALES: | NEUTRAL |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: | PASS |
| “THE FOOL RATIO” (P/E TO GROWTH): | FAIL |
| AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING: | PASS |
| SALES: | FAIL |
| DAILY DOLLAR VOLUME: | PASS |
| PRICE: | PASS |
| INCOME TAX PERCENTAGE: | FAIL |
Detailed Analysis of UNITED BANKSHARES, INC.
AEHR TEST SYSTEMS (AEHR) is a small-cap growth stock in the Electronic Instr. & Controls industry. The rating according to our strategy based on Motley Fool changed from 65% to 72% based on the firm’s underlying fundamentals and the stock’s valuation. A score of 80% or above typically indicates that the strategy has some interest in the stock and a score above 90% typically indicates strong interest.
Company Description: Aehr Test Systems is a provider of test systems for burning-in and testing logic, optical and memory integrated circuits and has approximately 2,500 systems installed worldwide. The Company’s products include the ABTS system, used in production and qualification testing of packaged parts for lower power and higher power logic devices as well as all common types of memory devices; The FOX-XP system, is a full wafer contact and singulated die/module test and burn-in system used for burn-in and functional test of complex devices, such as leading-edge memories, digital signal processors, among others; The WaferPak Contactor, which is a full wafer probe card capable of testing wafers that enables integrated circuit (IC) manufacturers to perform test and burn-in of full wafers on Aehr Test FOX systems, and The DiePak Carrier, which is a custom designed reusable test board for the FOX-XP system which enables IC manufacturers to perform test/burn-in of singulated die and modules.
The following table summarizes whether the stock meets each of this strategy’s tests. Not all criteria in the below table receive equal weighting or are independent, but the table provides a brief overview of the strong and weak points of the security in the context of the strategy’s criteria.
| PROFIT MARGIN: | PASS |
| RELATIVE STRENGTH: | PASS |
| COMPARE SALES AND EPS GROWTH TO THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR: | PASS |
| INSIDER HOLDINGS: | FAIL |
| CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS: | PASS |
| PROFIT MARGIN CONSISTENCY: | PASS |
| R&D AS A PERCENTAGE OF SALES: | FAIL |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: | PASS |
| INVENTORY TO SALES: | PASS |
| ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE TO SALES: | PASS |
| LONG TERM DEBT/EQUITY RATIO: | PASS |
| “THE FOOL RATIO” (P/E TO GROWTH): | FAIL |
| AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING: | PASS |
| SALES: | PASS |
| DAILY DOLLAR VOLUME: | FAIL |
| PRICE: | PASS |
| INCOME TAX PERCENTAGE: | FAIL |
Detailed Analysis of AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
GASLOG PARTNERS LP (GLOP) is a small-cap value stock in the Oil Well Services & Equipment industry. The rating according to our strategy based on Motley Fool changed from 69% to 76% based on the firm’s underlying fundamentals and the stock’s valuation. A score of 80% or above typically indicates that the strategy has some interest in the stock and a score above 90% typically indicates strong interest.
Company Description: GasLog Partners LP is a Greece-based limited partnership company. The Company focuses on owning, operating, and acquiring liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers under multi-year charters. The Company’s fleet consists of 14 LNG carriers with a total carrying capacity of more than 2 million cubic meters, along with Gaslog Ltd.’s fleet of 25 vessels with a total carrying capacity of more than 4 million cubic meters. The Company’s fleet includes 10 TFDE (Tri-Fuel Diesel Electric) vessels and 4 steam vessels. The Gaslog Ltd. fleet includes 7 TFDE vessels, 12 X-DF vessels (vessels with low-pressure two-stroke engines manufactured by WinGD), 4 ME-GI vessels (vessels with Dual-fuel two-stroke engines developed by MAN B&W). and 2 steam vessels.
