Core Insights - The private credit market, valued at $1.7 trillion, is shifting towards more frequent portfolio valuations to attract individual investors, marking a significant change from its traditionally opaque practices [2][5]. Group 1: Market Trends - Many fund managers are now offering vehicles that allow retail investors to invest on a monthly or daily basis, necessitating more frequent updates of net asset values (NAV) [3][5]. - Interval funds have raised nearly $123 billion as of Q3, reflecting a 9.4% increase from the previous period, with a significant portion allocated to debt and fixed income [6]. Group 2: Valuation Practices - The frequency of valuations has increased, with about 20% of direct lending clients now requiring monthly valuations, a notable rise from five years ago when such practices were rare [5]. - Fidelity Investments reports that 100% of its portfolio is marked by a third party every month, ensuring timely updates based on borrower performance [7]. Group 3: Challenges and Limitations - Despite more frequent NAV calculations, many firms still do not provide monthly updates on the value of individual loans, leading to potential confusion for investors [8]. - The valuation of private credit loans remains a contentious issue, especially when loans underperform, as there is no standard trading mechanism to assess their value over time [9]. - Investors are cautioned that more frequent marks do not equate to the ability to trade these products easily, as the process of buying in and withdrawing funds can be complex [10].

Core Insights - Morgan Stanley and Houlihan Lokey are the leading financial advisers in the M&A sector for Q1-Q3 2025, with Morgan Stanley leading by deal value and Houlihan Lokey by deal volume [1][2] Group 1: Morgan Stanley's Performance - Morgan Stanley advised on transactions totaling $51.5 billion in Q1-Q3 2025, maintaining its position as the top adviser by value [1][2] - The firm was the only adviser to surpass the $50 billion mark in total deal value during this period, despite a year-on-year decline [2] - Morgan Stanley participated in eight billion-dollar deals, including a mega deal valued at over $20 billion, which contributed to its top ranking by value [2] Group 2: Houlihan Lokey's Performance - Houlihan Lokey advised on 33 transactions in Q1-Q3 2025, showing significant improvement in deal volume compared to Q1-Q3 2024 [3] - The firm's ranking by value improved from 10th position to the top position due to this increase in deal volume [3] Group 3: Competitors' Performance - Evercore ranked second in deal value with $46 billion in M&A deals, followed by JP Morgan with $43.7 billion, UBS with $39.1 billion, and Goldman Sachs with $38 billion [3] - In terms of deal volume, Stifel/KBW ranked second with 32 deals, Piper Sandler third with 31 deals, and Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan secured fourth and fifth positions with 24 and 20 deals, respectively [4] Group 4: Data Source and Methodology - GlobalData's league tables are based on real-time tracking of various reliable sources, including company and advisory firm websites [5] - A dedicated team of analysts gathers in-depth details for each deal, ensuring the robustness of the data [5]

Core Insights - Goldman Sachs ranked first by deal value in the construction M&A sector, advising on transactions totaling $33.2 billion during the first three quarters of 2025 [1][2] - Houlihan Lokey led by deal volume, providing services on 12 transactions, improving its ranking from third position in Q1-Q3 2024 to the top position in Q1-Q3 2025 [1][3] Deal Value Analysis - The total value of deals advised by Goldman Sachs more than doubled quarter-on-quarter during Q1-Q3 2025, leading to an improvement in its ranking from fourth to first [2] - Eight of the ten deals advised by Goldman Sachs were billion-dollar deals, including a mega deal valued at over $10 billion, contributing to its significant increase in deal value [3] Competitor Rankings - JP Morgan secured the second spot in deal value, advising on $26.4 billion worth of transactions, followed by Bank of America with $24.4 billion, Jefferies with $21.6 billion, and Morgan Stanley with $20.2 billion [4] - In terms of volume, Jefferies and Lazard each completed 11 deals, while Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan advised on ten deals [4] Data Source and Methodology - GlobalData's league tables are based on real-time tracking of various reliable sources, with a dedicated team of analysts monitoring these sources for in-depth deal details [5]

Core Insights - Goldman Sachs has emerged as the leading financial adviser in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) based on deal value, advising on transactions totaling $432.3 billion during Q1-Q3 2025 [1] - Houlihan Lokey has led in deal volume, advising on 240 deals, significantly outpacing its competitors [2] - JP Morgan closely followed Goldman Sachs in deal value, advising on $426.8 billion worth of transactions and 79 billion-dollar deals [3][4] Deal Value - Goldman Sachs advised on 84 billion-dollar deals worth approximately $419 billion, while JP Morgan advised on 79 billion-dollar deals valued at around $411 billion [3] - Other notable advisers include Morgan Stanley, Citi, and Bank of America, with deal values of $389 billion, $273.7 billion, and $256.5 billion, respectively [4] Deal Volume - In terms of deal volume, JP Morgan ranked second with 161 deals, followed closely by Goldman Sachs with 159 deals [4] - Rothschild & Co and Ernst & Young also contributed significantly, advising on 121 and 118 deals, respectively [4] Data Source and Methodology - GlobalData's league tables are based on real-time tracking of various reliable sources, including company and advisory firm websites, with a dedicated team of analysts monitoring these sources for in-depth deal details [5]

Core Viewpoint - Houlihan Lokey, Inc. has announced the appointment of John Guzzo as a Managing Director in its Financial Services Group, enhancing its Mortgage Services practice [1] Group 1: Company Developments - John Guzzo brings over 25 years of M&A and financial services experience to Houlihan Lokey [1] - Guzzo previously served as a Managing Director at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., a Stifel company [1]

