SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- U.S. Global Investors, Inc. (NASDAQ: GROW) (the “Company”), a registered investment advisory firm1 with longstanding experience in global markets and specialized sectors, today reported financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 ended December 31, 2025. Total assets under management (AUM) were approximately $1.5 billion at quarter-end, representing a 12% increase from the prior quarter and 5% higher than AUM at the end of the year-ago quarter. This ...

Core Insights - The Principal Value ETF (PY US) focuses on U.S. equities that provide consistent "shareholder yield" through dividends, net buybacks, and strong free cash flow [1] Investment Process - The investment process targets liquid, seasoned issuers with adequate float and trading depth to support capacity [1] - A rules-driven, fundamental overlay is applied, emphasizing cash generation, payout sustainability, and balance-sheet discipline [1] Scoring and Exclusions - Eligible companies are scored based on cash flow coverage, dividend growth consistency, and net repurchase activity [1] - Companies with deteriorating quality and impaired liquidity are excluded from the portfolio [1] Portfolio Construction - The portfolio emphasizes large and mid-cap stocks, diversified across various sectors [1] - Issuer weights are constrained to reduce single-name concentration and maintain rebalancing flexibility [1] Position Sizing and Management - Position sizing reflects factor balance and valuation bands, with trims occurring when payout quality weakens, leverage increases, or buyback effectiveness declines [1] - Reconstitution and rebalancing are systematic but allow for manager discretion to manage turnover and trading costs [1]

Core Viewpoint - Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD) focuses on U.S. companies that prioritize shareholder yield through dividends, net buybacks, and balance-sheet improvement, aiming for a mix of income and capital appreciation [1] Investment Strategy - The ETF employs a systematic, rules-driven selection and equal-weighting framework to promote diversification while emphasizing valuation and cash-flow discipline [1] - The portfolio often favors value and quality factors, with potential modest mid-cap exposure, and sector weights are influenced by cash distribution dynamics [1] Market Dynamics - The fund may perform well in markets that reward fundamentals but could lag during momentum-led, narrow leadership phases [1] - Use cases for the ETF include serving as a core or satellite equity income sleeve, factor completion toward value/quality, and a capital-allocator tilt within a diversified equity lineup [1] Target Investors - Suitable investors include outcome-oriented model builders seeking systematic income from equities and wealth managers looking for consistent, fundamentals-anchored cash-return exposure [1] Fund-Specific Risks - A potential risk associated with the fund is the emergence of style and sector concentration from the shareholder-yield screen, which may diverge from broad market profiles and impact relative performance across cycles [1]

Core Insights - U.S. companies have prioritized share repurchases over dividends for the fifth consecutive year, with buybacks being more flexible and favored by growth companies [1][5] - The WisdomTree U.S. Value Fund (WTV) allows investors to benefit from both buybacks and dividends by focusing on shareholder yield, which includes both forms of rewards [2] - In 2025, buybacks are projected to reach about $1 trillion, while dividend payments are expected to be around $750 billion, influenced by tax advantages associated with share repurchases [3] Investment Performance - The WTV fund has outperformed the S&P 500 Value Index over the past three years, returning 75.3% compared to the index's 57.7%, indicating its effectiveness in value investing [4] Sector Allocation - WTV allocates over 23% of its weight to financial services stocks, a sector that has seen dividend growth improve in recent years, along with a combined weight of approximately 23% in industrial and consumer staples stocks, which are known for reliable dividend growth [6]

Core Insights - The market is heavily discounting durable free-cash-flow producers, particularly in Financials and cyclically exposed Industrials and Materials, despite strong operating results and shareholder returns [1][9] Financials - Synchrony Financial (SYF) leads with an Acquirer's Multiple of 2.8 and a free cash flow yield of 31.9%, generating over $10.8 billion in operating income and an 8.5% shareholder yield [2] - The stock is undervalued despite disciplined underwriting and aggressive buybacks, reflecting market fears of an imminent consumer-credit cycle that has not yet materialized [3] Industrials and Cyclicals - Non-Energy cyclicals like CF Industries (CF) show an Acquirer's Multiple of 7.0 and a 14.0% free cash flow yield, indicating strong asset returns and a 14.1% shareholder yield [4] - PulteGroup (PHM) also ranks high with a 7.0 Acquirer's Multiple, as homebuilders are priced for a housing slowdown that has not yet impacted cash generation due to supply constraints [5] Materials - Alcoa (AA) has an Acquirer's Multiple of 8.0, with modest free cash flow at current aluminum prices, but potential upside exists if pricing normalizes [6] Capital Returns - Shareholder yields are significant, with buybacks playing a crucial role in Financials and Industrials, as companies reduce share counts using internally generated cash [7] Macro Context - The current market sentiment reflects a disconnect, with Financials priced for credit stress and cyclicals for demand collapse, while fundamentals such as operating income and balance sheets remain strong [8] Bottom Line - The market inefficiency persists, as large-cap businesses producing real cash are undervalued, presenting opportunities for disciplined value investors [9]

