Core Insights - Return on equity (ROE) is a key profitability metric favored by investors, measuring earnings generated from equity, and can be compared to historical or industry benchmarks to identify potential winning stocks [1] - Advanced analysis of ROE through DuPont analysis provides deeper insights by breaking down ROE into profit margin, asset turnover ratio, and equity multiplier, allowing for a more comprehensive evaluation of a company's financial health [2][3] DuPont Analysis - DuPont analysis examines three major elements: operating management, asset management, and capital structure, providing a clearer picture of ROE changes [2] - The formula for ROE through DuPont analysis is: ROE = Profit Margin * Asset Turnover Ratio * Equity Multiplier, which helps in identifying the underlying factors affecting ROE [2] Importance of DuPont Analysis - DuPont analysis helps investors differentiate between companies with high margins and those with high turnover, offering insights into the operational efficiency of different business models [3] - It also reveals a company's leverage status, indicating that a high ROE could be misleading if it results from excessive debt [4] Screening Parameters - Key screening parameters for identifying strong stocks include: - Profit Margin greater than or equal to 3, indicating profitable business operations [6] - Asset Turnover Ratio greater than or equal to 2, reflecting management efficiency in asset utilization [6] - Equity Multiplier between 1 and 3, showing the extent of debt used to finance assets [6] - Zacks Rank less than or equal to 2, suggesting better performance compared to peers [7] - Current Price more than $5, filtering out low-priced stocks [7] Highlighted Stocks - EverQuote (EVER): A Zacks Rank 1 company operating an online insurance marketplace, with an average earnings surprise of 37.16% over the past four quarters [8] - Expeditors International of Washington (EXPD): A leading third-party logistics provider, with an average earnings surprise of 13.94% over the past four quarters [9] - AllianceBernstein (AB): Provides diversified investment management services, with an average earnings surprise of 6.49% over the past four quarters [10] - Everus Construction Group (ECG): Offers a full spectrum of construction services, with an average earnings surprise of 51.78% over the past four quarters [11]

Core Insights - The article highlights two investment opportunities with strong dividend yields and positive earnings growth projections, specifically focusing on AllianceBernstein and USA Compression Partners [2][3][9]. Group 1: AllianceBernstein (AB) - AllianceBernstein has reported a record assets under management (AUM) of $860 billion in Q3, with an annual dividend yield of 8.67%, significantly higher than the industry average of 2.27% [3][4]. - The company maintains a low debt-to-capital ratio, indicating a secure dividend, and has a trailing twelve-month return on equity (ROE) of 21%, compared to the industry average of 9% [4]. - Recent earnings per share (EPS) revisions for FY25 and FY26 have shown modest increases, making it an attractive time to consider adding positions in AB, which trades at approximately $40 per share and 11 times forward earnings, with an expected annual EPS growth of nearly 15% next year [5]. Group 2: USA Compression Partners (USAC) - USA Compression Partners, a Master Limited Partnership (MLP), is projected to achieve a 30% increase in EPS this year and a further 38% increase in FY26 [9][10]. - The MLP offers an annual dividend yield of 8.75% and trades at under $25 per share, with a forward earnings multiple of 27 times, which is reasonable given its EPS growth [11]. - Over the last 60 days, EPS revisions for FY25 and FY26 have increased by over 5% and 7% respectively, indicating positive momentum [12].

Core Insights - AllianceBernstein L.P. and AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. reported a preliminary increase in assets under management (AUM) to $869 billion in October 2025, up from $860 billion at the end of September, reflecting a 1% month-over-month growth driven by market appreciation and modest net inflows [1][2] Summary by Category Assets Under Management - As of October 31, 2025, total AUM reached $869 billion, with a breakdown of $356 billion in private institutions, $359 billion in retail, and $154 billion in private wealth [2] - The increase in AUM was primarily attributed to market appreciation, with institutional net inflows partially offset by retail net outflows and slight net outflows from private wealth [1] Investment Performance - The total equity AUM was $362 billion, which includes $283 billion in actively managed equity and $79 billion in passive equity [2] - Total fixed income AUM amounted to $314 billion, with $217 billion in taxable fixed income and $88 billion in tax-exempt fixed income [2] - Alternatives and multi-asset solutions contributed $193 billion to the total AUM [2] Company Overview - AllianceBernstein is recognized as a leading global investment management firm, providing diversified investment services to institutional investors, individuals, and private wealth clients across major world markets [4]