The following table summarizes whether the stock meets each of this strategy’s tests. Not all criteria in the below table receive equal weighting or are independent, but the table provides a brief overview of the strong and weak points of the security in the context of the strategy’s criteria.
| PROFIT MARGIN: | PASS |
| RELATIVE STRENGTH: | PASS |
| COMPARE SALES AND EPS GROWTH TO THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR: | FAIL |
| INSIDER HOLDINGS: | PASS |
| CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS: | PASS |
| PROFIT MARGIN CONSISTENCY: | PASS |
| R&D AS A PERCENTAGE OF SALES: | NEUTRAL |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: | PASS |
| INVENTORY TO SALES: | PASS |
| ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE TO SALES: | PASS |
| LONG TERM DEBT/EQUITY RATIO: | FAIL |
| “THE FOOL RATIO” (P/E TO GROWTH): | FAIL |
| AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING: | PASS |
| SALES: | PASS |
| DAILY DOLLAR VOLUME: | PASS |
| PRICE: | PASS |
| INCOME TAX PERCENTAGE: | FAIL |
Detailed Analysis of GASLOG PARTNERS LP
YUM CHINA HOLDINGS INC (YUMC) is a large-cap growth stock in the Restaurants industry. The rating according to our strategy based on Motley Fool changed from 65% to 72% based on the firm’s underlying fundamentals and the stock’s valuation. A score of 80% or above typically indicates that the strategy has some interest in the stock and a score above 90% typically indicates strong interest.
Company Description: Yum China Holdings, Inc. is a restaurant company. The Company owns, franchises or has ownership in entities that own and operate restaurants. Its segments include KFC, Pizza Hut Casual Dining, and other segments, including Little Sheep, Huang Ji Huang, Lavazza, COFFii & JOY, Taco Bell, East Dawning, Daojia and its e-commerce business. KFC is the quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand in China. KFC operate approximately 8,100 restaurants in more than 1,600 cities across China. Pizza Hut is the casual dining restaurant (CDR) brand in China. Pizza Hut operates approximately 2,500 restaurants in over 600 cities. Huang Ji Huang is a Chinese-style casual dining franchise restaurant brand with over 600 restaurants in China and international markets. Little Sheep is a hot pot restaurant in China having over 222 units in both China and international markets. Taco Bell is a QSR brand specializing in Mexican-style food. COFFii & JOY brand features specialty hand-dripped coffee.
The following table summarizes whether the stock meets each of this strategy’s tests. Not all criteria in the below table receive equal weighting or are independent, but the table provides a brief overview of the strong and weak points of the security in the context of the strategy’s criteria.
| PROFIT MARGIN: | PASS |
| RELATIVE STRENGTH: | PASS |
| COMPARE SALES AND EPS GROWTH TO THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR: | FAIL |
| INSIDER HOLDINGS: | FAIL |
| CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS: | PASS |
| PROFIT MARGIN CONSISTENCY: | PASS |
| R&D AS A PERCENTAGE OF SALES: | NEUTRAL |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: | PASS |
| INVENTORY TO SALES: | PASS |
| ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE TO SALES: | PASS |
| LONG TERM DEBT/EQUITY RATIO: | PASS |
| “THE FOOL RATIO” (P/E TO GROWTH): | FAIL |
| AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING: | PASS |
| SALES: | FAIL |
| DAILY DOLLAR VOLUME: | FAIL |
| PRICE: | PASS |
| INCOME TAX PERCENTAGE: | PASS |
Detailed Analysis of YUM CHINA HOLDINGS INC
HOLLYSYS AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES LTD (HOLI) is a small-cap value stock in the Electronic Instr. & Controls industry. The rating according to our strategy based on Motley Fool changed from 65% to 72% based on the firm’s underlying fundamentals and the stock’s valuation. A score of 80% or above typically indicates that the strategy has some interest in the stock and a score above 90% typically indicates strong interest.
Company Description: Hollysys Automation Technologies Ltd. is a provider of automation and control technologies, and products. The Company’s segments include Industrial Automation (IA), Rail Transportation (rail), Mechanical and Electrical (M&E), and Miscellaneous. Its technologies are applied through its industrial automation solution suite, including the Distributed Control Systems, Programmable Logic Controller, Real-time Management Information System, HolliAS Asset Management System, Operator Training System, Batch Application Package, Advanced Process Control Package (HolliAS APC Suite), Safety Instrumentation System (SIS), railway signaling system of Train Control Center, Automatic Train Protection, Subway Supervisory and Control platform, nuclear power non-safety automation and control system HolliAs-NMS DCS and other products. It serves customers in the industrial, railway, subway, nuclear power, and mechanical and electronic industries in China, Southeast Asia, India, Europe and the Middle East.
