STRT or VLVLY: Which Is the Better Value Stock Right Now?

Strattec Security Corp. (STRT) said its board authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $40 million and ended a buyback plan that had been in place since 1996, according to the company. The new program has no expiration date and no minimum purchase obligation. In fiscal Q4, Strattec repurchased 110,269 shares at an average $67.10.

Morgan Stanley initiated coverage of ArcelorMittal (MT) with an 'overweight' rating and a €70 price target, implying 14% upside. The bank expects tighter trade protections in Europe and North America to boost the steelmaker's earnings, with EBITDA projected to rise to $11.12 billion by 2027. Morgan Stanley also anticipates increased capital returns to shareholders and sees decarbonization efforts as a positive.

Bernstein sees upside in select Indian banks, with HDFC Bank (56.7%), ICICI Bank (31.1%), Kotak Mahindra Bank (32.4%), and Axis Bank (14.8%) showing potential. SBI has modest upside (2.6%), while IndusInd Bank may decline. The report cites strong loan growth, easing margin pressure, and stable asset quality as key drivers.

HDFC Bank faces complaints from 70 investors, totaling $12.5M, over a $100M Luxembourg Life Fund sold by Carlisle Asset Management. Investors allege mis-selling and high promised returns (14-16%). HDFC denies wrongdoing, stating it only facilitated investments. Carlisle halted redemptions in 2020, leaving investors without access to funds.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) proposed a $5.5B settlement for 76,000 talc-related lawsuits, but it requires 95% claimant approval and may exceed this amount. The company has $21B in cash and expects to pay $3B in 2027, with further payments starting in 2028. A judge's recent ruling may strengthen JNJ's legal position. Investors weigh the benefit of reduced uncertainty against potential higher costs.

Wall Street analysts maintain positive outlooks on CrowdStrike, Dell, and SanDisk, citing long-term growth in cybersecurity, AI infrastructure, and storage. CrowdStrike's price target raised to $245 by Truist, Dell's to $550 by Evercore, and SanDisk's to $2,250 by J.P. Morgan, all with buy ratings.