Core Insights - Two issuers, AllianceBernstein and Franklin Templeton, launched actively managed municipal bond ETFs, converting mutual funds into ETF wrappers as the trend accelerates in the industry [1][5] - AllianceBernstein's municipal platform has grown significantly, with assets under management (AUM) increasing from $35 billion in 2016 to over $83 billion as of August 31 [2][4] - Franklin Templeton plans to convert 10 Putnam muni bond mutual funds into ETFs, expected between Q4 2025 and Q1 2026 [5] AllianceBernstein (AB) ETFs - AB launched the New York Intermediate Municipal ETF (NYM) and the Core Bond ETF (CORB), with Jane Street as the lead market maker [2][3] - NYM aims to maximize total return for New York residents while ensuring safety of principal, with a management fee of 0.27% [3] - CORB seeks a moderate to high rate of current income, investing at least 80% of its net assets in fixed income securities, with a management fee of 0.28% [4] - AB's active fixed income ETFs now exceed $5.5 billion, and total active ETF AUM has surpassed $10 billion [4] Franklin Templeton ETFs - Franklin Templeton introduced five state-specific muni income ETFs, including those for Massachusetts, New Jersey, Minnesota, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, with a management fee of 0.35% [6][7] - The conversions maintain the same muni bond strategies but offer the structural features of ETFs [8] - Franklin Templeton's U.S. ETF platform includes over 70 ETFs with approximately $50 billion in AUM as of October 23 [8]

Group 1 - The London Company Large Cap portfolio experienced a gross increase of 6.3% and a net increase of 6.2% during the quarter, compared to an 8.0% increase in the Russell 1000 index [3] - Stock selection played a significant role in the portfolio's performance, indicating a focus on identifying high-potential investments [3]

Core Insights - AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. and AllianceBernstein L.P. launched two actively managed ETFs: AB New York Intermediate Municipal ETF (NYM) and AB Core Bond ETF (CORB) on the NYSE [1][2] - The launch of these ETFs is part of AllianceBernstein's strategy to expand its $2.5 billion suite of innovative investment solutions in the municipal market and to enhance its offerings in Active Taxable Fixed Income [2] Fund Details - NYM aims to provide safety of principal and maximize total return after considering federal, state, and local taxes for New York residents, while CORB seeks to provide safety of principal and a moderate to high rate of current income [7] - AllianceBernstein's Active Fixed Income ETFs have grown to over $5.5 billion, indicating strong demand for these investment products [2] Market Position - AllianceBernstein's municipal platform has seen its assets under management (AUM) grow from $35 billion in 2016 to over $83 billion as of August 31, 2025, showcasing the firm's expertise in the fixed income market [2][4] - The firm was recently awarded the Money Management Institute / Barron's 2025 Industry Award for Asset Manager of the Year in the Retail Advisory category, highlighting its commitment to delivering optimal outcomes for clients [2]

Group 1 - The article does not provide any relevant content regarding company or industry insights [1]

Core Insights - Three stocks are highlighted with a buy rank and strong value characteristics as of October 28th: Bread Financial, CNA Financial, and AllianceBernstein [1][2][3] Company Summaries Bread Financial (BFH) - Offers personalized payment, lending, and saving solutions - Holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) - Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings increased by 7.3% over the last 60 days - Price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) is 7.31, significantly lower than the industry average of 19 - Possesses a Value Score of A [1][2] CNA Financial (CNA) - Operates as a property and casualty insurer - Holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) - Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings increased by 2.2% over the last 60 days - Price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) is 9.90, compared to the industry average of 12.70 - Possesses a Value Score of A [2] AllianceBernstein (AB) - Provides diversified investment management services primarily to pension funds, endowments, and individual investors - Holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) - Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings increased by 0.9% over the last 60 days - Price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) is 11.87, lower than the industry average of 13.30 - Possesses a Value Score of A [3]