Core Viewpoint - The recent performance of First Hawaiian (FHB) has been positive, driven by net interest margin expansion and stable credit quality, contributing to solid earnings growth for the bank [1]. Group 1: Company Performance - First Hawaiian has experienced net interest margin expansion, which is a key driver of its earnings growth [1]. - The bank has maintained a benign credit quality, further supporting its financial performance [1]. Group 2: Investment Approach - The investment strategy focuses on a long-term, buy-and-hold approach, particularly favoring stocks that can deliver sustainable high-quality earnings [1].

Core Insights - In 2025, investors are focusing on companies that generate steady cash and return it to shareholders, with shareholder yield becoming a key metric for assessing commitment to investor rewards [2][3][4] Market Environment - Inflation is cooling and interest rates are easing, allowing companies that managed debt effectively during tough years to benefit from lower financing costs [3] - Geopolitical uncertainty and high stock valuations are making investors cautious about pursuing growth aggressively, leading to a preference for reliable cash returns [4] Shareholder Yield Strategy - Research indicates that shareholder-yield strategies outperform traditional high-dividend approaches, as high dividends alone do not ensure disciplined capital management [5] - Combining dividends with share buybacks and debt reduction provides a clearer picture of management's commitment to long-term value [6] Investment Opportunities - High-quality shareholder-yield companies offer a blend of consistent returns and volatility cushioning, reflecting management teams focused on long-term performance [7] - Notable companies with strong shareholder yields include: - **CION Investment Corporation (CION)**: Offers a dividend yield of approximately 14.17%, with seven dividend increases in five years and a payout ratio of 81% [8][9][10] - **Invesco (IVZ)**: Provides a dividend yield of 3.57%, with six increases in five years and a payout ratio of 44% [11][12] - **TPG RE Finance Trust (TRTX)**: Offers a dividend yield of around 10.73%, with three increases in five years and a reduction in long-term debt from $3.71 billion in 2021 to $2.83 billion in Q3 2025 [13][14][15] - **W.P. Carey (WPC)**: Provides a dividend yield of 5.38%, with 20 increases in five years despite a negative annualized growth rate of 4.78% [16][17][18]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Quarterly average assets under management were $1.4 billion, operating revenues were $2.25 million, and net income was $1.5 million, showing a significant increase from the previous year [27][30] - Operating revenues increased by $94,000 or 4% from the same quarter last year, primarily due to increases in advisory and administrative fees for equity mutual funds [28] - Net income after taxes for the quarter increased by $1.2 million compared to the same quarter last fiscal year, reaching $1.5 million or $0.12 per share [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operating expenses increased by $50,000 or 2%, mainly due to a $101,000 increase in employee compensation and a $52,000 increase in advertising expenses related to expanded ETF marketing efforts [29] - Other income for the quarter was $2.4 million compared to $995,000 in the prior year, primarily due to higher net investment income from unrealized gains [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has maintained a strong balance sheet with approximately $24.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, and current investments totaling $9.7 million [31] - The current ratio stands at 20.5 to 1, indicating a strong liquidity position [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on creating thematic products using Smart Beta 2.0 strategy, which involves rigorous backtesting and active money management [8][14] - A two-pillar strategy is in place to enhance shareholder value through dividends and stock buybacks, with a current share repurchase program purchasing 159,074 Class A shares for approximately $400,000 [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the worst impacts from the election and tariff battles are hopefully behind, with a rebound in assets and investment income [11][13] - The company remains optimistic about the gold market, highlighting that gold has outperformed the S&P 500 and is seen as a strong diversifier in investment portfolios [20][21] Other Important Information - The company has paid a monthly dividend since June 2007, with a current yield of 3.46% at a share price of $2.60 [10] - The company is actively engaging with shareholders through various marketing channels, including YouTube and social media, to provide insights and updates [32][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the company's outlook on gold investments? - Management emphasized that gold has significantly outperformed the S&P 500 and is considered a crucial diversifier for investment portfolios, with recommendations to allocate 10%-15% in gold [20][21] Question: How is the company managing its stock buyback program? - The company utilizes an algorithm to buy back shares on flat and down days, believing the stock is undervalued, and aims to enhance shareholder value through this strategy [9][10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Quarterly average assets under management were $1.4 billion, operating revenues were $2.25 million, and net income was $1.5 million, showing a significant