The following table summarizes whether the stock meets each of this strategy’s tests. Not all criteria in the below table receive equal weighting or are independent, but the table provides a brief overview of the strong and weak points of the security in the context of the strategy’s criteria.
| PROFIT MARGIN: | PASS |
| RELATIVE STRENGTH: | PASS |
| COMPARE SALES AND EPS GROWTH TO THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR: | FAIL |
| INSIDER HOLDINGS: | PASS |
| CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS: | PASS |
| PROFIT MARGIN CONSISTENCY: | FAIL |
| R&D AS A PERCENTAGE OF SALES: | PASS |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: | PASS |
| INVENTORY TO SALES: | PASS |
| ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE TO SALES: | PASS |
| LONG TERM DEBT/EQUITY RATIO: | PASS |
| “THE FOOL RATIO” (P/E TO GROWTH): | FAIL |
| AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING: | PASS |
| SALES: | FAIL |
| DAILY DOLLAR VOLUME: | PASS |
| PRICE: | PASS |
| INCOME TAX PERCENTAGE: | FAIL |
Detailed Analysis of HOLLYSYS AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES LTD
GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. (ADR) (GGAL) is a mid-cap value stock in the Money Center Banks industry. The rating according to our strategy based on Motley Fool changed from 69% to 76% based on the firm’s underlying fundamentals and the stock’s valuation. A score of 80% or above typically indicates that the strategy has some interest in the stock and a score above 90% typically indicates strong interest.
Company Description: Grupo Financiero Galicia SA is an Argentina-based financial services holding company. The Company does not have operations of its own and conduct its business through its subsidiaries. Banco Galicia is the Company’s main subsidiary and one of Argentina’s service banks. The Company’s goal is to consolidate its position as one of Argentina’s comprehensive financial services providers while continuing to strengthen Banco Galicia’s position as one of Argentina’s banks. The Company seeks to broaden and complement the operations and businesses of Banco Galicia, through holdings in companies and undertakings whose objectives are related to and/or can produce synergies with financial activities. The Company’s non-banking subsidiaries operate in financial and related activities.
The following table summarizes whether the stock meets each of this strategy’s tests. Not all criteria in the below table receive equal weighting or are independent, but the table provides a brief overview of the strong and weak points of the security in the context of the strategy’s criteria.
| PROFIT MARGIN: | FAIL |
| RELATIVE STRENGTH: | PASS |
| COMPARE SALES AND EPS GROWTH TO THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR: | PASS |
| INSIDER HOLDINGS: | PASS |
| CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS: | PASS |
| PROFIT MARGIN CONSISTENCY: | FAIL |
| R&D AS A PERCENTAGE OF SALES: | NEUTRAL |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: | FAIL |
| “THE FOOL RATIO” (P/E TO GROWTH): | PASS |
| AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING: | PASS |
| SALES: | FAIL |
| DAILY DOLLAR VOLUME: | PASS |
| PRICE: | PASS |
| INCOME TAX PERCENTAGE: | PASS |
Detailed Analysis of GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A. (ADR)
About Motley Fool: Brothers David and Tom Gardner often wear funny hats in public appearances, but they’re hardly fools — at least not the kind whose advice you should readily dismiss. The Gardners are the founders of the popular Motley Fool web site, which offers frank and often irreverent commentary on investing, the stock market, and personal finance. The Gardners’ “Fool” really is a multi-media endeavor, offering not only its web content but also several books written by the brothers, a weekly syndicated newspaper column, and subscription newsletter services.
About Validea: Validea is aninvestment researchservice that follows the published strategies of investment legends. Validea offers both stock analysis and model portfolios based on gurus who have outperformed the market over the long-term, including Warren Buffett, Benjamin Graham, Peter Lynch and Martin Zweig. For more information about Validea, click here
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
