NRIM

Stock Highlights: The article discusses four stocks—Interface, Inc. (TILE), Research Solutions Inc. (RSSS), Northrim BanCorp, Inc. (NRIM), and Dave Inc. (DAVE)—noting their solid net profit margins and positive earnings revisions.

Net Profit Margin Importance: A higher net profit margin indicates a company's efficiency in converting sales into profits, attracting investors and skilled employees, while also providing a competitive edge.

Investment Considerations: While net profit margin is a valuable metric, it varies by industry and can be influenced by factors like accounting treatments and debt levels, making comparisons challenging.

Research Tools: The article promotes the Research Wizard stock picking and backtesting software as a resource for investors to analyze stocks and enhance returns.

Market Performance: On December 11, 2025, U.S. stock indices, including the S&P 500 and Dow Jones, reached new closing records following a quarter-point interest rate cut by the U.S. central bank, prompting a shift from tech stocks to equities more sensitive to rate changes.

Investment Strategy: Investors are advised to consider low-leverage stocks for stability during market volatility, as these stocks are generally less risky and can provide steady returns, especially in uncertain economic conditions.

Leverage and Risk: The article explains the concept of leverage in finance, emphasizing the importance of selecting companies with low debt-to-equity ratios to mitigate financial risk and avoid potential losses during economic downturns.

Stock Recommendations: Five stocks are highlighted as strong investment options based on their solid earnings growth and low leverage: Casey’s General Stores, Hamilton Insurance Group, Northrip Bancorp, REV Group, and Engie, all of which have favorable Zacks Ranks indicating strong potential for future performance.