Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers various tools for investors to enhance their stock market strategies, including daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores provide ratings for stocks based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics, helping investors identify securities likely to outperform the market in the short term [2][3] - Stocks are rated from A to F, with A indicating the highest potential for outperformance [3] Value Score - The Value Score identifies attractive stocks using financial ratios such as P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales, appealing to value investors seeking undervalued opportunities [3] Growth Score - The Growth Score focuses on a company's future prospects by analyzing projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow, targeting stocks with sustainable growth [4] Momentum Score - The Momentum Score assesses stocks based on price trends and earnings outlook, helping investors capitalize on upward or downward price movements [5] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines the Value, Growth, and Momentum Scores, providing a comprehensive rating to identify stocks with the best overall potential [6] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to simplify portfolio building, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks achieving an average annual return of +23.81% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [7][8] Stock Selection Strategy - Investors are encouraged to focus on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B for the highest probability of success [10] - Stocks with a 3 (Hold) rank should also have A or B Style Scores to maximize upside potential [10] Example Stock: T. Rowe Price (TROW) - T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. manages $1.76 trillion in assets as of September 30, 2025, and is rated 3 (Hold) with a VGM Score of A [12] - TROW has a Momentum Style Score of B, with shares increasing by 6.6% over the past four weeks, and analysts have revised earnings estimates upwards [13]

Core Insights - The October and November jobs reports indicate a struggling economy, with a loss of approximately 105,000 jobs in October and a gain of only 64,000 jobs in November, suggesting potential challenges for investors in the upcoming year [1][2]. Group 1: Economic Impact on Investments - The slowing macro economy may have limited impact on stock prices, but it could also lead to diverse effects on portfolios, including potential Fed rate cuts [1][2]. - Active ETFs provide flexibility in response to market shifts, particularly if the Fed decides to cut rates further in 2026 [2][4]. Group 2: Active ETFs and Investment Strategies - Active equity ETFs offer a range of options, including small-caps, value, large-caps, and growth, allowing for broader allocations and flexibility in portfolios [3][4]. - T. Rowe Price offers various active ETFs, such as the T. Rowe Price Total Return ETF (TOTR) for fixed income and the T. Rowe Price Equity Research ETF (TSPA) for equity exposure, appealing to investors navigating tough jobs data [5].

Core Insights - Goldman Sachs Asset Management and T. Rowe Price Group have launched their first co-branded model portfolios, marking the beginning of their strategic alliance announced in September 2025 [1][6] Group 1: Portfolio Details - The co-branded model portfolios are available through GeoWealth's unified managed account platform, enabling Registered Investment Advisors to offer diversified portfolios within a single account [2] - Four portfolios currently available include the "Goldman Sachs T. Rowe Price Dynamic ETF Portfolio," "Tax-Aware Dynamic ETF Portfolio," "Dynamic Hybrid Portfolio," and "Tax-Aware Dynamic Hybrid Portfolio," targeting mass-affluent and high-net-worth clients [3] - A fifth model portfolio, "Goldman Sachs T. Rowe Price High Net Worth Portfolio," is set to launch in the first half of 2026, specifically designed for high-net-worth investors [4] Group 2: Strategic Collaboration - The collaboration follows Goldman Sachs' $1 billion strategic investment in T. Rowe Price, aimed at developing new investment products and expanding wealth-channel offerings [6] - The partnership combines Goldman's Multi-Asset Solutions team expertise with T. Rowe Price's retirement and wealth management capabilities, providing advisors with coordinated support from over 200 wholesalers and dedicated model specialists [5] Group 3: Performance Metrics - Over the past six months, shares of Goldman Sachs and T. Rowe Price have increased by 42.4% and 13.1%, respectively, outperforming the industry growth of 25% [8]

Core Insights - Goldman Sachs Asset Management and T. Rowe Price have launched four co-branded model portfolios aimed at mass affluent and high-net-worth investors, marking the beginning of a strategic alliance announced in September [1][2] - The model portfolios include a mix of mutual funds and ETFs, specifically the Goldman Sachs T. Rowe Price Dynamic ETF Portfolio, Tax-Aware Dynamic ETF Portfolio, Dynamic Hybrid Portfolio, and Tax-Aware Dynamic Hybrid Portfolio [2] - A fifth model, the Goldman Sachs T. Rowe Price High Net Worth Portfolio, is planned for launch in the first half of 2026, focusing on high-net-worth investors [3] Company Strategy - The collaboration aims to leverage the expertise of both firms to enhance offerings in the wealth management channel, assisting investors in achieving long-term financial goals [4] - Advisors utilizing these model portfolios will benefit from coordinated support and resources from both companies, including wholesalers and dedicated model specialists [5] Market Context - The model portfolio market is valued at $7.7 trillion, with third-party models accounting for 24% of this total as of Q3 2025, indicating a growing reliance on such products by advisors [6] - There is a trend among asset managers to launch new model portfolios, often in partnership, to combine public and private assets [6]

