Core Viewpoint - The investment strategy is informed by a background in the oil and gas sector, emphasizing efficiency, carefulness, and discipline in decision-making [1] Investment Focus - The company has a sustained interest in U.S. equity markets, particularly in technology, energy, and healthcare sectors [1] - The investment approach has evolved from growth investing to a blend of value and growth, focusing on the underlying economics of businesses [1] Competitive Advantage - There is an emphasis on evaluating the durability of a company's competitive advantage, referred to as its "moat," and its ability to generate consistent free cash flow over time [1] Investment Philosophy - The philosophy includes a conservative orientation, seeking to minimize downside risk while looking for upside potential [1] - As retirement approaches, there is a shift towards prioritizing income-generating assets such as dividend-paying equities and REITs [1] Community Engagement - The company values participation in a community of investors to share insights on real-world business fundamentals and intelligent investing [1] Ecological Consideration - There is a commitment to investing in ecologically sensitive businesses, reflecting a broader concern for environmental impact [1]

In a current market environment where investors have tunnel vision for large-cap names like those in the Magnificent Seven, the VictoryShares Small Cap Free Cash Flow ETF (SFLO) reminds investors that value- focused small-cap opportunities exist and should be on their proverbial radars. One of those is Symbotic Inc., (SYM), a holding in SFLO as of 12/11/25. Symbotic is a leader in AI-enabled robotics technology for the consumer goods supply chain, and may be poised for a strong growth trajectory. Investors ...

Core Insights - WBI Investments, LLC has reduced its holdings in the VictoryShares Free Cash Flow ETF (VFLO) by selling 82,398 shares, bringing its total position to 160,664 shares valued at $6.02 million, which is a decrease from 1.77% to 1.54% of the fund's AUM [2][3] Fund Overview - The VictoryShares Free Cash Flow ETF (VFLO) focuses on U.S. large- and mid-cap equities with strong free cash flow generation, employing a replication strategy to track its custom index [5][9] - VFLO's investment strategy involves selecting 50 U.S. companies with robust free cash flow characteristics, ensuring a balance between high free cash flow yield and growth potential [9][10] Performance Metrics - As of November 19, 2025, VFLO's price is $37.32, with a dividend yield of 1.57% and a 1-year total return of 18.3%, outperforming the S&P 500 index [3][6] Portfolio Composition - VFLO is among the top five holdings of WBI Investments, LLC, with a current AUM representation of 1.54%, indicating its significance within the fund [3][8] - The ETF's portfolio is constructed by filtering the largest 400 profitable companies down to the 75 highest free cash flow yielding value stocks, ultimately selecting 50 stocks of growing companies [7][10]

Costco Wholesale Corp. (COST) reported strong free cash flow (FCF) and FCF margins on Dec. 11. However, COST stock has tumbled, down 8.7% over the last year. That makes COST stock attractive to value investors and could be a bargain here. COST closed at $873.35 on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025. That's up from a closing price trough of $850.00 on December 22, but still down 8.66% from $956.14 a year ago on December 24, 2024, and is off 4.68% YTD ($916.27 on December 31, 2024). This does not make sense. More News ...

Market Trajectory - The market trajectory for 2026 is being discussed following a robust performance in 2025, despite some recent unsettling weeks that resembled a bear market [1] Investment Strategy - The individual investor and writer Vasily Zyryanov focuses on identifying underpriced equities with strong upside potential and overappreciated companies with inflated valuations [1] - Zyryanov emphasizes the importance of analyzing Free Cash Flow and Return on Capital in addition to profit and sales to gain deeper insights into investment opportunities [1] - While favoring underappreciated equities, Zyryanov acknowledges that some growth stocks may warrant their premium valuations, highlighting the need for thorough analysis to determine the accuracy of market opinions [1]

Let's bring in again Capital founding partner John Kildoff and Tortoise senior portfolio manager Rob Thumbl. John, does it tell you the story about how much inventory is out there in the world or at least perceived to be out there in the world that were boarding Venezuelan some Venezuelan tankers that were starting to attack militant targets in Nigeria and yet the price of oil is down right now. >> Yes.And uh good to see you Brian. uh the the cushion the supply cushion out there right now is extent and uh i ...

