Torsten Asmus/iStock via Getty Images To the Partners of Optimist Fund, When we launched Optimist in 2022, our objective was explicit. Deliver exceptional long term investment performance. We articulate this as compounding capital at mid teens or better over decades. That goal remains unchanged and it is what we wake up every morning working toward. Optimist has been operating for just under four years. While we have not yet completed our first five-year vintage, an important point given that we invest w ...

Core Insights - Root, Inc. is participating in the 2026 AIFA Conference, a significant event for the insurance industry, scheduled for March 1-3, 2026, in Naples, Florida [1][2] - The company will not have a formal presentation but will engage in one-on-one and group meetings with institutional investors, with relevant materials available on their Investor Relations website [2] Company Overview - Root, Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Columbus, Ohio, is the parent company of Root Insurance Company, focusing on revolutionizing insurance through data science and technology [4] - The Root app has achieved nearly 16 million downloads and has collected over 34 billion miles of driving data to enhance its insurance offerings [4]

Core Viewpoint - MustGrow Biologics Corp. has successfully completed a 2-year field trial program demonstrating that its TerraMGTM technology can effectively suppress clubroot disease and enhance canola yields in the Canadian Prairies [1][4]. Group 1: Company Overview - MustGrow Biologics Corp. is focused on developing sustainable agricultural solutions, particularly through its organic biocontrol product TerraMGTM, which targets soil-borne diseases like clubroot [3][10]. - The company is working towards registering TerraMGTM with Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency [3]. Group 2: Industry Context - Clubroot is a significant threat to canola production in Canada, with no effective products currently available for its suppression, leading to substantial economic losses for farmers [2][7]. - Canola is Canada's most valuable field crop, with a production value of approximately $14 billion in 2025, highlighting the importance of effective disease management solutions [2]. Group 3: Trial Results - In the 2024 field trials, TerraMGTM achieved up to a 95% reduction in clubroot spores, resulting in a yield increase of up to 7 bushels per acre, translating to an additional $91 per acre for farmers [5]. - The 2025 trials showed a less significant yield increase of 1-2 bushels per acre due to lower clubroot prevalence in a drier season [6]. Group 4: Product Mechanism - TerraMGTM operates by releasing isothiocyanates from mustard seed meal, which have fungicidal and biocidal properties effective against clubroot and other soil-borne pathogens [3][4]. - The technology aims to improve soil conditions and promote healthier root systems, thereby enhancing overall crop yields [8][9].

Core Insights - The financial sector has identified oversold stocks, presenting potential buying opportunities for undervalued companies [1] Group 1: Oversold Stocks - The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a momentum indicator that helps assess stock performance, with an RSI below 30 indicating an oversold condition [1] - A list of major oversold stocks in the financial sector includes companies with an RSI near or below 30 [2] Group 2: FactSet Research Systems Inc - FactSet Research Systems Inc (NYSE:FDS) has an RSI value of 29.4, indicating it is oversold [4] - The stock price of FactSet Research fell approximately 11% over the past five days, reaching a 52-week low of $249.68 [4] - Wells Fargo analyst Jason Haas maintained an Underweight rating for FactSet and raised the price target from $260 to $265, with shares closing at $254.36 after a 0.6% increase [4]

Core Viewpoint - Root, Inc. is set to announce its financial results for Q4 and full year 2025 on February 25, 2026, and will host a conference call to discuss these results and provide operational updates [1]. Group 1: Conference Call Details - The conference call will take place on February 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time [2]. - Participants can join the call using a toll-free number (1-877-269-7751) or a toll number (1-201-389-0908) [2]. - A webcast of the call will be available for on-demand viewing shortly after the event on the company's Investor Relations page [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - Root, Inc. was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio [3]. - The company aims to revolutionize the insurance industry through data science and technology, providing a personalized and fair experience for consumers [3]. - The Root app has achieved over 16 million downloads and has collected more than 34 billion miles of driving data to enhance its insurance offerings [3].

Company Overview - Rebel Bourbon has reintroduced Rebel Root Beer Whiskey, an innovative product that combines traditional bourbon with root beer flavors [1][2] - The whiskey is distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky, by Lux Row Distillers, maintaining a wheated mash bill that dates back to 1849 [6] - Luxco, the parent company, has been a significant player in the beverage alcohol industry since its founding in 1958, operating multiple distilleries and offering a diverse portfolio of brands [7] Product Details - Rebel Root Beer Whiskey is bottled at 70 proof (35% ABV) and is priced at a minimum suggested retail price of $19.99 for a 750mL bottle and $0.99 for a 50mL bottle [1][2] - The whiskey features a flavor profile that includes sassafras, vanilla, licorice, molasses, bourbon whiskey, caramel, and honey notes, culminating in a sweet and spicy finish [3] Marketing and Consumer Engagement - The brand manager, Philip Lux, emphasized the product's fun and rule-free nature, promoting its versatility for various consumption methods [4] - Marketing initiatives include merchandise giveaways and promotional events featuring "Shoot the Root" branding [4] Awards and Recognition - Rebel Bourbon has received multiple industry accolades, including Single Barrel American Whiskey of the Year for Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel at the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards [6]