Core Insights - Oak Hill Advisors (OHA) has successfully closed its OHA Senior Private Lending Fund (OLEND), raising a total of $17.7 billion in capital, including $8.0 billion in equity commitments, marking it as the largest fundraise in the company's history [1][3]. Fund Strategy and Focus - OLEND aims to leverage the growing opportunities in direct lending to larger companies, specifically targeting first lien and unitranche loans for companies with over $75 million in EBITDA [2]. - The fund will primarily invest in North America and focus on industries deemed recession-resistant by OHA [2]. Market Position and Expertise - OHA has over three decades of experience in leveraged finance markets and aims to utilize its underwriting expertise and focus on downside protection to deploy capital effectively through OLEND [3]. - The fund is positioned to capitalize on favorable market dynamics for new leveraged buyouts and corporate growth initiatives, indicating a strong potential for increased deal flow [4]. Investor Base and Partnerships - OLEND's investor base includes a diverse range of global investors such as pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, endowments, and family offices, reflecting the fund's versatility and appeal [4][5]. - The partnership with T. Rowe Price has been significant in this fundraising effort, helping to establish new relationships and enhance the platform [4]. Long-term Value Creation - The investment strategy of OLEND is designed to deliver consistent returns and create long-term value for investors, emphasizing the compelling opportunities in senior direct lending [5]. - OHA manages approximately $108 billion in assets across various credit strategies, showcasing its extensive experience and commitment to providing customized credit solutions [5].

Core Insights - Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) and T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (TROW) are established global asset managers with diverse investment platforms, but their business strategies and competitive positions differ significantly, which may influence future performance [1] Industry Performance - The asset management industry has seen impressive performance in 2025 due to market rebounds, record inflows, and rising global assets under management (AUM), with heightened demand for active management and tactical strategies [2] - Alternatives have remained in high demand as investors seek returns less affected by interest-rate fluctuations, contributing to one of the industry's strongest post-pandemic years [2] 2026 Outlook - The outlook for 2026 is positive, driven by economic growth, declining interest rates, and ongoing product innovation, prompting investors to consider which firm, TROW or BEN, has better potential [3] Franklin Resources (BEN) Overview - Franklin has expanded its platform through acquisitions and partnerships, including a multi-year partnership with Wand AI and the acquisition of Apera Asset Management, adding over $90 billion to global alternative credit AUM [4][5] - The company has seen solid AUM growth, supported by a regionally-focused distribution model and strong inflows across various asset classes [5][6] - As of September 30, 2025, Franklin held $5.6 billion in liquidity with no short-term debt, allowing for strategic capital deployment [7][6] T. Rowe Price (TROW) Overview - T. Rowe Price has strengthened its platform through strategic alliances, including a partnership with Goldman Sachs and the acquisition of Oak Hill Advisors, enhancing its alternative investment offerings [9][10] - The company benefits from diversified AUM across asset classes and geographies, with strong investment-advisory fees supporting revenue growth [10][11] - As of September 30, 2025, TROW held $4.28 billion in liquid assets against total liabilities of $1.15 billion, indicating a robust liquidity position [12] Financial Estimates - For BEN, the fiscal 2026 revenue estimate suggests a decline of 1.7%, while fiscal 2027 indicates growth of 3.5%, with earnings expected to rise by 14.4% in 2026 and 10.9% in 2027 [13] - TROW's sales estimates for 2025 and 2026 suggest increases of 2.9% and 6.2%, respectively, with earnings expected to rise by 4.5% and 5.7% for the same years [15] Stock Performance and Valuation - Over the past year, TROW shares have decreased by 14.3%, while BEN shares have increased by 5.5%, both outperforming the industry average decline of 15.5% [17] - BEN is trading at a forward P/E multiple of 8.98X, while TROW is at 10.08X, both below the industry average of 14.90X, indicating that BEN is currently cheaper than TROW [20] Dividend Performance - Both companies have increased dividends five times in the past five years, with BEN raising its quarterly dividend by 3.2% to 32 cents per share, yielding 5.49%, while TROW increased its dividend by 2.4% to $1.27 per share, yielding 4.91% [22] Comparative Analysis - Both firms are well-managed with diversified investment platforms and solid AUM bases, but BEN has a clearer growth narrative driven by expansion into higher-fee alternatives and strategic acquisitions [25][26] - With a lower valuation and strong growth estimates, BEN appears to offer better upside potential heading into 2026 [27]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers tools for investors to enhance their stock market strategies and confidence, including daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - The Zacks Style Scores provide ratings for stocks based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics, helping investors identify securities likely to outperform the market in the short term [2][3] - Stocks are rated from A to F, with A indicating the highest potential for outperformance [3] Value Score - The Value Style Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios such as P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales [3] Growth Score - The Growth Style Score emphasizes a company's financial health and future growth potential, analyzing projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow [4] Momentum Score - The Momentum Style Score assesses stocks based on price trends and earnings estimate changes, aiding investors in capitalizing on upward or downward price movements [5] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive indicator for investors seeking attractive value, growth forecasts, and momentum [6] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that utilizes earnings estimate revisions to guide investors in building successful portfolios, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks achieving an average annual return of +23.93% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [7][8] - Investors are encouraged to select stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B for optimal success [9][10] Company Spotlight: T. Rowe Price (TROW) - T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. manages $1.76 trillion in assets as of September 30, 2025, offering a range of investment services [11] - TROW holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and a VGM Score of B, making it a potential candidate for growth investors [12] - The company is projected to experience a year-over-year earnings growth of 4.5% for the current fiscal year, with upward revisions from analysts and a Zacks Consensus Estimate increase to $9.75 per share [12]

