Zacks Recommends Five Low-Leverage Stocks Including Micron and Plains Group

Zacks Investment Research has identified five low-leverage stocks for risk-averse investors, citing persistent macroeconomic pressure and geopolitical tensions that are fueling market uncertainty. The recommended list includes Micron Technology, Casey's General Stores, Ganesco, Plains Group, and Vince Holding. According to the firm, these companies maintain strong balance sheets with minimal debt, providing a defensive strategy against high-beta swings and energy-driven downturns.

The selection process prioritized companies with manageable leverage to limit downside risk, noting that completely debt-free firms are rare. Zacks utilized a debt-to-equity ratio, calculated as total liabilities divided by shareholders' equity, to gauge financial risk, with lower ratios indicating improved solvency. The screening criteria also required stocks to be less leveraged than their industry medians, trade at $10 or higher, and have an average 20-day volume of at least 50,000 shares. Additionally, the firms looked for earnings growth expectations and a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) combined with a VGM Score of A or B.

Micron Technology leads the list with a Zacks Rank #1. The memory and storage manufacturer reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 revenues of $41.46 billion on September 30, 2026, a 266.3% year-over-year increase. Adjusted earnings per share surged from $3.03 to $33.42. The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects fiscal 2027 revenues to improve by 105.1%, while the stock boasts a long-term earnings growth rate of 32.60%.

Casey's General Stores, the third-largest convenience store retailer in the United States, holds a Zacks Rank of 2. The company reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 results on September 8, 2026, with inside same-store sales rising 3.2% and earnings per share improving nearly 28% to $7.37. Analysts expect fiscal 2026 revenues to grow by 16.9%, supported by a long-term earnings growth rate of 14.30%.

Ganesco, a specialty retail company selling footwear and accessories, received a Zacks Rank #1. On September 15, 2026, the firm announced the launch of its Wrangler footwear collection under a multiyear licensing agreement with Kontoor Brands. The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates fiscal 2027 earnings will improve by 62.1%, and the stock has a four-quarter average earnings surprise of 11.16%.

Plains Group, involved in the transportation and storage of crude oil and natural gas liquids, also holds a Zacks Rank #1. On September 16, 2026, a wholly owned subsidiary agreed to acquire SCM PR II, LLC from subsidiaries of Tailwater Capital and The Energy and Minerals Group for $585 million in cash. Silver Creek operates one of the largest integrated crude oil gathering systems in the Powder River Basin. The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects 2026 revenues to increase by 30.6% and earnings to surge by 236.2% from prior-year reported numbers.

Vince Holding Corp., which offers ready-to-wear apparel including cashmere sweaters and leather jackets, completed its second-quarter fiscal 2026 report on September 10, 2026. Net sales increased 11.7% year-over-year to $81.8 million, while adjusted net income rose 175.5% to $13.5 million. The Zacks Consensus Estimate implies fiscal 2026 revenues will grow by 14% and earnings will surge by 175%, with the stock currently sporting a Zacks Rank #1.