Core Viewpoint - AllianceBernstein (AB) is positioned as a significant player in the investment management sector, with analysts expressing optimism about its stock performance and potential growth opportunities [2][5]. Company Overview - AllianceBernstein is a global investment management firm providing a comprehensive range of investment solutions, including equities, fixed income, and alternative investments [1]. - The company competes with major firms like BlackRock and Vanguard in the asset management industry [1]. Stock Performance and Analyst Insights - An analyst from Bernstein has set a price target of $43 for AB, indicating a potential increase of approximately 9.39% from its trading price of $39.31 at the time [2][6]. - Zacks Investment Research highlights that AB may be undervalued, with its current price of $39.70 suggesting potential for growth [3][6]. - AB's stock has shown volatility, with a daily trading range between $39.48 and $39.81, and over the past year, it has fluctuated from a low of $32.28 to a high of $43.30, indicating room for growth [4][6]. Market Position - AB has a market capitalization of approximately $4.39 billion and a trading volume of 30,045 shares on the NYSE, reinforcing its status as a significant player in the investment management sector [5].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Firm-wide assets under management (AUM) reached $860 billion, with Bernstein Private Wealth at a record high of $153 billion [4][5] - Adjusted earnings per unit for Q3 increased by 12% year-over-year to $0.86, with net revenues at $885 million, a 5% increase compared to the prior year [25][26] - Total performance fees decreased by $6 million to approximately $20 million [25] - Adjusted operating income rose by 15% year-over-year to $303 million, reflecting a strong margin expansion of 290 basis points [28][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Institutional asset management business AUM stands at $351 billion, while the retail platform serves $356 billion [4] - Tax-exempt fixed income saw over $4 billion in inflows, marking 11 consecutive quarters of positive organic growth [6][7] - Private markets generated nearly $3 billion in net inflows, with strong origination for investment-grade corporate and ABS private placements [7] - Active equities experienced over $6 billion in outflows, while structured and defensive strategies attracted inflows [7][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. equity markets delivered strong returns, with the S&P 500 returning 8.1% in Q3 [11] - Emerging markets outperformed, while global developed equities underperformed compared to the U.S. [12] - The firm is seeing increased inquiries for international equity strategies, particularly from outside the U.S. [49] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its third-party insurance asset management business and has partnered with Fortitude for strategic investments [8][9] - The strategic alliance with Equitable enhances the firm's client-centric asset-light approach, allowing for the scaling of higher-fee private alternative strategies [9] - The firm aims to achieve $90 to $100 billion in private markets AUM by 2027, leveraging existing investment teams and strategic partnerships [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management maintains a positive outlook on fixed income, anticipating a reallocation wave as bonds regain diversification value [11] - The firm is optimistic about capturing growth opportunities in Asia, particularly in taxable fixed income [47][61] - Management acknowledges potential volatility in public markets but remains confident in the firm's ability to navigate challenges [43][62] Other Important Information - The firm has successfully expanded its private markets platform to nearly $80 billion, representing a 17% year-over-year growth [22] - The effective tax rate for the third quarter was 6%, in line with full-year guidance [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on the insurance opportunity and Ruby Re - Management confirmed that the timing of funding for Reinsurance Group of America has not changed and is proceeding as planned [40] Question: Insights on private credit and credit quality - Management noted competitive environments in private credit but reassured that there is no broader material deterioration in credit quality [42] Question: Update on Asia business and investor reactions - The firm observed improvement in its Asia business, particularly in taxable fixed income, despite external market noise [47] Question: Clarification on capital allocation strategy and buybacks - Management indicated that the light buyback this quarter was due to timing and not related to Equitable [57] Question: Discussion on bond reallocation and performance - Management expressed confidence in benefiting from bond reallocation trends, particularly in Asia [60]