Summary of Root (NasdaqGS:ROOT) FY Conference Call - January 12, 2026 Company Overview - **Company Name**: Root - **Founded**: 2015 - **Public Listing**: 2020 - **Industry**: Insurtech (Insurance Technology) - **Core Business**: Car insurance based on driver behaviors using mobile technology and data science - **Market Position**: Largest insurtech in the U.S. with strong underwriting records [1] Key Points and Arguments Business Model and Growth - Root leverages mobile technology and data science to offer personalized insurance rates based on driver behavior rather than demographics [1][5] - 50% of Root's business comes from direct sales, with additional revenue from embedded products (e.g., Carvana Insurance) and independent agents [6][7] - The company has reached profitability and emphasizes creating better customer experiences through technology [7] Distribution Channels - **Direct Channel**: Grew by 100% in 2023 due to competitors pulling back on advertising; Root uses advanced bidding algorithms to target customers effectively [10][11] - **Embedded Channel**: Experiencing rapid growth, with a partnership with Hyundai to integrate insurance into vehicle purchase processes [11][34] - **Independent Agents**: Fastest-growing segment, tripling year-over-year; Root's technology simplifies the insurance quoting process for agents [12][18] Competitive Advantages - Root's technology allows for real-time pricing adjustments and efficient data processing, significantly reducing the time agents spend on quotes [20][18] - The company can update pricing models more frequently than competitors, enhancing its ability to respond to market changes [23][36] - Root's closed-loop system and modern API infrastructure provide a significant edge over traditional insurers still using outdated systems [24][25] Market Opportunities - The U.S. auto insurance market is valued at $300 billion, with Root currently holding less than 1% market share, indicating substantial growth potential [41] - Root plans to expand its partnerships with OEMs and financial services companies to further penetrate the market [40][41] Strategic Focus - Root prioritizes disciplined growth over short-term earnings targets, ensuring that new business ventures meet internal return thresholds [15][39] - The company aims to enhance its technology for daily pricing updates and expand its national footprint, having recently gained approval in New Jersey [36][41] Future Outlook - Continued investment in technology and partnerships is expected to drive growth, with a focus on improving customer experience and operational efficiency [34][41] - Root anticipates further market share gains as it scales its operations and enhances its product offerings [41][42] Additional Important Insights - Root's approach to AI is not limited to chatbots; it utilizes advanced predictive algorithms for underwriting and risk assessment [30][32] - The company is exploring new marketing channels, including connected TV and social media, to enhance brand visibility and customer acquisition [35] This summary encapsulates the key insights from the conference call, highlighting Root's innovative approach to the insurance market, its growth strategies, and the competitive advantages it holds in the insurtech space.

Core Insights - Root, Inc. will participate in the 28th Annual ICR Conference from January 12 to 14, 2026, in Orlando, Florida [1] - CEO Alex Timm will engage in a fireside chat on January 12, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. ET, with a live webcast available on the company's Investor Relations website [2] - The ICR Conference serves as a platform for public and private company leaders, institutional investors, analysts, and media to discuss consumer trends and assess public company performance [3] Company Overview - Root, Inc., founded in 2015 and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is the parent company of Root Insurance Company, focusing on revolutionizing insurance through data science and technology [4] - The Root app has achieved over 16 million downloads and has collected more than 34 billion miles of driving data to enhance its insurance offerings [4]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of understanding market dynamics and the potential impact of macroeconomic factors on investment decisions [2] Group 1: Market Analysis - The current market environment is characterized by volatility, influenced by geopolitical tensions and economic indicators [2] - Analysts suggest that investors should closely monitor interest rate changes and inflation trends as they can significantly affect stock performance [2] Group 2: Company Performance - Recent earnings reports from key companies indicate mixed results, with some sectors showing resilience while others struggle [2] - Companies that have adapted to changing consumer behaviors and technological advancements are likely to outperform their peers [2]

Core Insights - Investor focus is shifting towards high-growth companies with clear operational inflection points for 2026, rather than broad momentum [1] - Two stocks identified with improving fundamentals and potential for significant growth are Root and dLocal [1] Group 1: Root (NASDAQ: ROOT) - Root has restructured its business around usage-based insurance, telematics, and AI-driven pricing, leading to improved risk selection and pricing accuracy [2] - The company has shown narrowing loss ratios and improving underwriting margins, indicating progress towards sustainable profitability [3] - In Q3 2025, Root reported revenue of $387.8 million, a 26.9% year-over-year increase, driven by a new pricing algorithm and expanded distribution, despite a net loss of $5.4 million [4] - Key catalysts for 2026 include sustained profitability, geographic expansion, partnerships, and product rollouts, although risks from claims volatility and competition exist [4] Group 2: dLocal (NASDAQ: DLO) - dLocal reported total payment volume of $10.4 billion in Q3 2025, a 59% year-over-year increase, with strong momentum expected to continue [8] - The company has shown expanding gross margins and improving adjusted EBITDA, indicating that growth is becoming more profitable [9] - Structural tailwinds from digital payments and e-commerce adoption in emerging markets support dLocal's outlook [9] - Key growth drivers include an expanding merchant base, geographic diversification, and improved product mix, with catalysts such as accelerating volumes and higher take rates expected [10] Group 3: Investment Outlook - Both Root and dLocal's potential for significant upside is contingent on sustained underwriting profitability and faster policy growth, which could lead to a small-cap re-rating [12] - While a tenfold return in a single year is ambitious, the fundamentals and catalysts for both stocks suggest a plausible path for substantial growth in 2026 [12]