Core Insights - Nano Dimension Ltd. has initiated a process to explore a comprehensive range of strategic alternatives aimed at maximizing shareholder value [1] - The company has engaged Guggenheim Partners and Houlihan Lokey as exclusive financial advisors to assist in this strategic review [1] - An executive leadership change has occurred, with David S. Stehlin appointed as the new CEO, replacing Ofir Baharav [1][2] Leadership and Strategy - David S. Stehlin emphasizes the importance of transparency and trust with stakeholders, aiming to focus on fiscal responsibility and targeted growth opportunities [2] - The Board of Directors expresses full confidence in Stehlin's ability to lead the company through this transition, highlighting his extensive experience in technology leadership and M&A initiatives [2] - Stehlin has over 40 years of experience in technology leadership, with a proven track record in developing strategies and overcoming operational challenges [2] Industry Context - Nano Dimension operates in the digital manufacturing sector, providing advanced technologies to industries such as defense, aerospace, automotive, electronics, and medical devices [3] - The company is positioned to benefit from trends in onshoring, national security, and increasing product customization, enabling rapid deployment of high-mix, low-volume production [3]

Market Overview - Wall Street has continued its bull run in 2025, with the S&P 500 recording 20 all-time highs year to date, including five in August alone [1] - Historically, September is the worst-performing month for U.S. equities, with an average decline of 0.7% since 1950, and a more pronounced average decline of 2% over the last 10 years [2] Investment Recommendations - It is advisable to invest in low-beta, high-yielding stocks with a favorable Zacks Rank, including Assurant Inc. (AIZ), Hasbro Inc. (HAS), The Mosaic Co. (MOS), Virtu Financial Inc. (VIRT), and Houlihan Lokey Inc. (HLI), all of which have a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [3][10] Assurant Inc. (AIZ) - Assurant is focused on both inorganic and organic growth strategies, expecting adjusted EBITDA to increase modestly in 2025, driven by improved performance in Global Housing and growth in Global Lifestyle [13] - The company has an expected revenue growth rate of 5.7% and an earnings growth rate of 5.8% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings improving by 7.6% over the last 30 days [15] Hasbro Inc. (HAS) - Hasbro is concentrating on high-margin segments such as Wizards, Licensing, and Digital, which are expected to support bottom-line growth [16] - The company anticipates that digital gaming and licensing partnerships will contribute about 25% of corporate revenues by 2027, with an expected revenue growth rate of 6.6% and an earnings growth rate of 21.5% for the current year [19] The Mosaic Co. (MOS) - The Mosaic is expected to benefit from higher demand for fertilizers, with strong grower economics and crop commodity prices driving global fertilizer demand [20] - The company has an expected revenue growth rate of 16.4% and an earnings growth rate of 60.1% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings improving by 13.2% over the last 30 days [22] Virtu Financial Inc. (VIRT) - Virtu Financial's diversified business model supports sustainable long-term growth, with ongoing cost-control initiatives improving adjusted net margins [24] - The company has an expected revenue growth rate of 18.9% and an earnings growth rate of 33.8% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings improving by 17.9% over the last 60 days [25] Houlihan Lokey Inc. (HLI) - Houlihan Lokey is a global investment bank specializing in mergers and acquisitions, capital solutions, and financial advisory services [26] - The company has an expected revenue growth rate of 13.1% and an earnings growth rate of 21.9% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings improving by 6.7% over the last 60 days [27]

Core Viewpoint - Growth stocks are appealing due to their potential for above-average financial growth, but identifying those with true potential can be challenging [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Houlihan Lokey (HLI) is highlighted as a recommended growth stock with a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank [2] - The company has a historical EPS growth rate of 3.6%, but projected EPS growth for this year is expected to be 21.9%, surpassing the industry average of 17.7% [5] Group 2: Financial Metrics - Cash flow growth for Houlihan Lokey is currently at 40.3%, significantly higher than the industry average of 4.7% [6] - The company's annualized cash flow growth rate over the past 3-5 years is 15.9%, compared to the industry average of 11.8% [7] Group 3: Earnings Estimates - Current-year earnings estimates for Houlihan Lokey have been revised upward, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by 2.5% over the past month [9] - The combination of a Growth Score of A and a Zacks Rank 1 positions Houlihan Lokey favorably for potential outperformance [11]

Core Insights - Three stocks with strong momentum and buy rankings are highlighted for investors: Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corp, LendingClub, and Houlihan Lokey [1][2][3]. Company Summaries Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corp (ZWS) - The company supplies advanced water system solutions and has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [1]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increased by 9.9% over the last 60 days [1]. - Shares gained 29.7% over the last three months, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 10.3% [2]. - The company possesses a Momentum Score of A [2]. LendingClub (LC) - LendingClub operates an online marketplace for loan approval, pricing, servicing, and support operations, connecting borrowers and investors [2]. - It has a Zacks Rank of 1 and the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increased by 58.5% over the last 60 days [2]. - Shares gained 51.3% over the last three months, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 10.3% [3]. - The company also possesses a Momentum Score of A [3]. Houlihan Lokey (HLI) - Houlihan Lokey is a national banking association chartered under U.S. laws and has a Zacks Rank of 1 [3]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increased by 6.5% over the last 60 days [3]. - Shares gained 15.9% over the last three months, again outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 10.3% [4]. - The company holds a Momentum Score of A [4].

Group 1: Company Highlights - Celestica (CLS) is one of the largest electronics manufacturing services companies globally, serving various industries, with a 9.9% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - SB Financial Group (SBFG) is a financial services holding company providing a full range of services for consumers and small businesses, also experiencing a 9.9% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - HomeTrust Bancshares (HTB) focuses on attracting deposits and investing in loans secured by mortgages, with a 7.9% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3] - Houlihan Lokey (HLI) is a global investment bank specializing in mergers and acquisitions, with a 6.5% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [4] - Udemy (UDMY) offers online courses across various subjects, with a 4.7% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [5]