Group 1: Fund Performance - The Aristotle Small Cap Equity Fund delivered a return of 3.16% in Q3 2025, underperforming the Russell 2000 Index, which had a total return of 12.39% [1] - The Russell 2000 Index reached its first all-time high since November 2021, driven by a favorable macroeconomic backdrop [1] Group 2: Company Highlight - Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. - Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. (NYSE:KNX) is a freight transportation services provider with a one-month return of 19.09% and a 52-week gain of 1.25% [2] - As of December 18, 2025, Knight-Swift's stock closed at $52.60 per share, with a market capitalization of $8.539 billion [2] - The company is expected to benefit from increased freight transportation demand and a subdued supply of transportation providers, leading to potential revenue and earnings growth [3] Group 3: Hedge Fund Interest - Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. was held by 44 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2025, an increase from 43 in the previous quarter [4] - Despite its potential, some analysts believe that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk compared to Knight-Swift [4]

Brown Advisory, an investment management company, released its “Brown Advisory Mid-Cap Growth Strategy” third-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The strategy underperformed its benchmark, the Russell Midcap® Growth Index, in the third quarter of 2025, which increased approximately 3%.  In addition, please check the fund’s top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025. In its third-quarter 2025 investor letter, Brown Advisory Mid-Cap Growth Strategy highlighted st ...

Group 1 - Venture Global, Inc. (NYSE:VG) is considered an undervalued stock with significant upside potential, with a Buy rating reiterated by Bank of America Securities, although the price target was lowered from $15 to $11 [1] - The valuations of refiners have been unexpectedly high in 2025 due to temporary factors such as Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian infrastructure, tighter sanctions on Russian fuel exports, increased European gas prices, and slower global refining capacity ramp-up [2] - A probable resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2026 could lead to the return of Russian pipeline gas to Europe, which would decrease pressure on European gas and LNG pricing, potentially impacting Venture Global's long-term margins [3] Group 2 - Venture Global signed a significant 20-year agreement with Tokyo Gas, Japan's leading natural gas supplier, to supply 1 million tons per annum of liquefied natural gas starting in 2030 [4]

Group 1 - Builders FirstSource, Inc. (NYSE:BLDR) is recognized for supplying building materials, components, and construction services, including engineered wood products, windows, doors, siding, roofing, and software solutions [2] - Jim Cramer expressed a strong belief in Builders FirstSource but indicated a preference for Home Depot and Lowe's due to the challenging market conditions, suggesting that Builders FirstSource represents a high-risk, high-reward investment [1] - Cramer noted that the performance of Builders FirstSource is closely tied to the housing market, stating that the stock cannot rise without a strong housing market, and mentioned that the company has projects in hand which could indicate potential growth [2] Group 2 - Cramer highlighted that if Builders FirstSource performs well, it may suggest a decrease in mortgage rates, which could positively impact the housing market [2] - Despite acknowledging Builders FirstSource's potential, there is a belief that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential with less downside risk, indicating a competitive investment landscape [2]

Core Viewpoint - Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) has faced scrutiny regarding its potential acquisition of Warner Bros., with industry experts questioning the necessity of such a move given Netflix's existing strengths [1] Group 1: Company Performance - Netflix's subscriber growth and other indicators of strength in its latest earnings report did not meet the market's high expectations, leading to a decline in stock value despite earlier gains [1] - The company's revenue has shown resilience amid slower consumer spending, attributed to the low cost, high usage, and perceived value of its offerings, which may provide a safe-haven quality for investors [1] Group 2: Market Sentiment - Easing macroeconomic concerns, including those related to tariffs, may have influenced investors to shift their focus away from Netflix [1] - While Netflix is acknowledged as a potential investment, certain AI stocks are viewed as having greater upside potential and lower downside risk [1]

Core Viewpoint - Analysts recommend Coty Inc. (NYSE:COTY) as a consumer defensive stock to buy, with a revised price target of $3.75, indicating a potential upside of about 13% from the current price level [1][2]. Financial Performance - In the first quarter, Coty Inc. reported an EPS of $0.12, missing analyst estimates of $0.15, while revenue was $1.58 billion, aligning with guidance [3]. - The company experienced an 8% decline in total net revenue but remains a significant player in the global fragrance market [3]. Future Outlook - Coty Inc. anticipates a rebound in net revenue in the second half of fiscal 2026, with CEO Sue Nabi emphasizing a commitment to re-accelerating performance [3][4]. - The CFO, Laurent Mercier, expressed expectations for a return to profitable sales growth in the same period [4]. Market Position - Coty Inc. operates as a provider of branded beauty products globally, structured into two segments: Prestige and Consumer Beauty [4]. - The company is expected to see growth in U.S. prestige sell-in in the second quarter, driven by ultra-premium products and fragrance mists [2].

Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFD) is among the consumer defensive stocks to buy according to analysts. As of December 12, Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFD) is a consensus buy from over 80% of the analysts covering the stock. With a price target range of $25 to $33, the median target of $29 implies 28.72% upside. On December 9, Benjamin Theurer, an analyst at Barclays, reaffirmed the ‘Buy’ rating on Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFD), while setting a price target of $30, which suggests an upside poten ...

Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) is among the consumer defensive stocks to buy according to analysts. As of December 12, Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) is rated a ‘Buy’ by 80% of the analysts covering the stock. While the target price ranges from $18 to $42, the median price target of $27 implies an upside potential of around 68%. On December 5, Nik Modi, an analyst at RBC Capital, reaffirmed the ‘Buy’ rating on Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB). The price target of $30 suggests an upside pot ...

Core Viewpoint - Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) is experiencing positive momentum in its construction and mining sectors, leading to an improved outlook and increased price target from Citi [2]. Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Caterpillar's sales increased by 10% to $17.6 billion, with power-generation revenue rising by 33% due to strong demand for engines in AI data centers [3]. - Adjusted operating margin decreased to 17.5% from 20% year-over-year, and adjusted EPS fell to $4.95 from $5.17, although it surpassed Wall Street's estimate of $4.52 [3]. Cash Generation and Shareholder Returns - The company generated free cash flow of $3.2 billion in Q3, allowing for $700 million in dividends and $400 million in stock buybacks [4]. - Caterpillar's backlog reached a record $39.8 billion, growing by $2.4 billion from Q2 and $11.2 billion from Q3 of the previous year [4]. - A quarterly dividend of $1.51 was declared on December 10 [4]. Market Outlook - Citi raised its price target for Caterpillar to $690 from $670, maintaining a Buy rating, with a focus on opportunities in construction and mining for the upcoming year [2].

Company Overview - NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:NWE) is a utility company that provides reliable and affordable electricity and natural gas to customers in Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska [2]. Stock Performance - The share price of NorthWestern Energy Group surged by 3.46% between December 5 and December 12, 2025, making it one of the Energy Stocks that gained the most during that week [1]. Analyst Ratings - On December 12, JPMorgan raised its price target on NorthWestern Energy Group from $60 to $61 while maintaining a 'Neutral' rating on the shares. This adjustment was made as the firm updated its models for the North American utilities group [3]. Industry Outlook - The Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that U.S. electricity consumption will reach record highs in 2025 and 2026, with expected power demand of 4,199 billion kWh in 2025 and 4,267 billion kWh in 2026. This increase is driven by high demand from data centers, cryptocurrency, and significant electricity use for heating and transportation [4].