TimesSquare Capital Management, an equity investment management company, released its “U.S. Small Cap Growth Strategy” second-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. During the quarter, the fund returned 11.28% (gross) and 11.02% (net), compared to the Russell 2000 Growth Index by 11.97%. Equities posted double-digit returns in the second quarter as global economic activity measures lifted. In addition, please check the fund’s top five holdings to know its best picks in 20 ...

Key Takeaways FIX has soared 118.6% in six months, far outpacing its industry, sector and the broader market.Backlog hit a record $8.12B in 2Q25, up from $5.77B a year ago, boosting growth visibility.Service revenues grew more than 10% in 2Q25, providing steady cash flow and profit stability.Shares of Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (FIX) have skyrocketed 118.6% in the past six months compared with the Zacks Building Products – Air Conditioner and Heating industry’s growth of 14.1%. During the same period, the st ...

Market Overview - The stock market experienced significant volatility in Q2 2025, with the S&P 500 reaching an all-time high by the end of June despite a 7% drop from April 2 to April 7 due to the liberation day tariff announcement [1] - The market rebounded, gaining over 22% from the April 7 low through the end of June, with the Russell 1000 Growth returning 17.8% and the S&P 500 returning 10.9% in the quarter [1] - Large-cap stocks significantly outperformed small-cap stocks, and growth stocks outperformed value stocks [1] Renaissance Large Cap Growth Strategy Performance - The strategy outperformed the S&P 500 Index but underperformed the Russell 1000 Growth benchmark [1] Company Spotlight: Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (NYSE:FIX) - Comfort Systems USA, Inc. reported a one-month return of 4.78% and a 52-week gain of 120.22%, closing at $709.53 per share with a market capitalization of $25.954 billion on September 09, 2025 [2] - The company demonstrated solid quarterly operating results, indicating an acceleration in organic revenue growth and highlighting incremental margin opportunities [3] - Backlog growth is accelerating, and management emphasized a new business pipeline, addressing concerns about slowing demand for data center construction, service, and maintenance [3] Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, Comfort Systems USA, Inc. reported revenue of $2.2 billion, an increase of $363 million or 20% compared to the previous year [4] - The company was held by 53 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q2 2025, up from 48 in the previous quarter [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant market disruption anticipated due to advancements in artificial intelligence, likening it to the Industrial Revolution [1]. Group 1 - The article emphasizes the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in various sectors, suggesting that it will lead to substantial changes in market dynamics [1]. - It highlights the importance of staying informed about these developments for investors seeking opportunities in the evolving landscape [1]. Group 2 - The article mentions that the author holds long positions in several companies, indicating a personal investment interest in the market trends discussed [1]. - It notes that the insights provided are based on the author's own opinions and experiences, rather than external compensation [1].

Industry Overview - The Zacks Building Products - Air Conditioner & Heating industry is poised for sustained growth due to increasing demand for energy-efficient systems and advanced climate-control technologies [1][2] - The industry includes designers, manufacturers, and marketers of a wide range of HVAC products, catering to residential, commercial, and industrial markets [3] Key Trends - Rising residential demand is driven by homeowners' focus on comfort, efficiency, and indoor air quality, while commercial and industrial markets are expanding due to the needs of data centers and green infrastructure projects [2][4] - The U.S. administration's pro-environmental policies are promoting cleaner energy systems, which is encouraging upgrades to high-efficiency units [4] - The data center boom, fueled by AI and cloud computing, is increasing the demand for specialized HVAC solutions, creating high-margin opportunities for companies [5] Company Strategies - Companies are enhancing customer experience through digital platforms and investing in R&D, distribution, and marketing, while also pursuing strategic acquisitions to expand product lines and geographic reach [6][7] - Service-related revenues from maintenance and repair are providing stable income, which is crucial during market fluctuations [8] Market Performance - The Zacks Air Conditioner & Heating industry has outperformed the broader Zacks Construction sector, gaining 12.1% over the past year compared to the sector's 3.8% rise [16] - The industry's current forward P/E ratio is 27.03X, higher than the S&P 500's 22.76X and the sector's 19.97X, indicating a premium valuation [19] Company Highlights - **Comfort Systems USA (FIX)**: The company has a strong backlog, benefits from technology-driven projects, and has seen a 121.9% stock gain over the past year. Analysts have revised its 2025 EPS estimate upward to $21.04, indicating a 44.1% year-over-year growth [23][25] - **Tecogen Inc. (TGEN)**: The company focuses on data center cooling and has experienced a remarkable 658.9% stock surge over the past year. It is expected to narrow its loss per share for 2025 [28][29]

