Core Insights - Intuit Inc. has launched its new TurboTax flagship store in New York City's SoHo, marking the nationwide rollout of nearly 600 Expert Office locations and 20 new TurboTax Stores, completing its expansion phase initiated last year [1][6] - The company aims to redefine tax filing by integrating AI-driven technology with human expertise, providing a seamless experience for consumers [2][3] Group 1: Store Experience and Technology Integration - The TurboTax stores combine digital filing with in-person expertise, creating a modern experience that departs from traditional tax offices [3] - Intuit's platform automates data entry for 90% of commonly used tax forms and prepares up to 80% of a simple filer's return before they begin [5] - The AI-driven system matches customers with local tax experts within seconds, enhancing the efficiency of the service [5] Group 2: Nationwide Expansion and Local Support - TurboTax is strategically opening stores in key markets, including New York, Southern California, Chicago, Dallas, and Phoenix, to provide local expert assistance [5][11] - The company has activated nearly 600 Expert offices nationwide, increasing its physical presence for face-to-face support [6] Group 3: Community Engagement and Events - To celebrate the flagship store opening, Intuit is hosting an exclusive event featuring notable guests and performances, highlighting its commitment to community engagement [7] - As part of its community investment, Intuit announced a $100,000 donation to NYC schools to support financial literacy and capability for students [8] Group 4: Design and Collaboration - TurboTax collaborated with Gensler for the design of its physical locations and BUCK for the interactive content design of the Forum [9]

Group 1 - Goldman Sachs analyst Gabriela Borges has initiated coverage of Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) with a "Neutral" rating and a price target of $720, citing AI adoption as a positive factor for the software market [1] - Wells Fargo downgraded Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) from "Overweight" to "Equal Weight" with a revised price target of $700, down from $840, indicating challenges in maintaining last year's tax performance [2] - TD Cowen analyst Jared Levine has initiated coverage with a "Buy" rating and a price target of $802, suggesting that the perceived risks related to AI for Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) are overstated [3] Group 2 - The overall sentiment among analysts is mixed, with some seeing potential upside while others express caution regarding future performance [2][3] - The company offers a range of financial management, payments, compliance, and marketing products and services, indicating a diversified business model [3]

Company Overview - Defiance ETFs has launched two new single-stock leveraged funds: Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKT ETF (BATS:RKTL) and Defiance Daily Target 2X Long LUNR ETF (BATS:LUNL) [1][2] - RKTL targets Rocket Companies, a financial technology firm known for its digital mortgage origination platform, offering a range of mortgage and personal finance services [3] - LUNL provides leveraged exposure to Intuitive Machines, a company focused on lunar access and services, including the design and operation of lunar landers [5] Market Dynamics - Rocket Companies' stock is sensitive to macroeconomic factors such as housing affordability, interest rates, and mortgage demand, leading to significant price volatility [4] - Intuitive Machines is positioned in the emerging lunar economy, attracting attention due to mission milestones and developments related to NASA, as well as broader investor interest in space and defense [5] Investment Trends - The launches of RKTL and LUNL reflect a growing demand among active traders for exchange-traded products that allow for short-term directional views on individual stocks without the use of margin accounts or derivatives [6] - Single-stock leveraged ETFs have gained popularity among sophisticated retail traders seeking transparent, exchange-listed vehicles tied to volatile equities [6][7] - Defiance continues to expand its suite of leveraged ETFs, catering to investor appetite for tactical tools in fast-moving sectors such as fintech, housing, and space exploration [7]