Group 1 - The T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth ETF (TCHP) is characterized by a significant allocation to mega-cap stocks and typical growth sectors such as technology, consumer discretionary, and communication services [1] - The fund has experienced uneven performance, indicating variability in its returns [1]

Core Viewpoint - T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. has shown mixed performance in the asset management sector, with recent financial results indicating growth in revenues and earnings, but significant client outflows and underperformance compared to peers [5][6]. Company Overview - T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. is based in Baltimore, Maryland, and operates as an asset manager, managing equity and fixed income mutual funds with a market cap of $23.3 billion [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company reported Q3 results on Oct. 31, showing a 6% year-over-year increase in net revenues to $1.9 billion, surpassing expectations by 2.3% [5]. - Adjusted EPS grew 9.3% year-over-year to $2.81, exceeding consensus estimates by 10.2% [5]. - Despite these positive results, T. Rowe Price experienced $7.9 billion in net client outflows during the quarter [5]. Stock Performance - T. Rowe's stock reached a 52-week high of $125.04 on Dec. 9, 2024, but is currently trading 16.4% below that peak [3]. - Over the past three months, T. Rowe's stock prices have declined by 3.4%, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 8% [3]. - Year-to-date, T. Rowe's stock has decreased by 7.6%, and over the past 52 weeks, it has declined by 15.6%, contrasting with the Nasdaq's gains of 21.9% in 2025 and 18.6% over the past year [4]. Competitive Position - T. Rowe has underperformed compared to its peer, State Street Corporation, which saw a 26.4% surge in 2025 and 26.1% returns over the past year [6]. - Among 14 analysts covering T. Rowe stock, the consensus rating is a "Hold," with the stock trading slightly below the mean price target of $107.69 [6].

Core Insights - T. Rowe Price's Global Retirement Savers Study reveals that nearly 34% of retirement savers globally expect to work part-time after retirement, with the highest expectation in the U.S. at 37% [1][2] - Economic uncertainty is prevalent among savers, with 50% anticipating a recession by mid-2026 and inflation being a top concern for 42% of respondents [2][5] - The study highlights a significant gender gap in retirement confidence, with only 31% of respondents expecting to live as well or better in retirement, and single women reporting the lowest confidence levels [5] Economic Outlook - Economic pessimism is highest in Japan and Canada, where 62% and 56% of respondents foresee a recession, while savers in the U.S., Australia, and the UK show more optimism [5] - The survey indicates that retirement optimism is low worldwide, with significant variations in confidence levels across different regions [5] Financial Confidence and Resources - About one-third of global retirement savers express excitement for retirement, which correlates with stronger financial footing and higher earnings [5] - Workplace resources and human advisors are the most relied-upon sources of financial advice, particularly in the U.S., while Japanese respondents tend to self-direct more [5]