Core Viewpoint - Comfort Systems (FIX) is showing potential for investment due to a recent technical breakout and positive earnings estimate revisions, indicating a bullish trend for the stock. Technical Analysis - FIX has recently broken through the 20-day moving average, suggesting a short-term bullish trend [1] - The 20-day simple moving average is a key trading tool that smooths out price fluctuations and provides trend reversal signals [2] Performance Metrics - FIX has moved 23.3% higher over the last four weeks, indicating strong momentum [4] - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting positive market sentiment [4] Earnings Estimates - There have been no lowered earnings estimates for FIX in the past two months, with one estimate raised for the current fiscal year, contributing to a more bullish outlook [4] - The consensus earnings estimate for FIX has also increased, further solidifying the positive investment case [4][5] Investment Outlook - The combination of positive earnings estimate revisions and the recent technical breakout positions FIX as a stock to watch for potential gains in the near future [5]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes that a 'buy' rating indicates the expectation that a company's shares will outperform the broader market in the near future [1] - Since August 2023, Comfort Systems has been rated positively, suggesting strong future performance [1] - Crude Value Insights focuses on cash flow and companies that generate it, highlighting the importance of value and growth prospects in the oil and natural gas sector [1] Group 2 - Subscribers to Crude Value Insights benefit from a model account with over 50 stocks, detailed cash flow analyses of exploration and production firms, and live discussions about the sector [2] - The service aims to provide insights and tools for investors interested in the oil and gas industry [2] - A two-week free trial is available for new subscribers, encouraging engagement with the service [3]

Core Insights - Comfort Systems USA (FIX) shows exceptional financial and operational performance, but its market valuation appears excessively high with a forward P/E ratio around 30x [1] Financial Performance - The company has demonstrated outstanding financial results, indicating strong operational efficiency and profitability [1] Market Valuation - The current market valuation of Comfort Systems USA is considered to be inflated, particularly highlighted by the high forward P/E ratio of approximately 30 times earnings [1]

Core Insights - High dividend yields are attractive, but total return, which includes both dividend yield and share price change, is a more relevant measure of stock performance [1] - Five stocks are highlighted for their strong total returns and significant dividend increases of 10% or more in 2025 [2] Company Summaries Comfort Systems USA (FIX) - Announced a 10% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.50, payable on Aug. 25 [2] - Current dividend yield is 0.26%, with a payout ratio of 9.25% and a 13-year track record of dividend payments [2] - Despite a low yield, the stock has risen over 600% since early 2022, reflecting strong earnings momentum and investor confidence [4] Wingstop (WING) - Achieved a total return of nearly 28% in 2025, with an 11% increase in its quarterly dividend to $1.08 [6] - Current dividend yield is 0.32%, with a payout ratio of 18% and a 7-year track record of dividend payments [5] - The stock's quarterly payout has grown at a compound annual growth rate of over 16% in the past three years [7] McKesson (MCK) - Recently increased its quarterly dividend by 15% to $0.82, payable on Oct. 1 [9] - Current dividend yield is 0.40%, with a payout ratio of 10.99% and a 17-year track record of dividend payments [9] - The stock has provided a total return of around 23% in 2025, with consistent dividend increases enhancing long-term value [11] Encompass Health (EHC) - Announced a nearly 12% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.19, payable on Oct. 15 [12] - Current dividend yield is 0.58%, with a payout ratio of 14.05% and a 2-year track record of dividend payments [12] - The company has achieved a total return of over 18% in 2025, indicating a focus on long-term capital returns [13] Welltower (WELL) - Increased its quarterly dividend by 10.4% to $0.74, payable on Aug. 21 [15] - Current dividend yield is 1.59%, with a payout ratio of 151.41% and a 2-year track record of dividend payments [14] - The stock has achieved a total return of over 33% in 2025, reflecting improving fundamentals and consistent dividend growth [16] Overall Market Trends - The five highlighted stocks are increasing their dividends, which is crucial as they have experienced significant share price appreciation [18] - Dividend increases help mitigate the decline in yield due to rising share prices, enhancing the overall return profile for investors [18]

Core Viewpoint - Comfort Systems USA Inc. has significantly benefited from the AI data center boom, achieving a remarkable 1,300% gain over the past five years, positioning itself as a leader in the HVAC industry with a market capitalization of $25 billion [2][5]. Company Performance - The company reported a 20% year-over-year increase in sales, with gross margins rising from 20.1% to 23.5% [9]. - Earnings per share (EPS) reached $6.53, nearly double the figure from the previous year [10]. - The backlog of orders exceeded $8 billion for the first time, growing from $6.89 billion to $8.12 billion between Q1 and Q2, and up from $5.77 billion a year ago, indicating a growth of over 40% [10][11]. Market Trends - The data center cooling market is projected to become a $42 billion industry by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.4% [4][5]. - Comfort Systems USA is leveraging its expertise in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems to provide innovative HVAC solutions tailored for AI data centers [5][6]. Strategic Advantages - The company employs Modular Construction techniques, allowing for off-site fabrication of critical components, which reduces costs and lead times while enhancing safety and quality control [6]. - Immersion Cooling technology is another key offering, enabling precise temperature management for densely packed servers, thus improving energy efficiency [7]. Analyst Insights - Following a strong earnings report, analysts have set a 12-month price target of $635.60, with a high forecast of $810.00, suggesting potential upside of at least 15% [8][12]. - The stock has shown a strong uptrend, supported by a Golden Cross signal and increased trading volume post-earnings [13].