Fundsmith Equity Fund Performance - Fundsmith Equity Fund's T Class Accumulation shares returned 0.8% in 2025, underperforming the MSCI World Index which returned 12.8% [1] - Since inception, the fund has outperformed the index by 1.7% per annum [1] - Underperformance in 2025 attributed to index concentration, growth of assets in Index Funds, and dollar weakness [1] Intuit Inc. Overview - Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) reported a one-month return of -1.18% and a 52-week gain of 5.49% [2] - As of January 9, 2026, Intuit's stock closed at $646.90 with a market capitalization of $180.097 billion [2] Fundsmith's Position on Intuit Inc. - Fundsmith previously sold its position in Intuit due to concerns over its acquisition of Mailchimp, which was seen as outside its core competencies and overvalued [3] - The poor performance of the Mailchimp acquisition has recently impacted Intuit's share price, leading Fundsmith to consider rebuilding its stake [3] Hedge Fund Interest in Intuit Inc. - Intuit Inc. was held by 96 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2025, a decrease from 105 in the previous quarter [4] - In Q1 2026, Intuit reported revenue of $3.9 billion, an 18% year-over-year increase [4] - Despite acknowledging Intuit's potential, some analysts believe other AI stocks may offer better upside potential with less downside risk [4]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - Coverage has been assumed for the Software Sector and 12 additional companies, indicating a constructive outlook on AI adoption as a positive tailwind for the Software Total Addressable Market (TAM) over the next 5-10 years [1][7][8] - The Software TAM is expected to grow significantly, with projections suggesting a TAM of $2.8 trillion by 2037, representing a 30% increase from current estimates [19][21] Core Companies and Recommendations - **Buy Ratings**: Microsoft (MSFT), Oracle (ORCL), Salesforce (CRM), ServiceNow (NOW), Snowflake (SNOW), and Navan (NAVN) are recommended for purchase due to their strong positioning in the evolving software landscape [7][8] - **Sell Ratings**: Adobe (ADBE) and Datadog (DDOG) are recommended for sale due to competitive pressures and growth challenges [7][8] Key Debates in the Software Sector 1. **AI Infrastructure**: The ability of infrastructure software companies to convert initial AI compute shares into sustainable, profitable businesses is crucial. Companies like Microsoft and Oracle are expected to optimize their capital expenditures and improve gross margins from below 40% to over 60% [9][10] 2. **Application Software Disintermediation**: There is a risk that traditional SaaS leaders may be disintermediated by AI-native companies. The competition is expected to heighten as new technology cycles emerge, with a focus on companies that are further along in repurposing their tech stacks [9][10] 3. **Value Accrual in Software Stack**: The orchestration of agents and LLMs across various layers of the software stack is seen as a key area for value capture. Microsoft and ServiceNow are positioned well to leverage their existing IP in this space [10][19] Financial Metrics and Projections - Microsoft is expected to drive significant upside in Azure revenue by 2026, while Oracle is anticipated to show improved visibility into gross profit growth [9][10] - The report suggests that the average software company has increased gross profit per employee by 35% from 2021 to 2025, although there are risks of gross margin compression in the medium term [34] AI Adoption and Market Dynamics - AI adoption is projected to be uneven, creating opportunities for new competition. However, the overall sentiment is that the signals for uptake will be positive by 2026 [8][20] - The report emphasizes that the value unlocked by AI will likely outweigh the impact of increased competition, reversing trends observed in 2025 [20] Additional Insights - The Software TAM is divided into "scaffolding" (2/3) and "agentic" (1/3), with expectations that AI will drive incremental growth tied to enterprise adoption [25][30] - The report highlights the importance of competitive moats, such as ecosystems and network effects, which cannot be easily replicated, thus providing a buffer against competition [34] Conclusion - The Software sector is poised for growth driven by AI adoption, with specific companies positioned to capitalize on this trend. Investors are advised to focus on companies with strong competitive advantages and clear paths to revenue growth in the evolving landscape [30][34]

Core Insights - The Fundsmith Equity Fund reported a total return of +0.8% for 2025, underperforming the MSCI World Index which rose by +12.8% [4][7]. - Since inception on November 1, 2010, the Fund has outperformed the Index by 1.7% per annum with a Sortino Ratio of 0.75, indicating less downside volatility compared to the Index [7][8]. - The Fund is ranked as the third best performer in the Investment Association Global sector of 155 funds since inception, with a return 322 percentage points above the sector average [8]. Performance Analysis - The Fund's performance in 2025 was impacted by three main issues: index concentration, the growth of assets in index funds, and dollar weakness [9][10][36]. - The top ten stocks in the S&P 500 accounted for 39% of its value and contributed 50% of its total return in USD by the end of 2025, highlighting significant market concentration [13][10]. - The rise of index funds has led to a momentum strategy that disproportionately benefits large-cap stocks, making it challenging for active funds to compete without holding these stocks [17][20]. Market Dynamics - The US dollar weakened against the pound from approximately $1.25/GBP to $1.35/GBP during 2025, affecting the GBP value of the Fund as most companies are US-listed [36][40]. - The price of gold reached a 50-year high of $4,319 per ounce, reflecting concerns about dollar strength and market conditions [39]. Portfolio Composition - The Fund's portfolio turnover was low at 12.7%, with a total cost of investment (TCI) of 1.06%, indicating a focus on minimizing trading costs [70][72]. - The weighted average free cash flow yield of the portfolio increased from 3.1% to 3.7% during 2025, suggesting improved valuation relative to the S&P 500 [68][69]. Stock Contributions - The top five detractors from the Fund's performance included Novo Nordisk, Automatic Data Processing, Church & Dwight, Coloplast, and Fortinet, with Novo Nordisk facing significant challenges in its market [45][46]. - Conversely, the top contributors were Alphabet, IDEXX, Philip Morris, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft, with Alphabet making its first appearance among the top contributors [51][52]. Investment Strategy - The Fund maintains a strategy focused on investing in high-quality companies with predictable growth and adequate returns on capital, avoiding momentum-driven investments [41][42]. - The Fund's management emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying business performance and maintaining a long-term perspective on investments [60][79].