increase from the previous year [28][31] - Operating revenues increased by $94,000 or 4% from the same quarter last year, primarily due to increases in advisory and administrative fees for equity mutual funds [29] - Net income after taxes for the quarter increased by $1.2 million compared to the same quarter last fiscal year [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operating expenses increased by $50,000 or 2%, mainly due to a $101,000 increase in employee compensation and a $52,000 increase in advertising expenses [30] - Other income for the quarter was $2.4 million compared to $995,000 in the prior year, primarily due to higher net investment income [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has experienced a rebound in assets and investment income, which has helped turn the corner after being impacted by the tariff war [13] - Gold reached an all-time high of $4,300, although it has gone through a correction since October [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on creating thematic products using Smart Beta 2.0 strategy, which requires rigorous backtesting and continuous management [7][8] - U.S. Global has been buying back stock using an algorithm on flat and down days, aiming to enhance shareholder value through dividends and stock repurchases [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes the worst impacts from the election and tariff battles are behind them as they move forward [11] - The company remains optimistic about the travel industry, particularly in Europe and Asia, despite challenges in the U.S. market [16][17] Other Important Information - The company has maintained a strong balance sheet with high levels of cash and investments, including approximately $24.6 million in cash and cash equivalents [32] - The current yield at the share price of $2.60 is 3.46%, and the company has paid a monthly dividend since June 2007 [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the company's outlook on gold investments? - Management highlighted that gold has outperformed the S&P 500 and is considered a crucial diversifier for a diversified portfolio, with recommendations to allocate 10%-15% in gold [20][23] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in the airline industry? - Management noted that while the U.S. airline industry is facing sentiment challenges, the European and Asian markets are booming, indicating potential for recovery [16][17] Question: What are the company's plans for future product launches? - The company is focused on launching new thematic products, particularly in AI and defense sectors, which are expected to capture significant market interest [18][26]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported average assets under management of $1.4 billion and operating revenues of $2.25 million for the quarter, with net income of $1.5 million, an increase from $315,000 in the same quarter last year [28][30] - Operating revenues increased by $94,000 or 4% from the previous year, primarily due to higher advisory and administrative fees for equity mutual funds [29] - The company has maintained a strong balance sheet with cash and cash equivalents of approximately $24.6 million, reflecting a slight increase since June 2025 [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen a rebound in investment income, which has improved due to unrealized gains on investments [30] - The operational earnings consist of advisory fees, while other earnings include realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The gold market has shown significant volatility, with gold reaching an all-time high of $4,300 before undergoing a correction [20][19] - The company noted that gold has outperformed the S&P 500, doubling its performance this century, which has led to increased interest in gold investments [20][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on creating thematic products using a smart beta 2.0 strategy, which involves rigorous backtesting and active money management [7][14] - A two-pillar strategy is in place to enhance shareholder value through dividends and stock buybacks, with a current yield of 3.46% [10][9] - The company is actively buying back stock when prices are flat or down, indicating a belief that the stock is undervalued [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, stating that the worst impacts of the tariff wars may be behind them, with a rebound in assets and investment income [11][13] - The company highlighted the importance of gold as a diversifier in investment portfolios, especially in light of rising global debt levels [21][22] Other Important Information - The company has been expanding its subscriber base and increasing exposure to the Bitcoin ecosystem through investments [8] - The company has maintained a monthly dividend since June 2007, reflecting its commitment to returning value to shareholders [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the company's outlook on gold investments? - Management noted that gold has reached an all-time high and has outperformed the S&P 500, suggesting a strong future for gold investments [20][21] Question: How is the company managing its stock buyback program? - The company is using an algorithm to buy back shares on flat and down days, believing the stock is undervalued [9][10] Question: What are the key themes driving the company's investment strategy? - The focus is on thematic investing, particularly in gold, precious metals, and AI defense sectors, which are expected to see growth [18][26]