Summary of Software Equity Research Conference Call Industry Overview - The software sector is currently experiencing a deceleration in growth, lagging behind other sectors such as semiconductors. The recommendation is to stay underweight in software investments as AI monetization is expected to be gradual, with significant growth contributions needed to alleviate fears of AI disintermediation [1][2][14]. Key Companies and Recommendations Mega Cap - **Microsoft (MSFT)**: Rated Buy with a price target of $675. Expected to benefit from strong AI tailwinds and backlog growth, with potential EPS exceeding $22 by FY28 [54]. - **Meta (META)**: Rated Buy with a price target of $910. Anticipated to outperform due to AI investments and potential revenue growth from WhatsApp and other platforms [58]. Large Cap - **Amazon (AMZN)**: Rated Buy with a price target of $300, up from $275. Expected to recover from underperformance in 2025, with AWS sales accelerating due to improved AI capabilities [55]. - **Oracle (ORCL)**: Rated Buy with a price target of $400. Positioned to benefit from AI workloads and a significant backlog, despite concerns over AI-related debt [67]. Mid Cap - **Intuit (INTU)**: Rated Buy with a price target of $850. Strong historical performance and potential for growth in tax and small business software [61]. - **Unity (U)**: Rated Buy with a price target of $55. Expected to leverage AI for ad targeting, with significant growth potential [70]. Small Cap - **Upwork (UPWK)**: Rated Buy with a price target of $27. Anticipated topline acceleration after several negative quarters, supported by AI project tailwinds [73]. Core Insights - The software sector is expected to see a rotation from infrastructure to application software in the second half of 2026, with improved sentiment anticipated for application software [2][14]. - AI spending is a critical theme, with expectations that 2026 will see more AI projects moving to production, leading to tangible ROI [44][45]. - The overall sector valuation has returned to historical averages, indicating potential for multiple expansions as AI monetization begins to lift growth [41]. Additional Notable Points - Concerns about AI spending bubbles and debt funding needs have emerged, particularly in the second half of the year [28]. - M&A activity in the software sector is expected to accelerate, driven by low multiples and interest rates [18]. - The sentiment around application software is currently negative but is expected to improve as AI-driven monetization becomes more evident [45]. Conclusion - The software sector is in a transitional phase, with a focus on AI and infrastructure. Investors are advised to be selective, favoring large-cap companies with strong positions in AI and infrastructure while remaining cautious about application software until sentiment improves.

Core Insights - Software stocks in 2026 have diverged into two categories: winners with expanding margins and accelerating growth, and losers with stagnant performance despite solid execution. The key differentiator is profitability at scale rather than just revenue growth [1] Group 1: Market Performance - The top five software stocks were ranked based on profitability metrics, revenue growth, and competitive positioning, highlighting the importance of companies that generate real earnings while growing faster than peers [2] - Microsoft leads with a market cap of $3.51 trillion, profit margins of 35.7%, and revenue growth of 18.4% year over year, showcasing a strong business model [12] - Palantir has seen a remarkable 139% increase in stock price over the past year, with revenue growth of 62.8% and profit margins of 28.1%, indicating a rare combination of hypergrowth and profitability [10] Group 2: Company Highlights - Fortinet boasts the highest return on equity in the software sector at 228%, with a P/E ratio of 32x, 14.4% revenue growth, and 28.6% profit margins, demonstrating peak efficiency in cybersecurity [3] - Intuit achieved 41% revenue growth year over year, with earnings per share increasing from $2.64 in fiscal 2015 to $16.97 in fiscal 2024, reflecting a 543% growth over nine years [5] - Oracle reported a 38.7% earnings beat in its latest quarter, with a market cap of $553 billion, 14.2% revenue growth, and 69% return on equity, validating its cloud transformation strategy [7] Group 3: Investment Implications - The market is rewarding companies that convert revenue into profit at scale, leading to premium valuations and strong stock performance, while struggling peers like Snowflake and CrowdStrike fail to achieve similar results [15]

Core Viewpoint - Intuit Inc. (INTU) is positioned as a strong investment opportunity over the next one to two years, driven by double-digit growth in its most recent quarter and a substantial base of ongoing users [1] Company Performance - The company has demonstrated double-digit growth in its latest quarterly results, indicating robust financial performance [1] User Base - Intuit benefits from a large and ongoing user base, which supports its growth trajectory and market stability [1]

Intuit Inc. ( INTU ) looks like a good buy over the next year or two. The company posted double-digit growth in its most recent quarter and benefits from a large base of ongoing users acrossWith over 15 years of experience in the markets and a degree in economics, I focus on breaking down companies with clarity and discipline. My goal is to give individual investors a straightforward, honest view—what’s working, what isn’t, and where the risks and opportunities actually are. I don’t chase narratives. I foll ...