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of identifying underpriced equities with strong upside potential and overappreciated companies with inflated valuations in investment strategies [1] - It highlights the significance of analyzing Free Cash Flow and Return on Capital for deeper investment insights beyond basic profit and sales analysis [1] - The author acknowledges that while some growth stocks may deserve premium valuations, it is crucial for investors to investigate whether the market's current opinions are accurate [1] Industry Focus - The research primarily concentrates on the energy sector, including oil & gas supermajors, mid-cap, and small-cap exploration & production companies, as well as oilfield services firms [1] - The analysis also extends to various other industries such as mining, chemicals, and luxury goods [1]

Core Insights - Plexus Corporation's share performance has been underwhelming, with a 14.5% gain over the past six months, significantly lagging behind the Electronic Manufacturing Industry's 47.5% growth and the S&P 500's 16.2% return [1][7] Price Performance - Other competitors in the electronics manufacturing services sector, such as Jabil, Sanmina, and Flex, have shown gains of 9.5%, 61.9%, and 30.1%, respectively, raising questions about Plexus's potential for a rebound in 2026 [3] Tailwinds for Plexus - Plexus is expected to benefit from new program ramps, focusing on high-demand sectors like healthcare, aerospace, and industrial markets, with 28 manufacturing program wins projected to contribute $274 million to annualized revenues [4][5] - The company has a strong pipeline with a funnel of qualified manufacturing opportunities valued at $3.7 billion, supporting its revenue growth target of 9-12% for fiscal 2026 [5] - In fiscal 2025, Plexus generated $154 million in free cash flow, allowing for debt reduction and share repurchases, with expectations to generate $100 million in free cash flow for fiscal 2026 [10][11] Sector Performance - The aerospace sector, particularly defense and space, experienced double-digit growth, while healthcare and life sciences revenues increased by 5% for the fiscal year, with expectations for further acceleration [8][9] Headwinds for Plexus - Revenue growth for fiscal 2026 is contingent on modest improvements in end-market demand, with challenges in the industrial sector due to weaknesses in industrial equipment and vehicle electrification [12] - Plexus relies heavily on a few large customers, with the top 10 customers accounting for 49% of revenues, exposing the company to customer concentration risks [13] - Macro uncertainties from shifting trade policies and competition from other electronics manufacturers pose additional challenges [14] Valuation - Plexus is trading at a forward 12-month price/sales ratio of 0.93, slightly above the sector's average of 0.89, while competitors like Flex, Jabil, and Sanmina have lower multiples [17][18] Investment Outlook - While Plexus has a healthy long-term outlook, near-term expectations are uncertain, suggesting that new investors should wait for a better entry point, while existing investors may consider holding the stock [19]

Core Viewpoint - Ryder System, Inc. is currently undervalued based on its forward price-to-sales ratio, trading at 0.58X compared to the industry average of 2.29X, indicating an attractive valuation [1][7]. Valuation Metrics - Ryder's forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio is 0.58X, significantly lower than the industry average of 2.29X over the past five years, suggesting a cheap valuation [1][7]. Shareholder Returns - Ryder has consistently paid dividends for over 48 years, with dividend payments of $123 million in 2022, $128 million in 2023, and a projected $456 million in 2024 through dividends and share repurchases [5][6]. - In the first nine months of 2025, Ryder paid $108 million in dividends and repurchased shares worth $350 million, reflecting a commitment to shareholder value [5][6]. Financial Performance - Ryder's stock has increased by 25% over the past six months, outperforming the Zacks Transportation - Equipment and Leasing industry's growth of 10.4% [9]. - The company has raised its free cash flow outlook for 2025 to between $900 million and $1 billion, up from a previous estimate of $375 million to $475 million [8]. Operating Costs and Liquidity - Ryder faces significant financial pressure due to rising operating costs, with total operating expenses increasing from $10.8 billion in 2022 to $11.9 billion in 2024 [12]. - The company's liquidity is concerning, with cash and cash equivalents of $189 million against a current debt level of $577 million, indicating insufficient cash to meet obligations [13]. Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ryder's earnings has been revised downward for the fourth quarter of 2025 and for full-year 2025 and 2026, reflecting a lack of confidence among brokers [15]. - The current earnings estimates for Q1 2026 have also been projected downward, indicating negative sentiment surrounding the stock [15]. Investment Outlook - Despite attractive valuation and shareholder-friendly initiatives, Ryder faces headwinds from increased operating expenses and a volatile macro environment, making it a risky investment choice at this time [17].

Core Viewpoint - The Fidelity Blue Chip Growth ETF (FBCG) is initiated with a Hold rating, indicating a cautious approach towards its investment potential [1]. Group 1: ETF Overview - FBCG is characterized as an active, semi-transparent exchange-traded fund, which is part of a broader coverage universe [1]. Group 2: Investment Strategy - The analysis emphasizes the importance of identifying underpriced equities with strong upside potential, as well as overappreciated companies with inflated valuations [1]. - The research methodology includes a focus on Free Cash Flow and Return on Capital to provide deeper insights into investment opportunities [1]. Group 3: Sector Focus - The analyst pays particular attention to the energy sector, including oil & gas supermajors, mid-cap, and small-cap exploration & production companies, as well as oilfield services firms [1]. - Additionally, the analysis covers various other industries, such as mining, chemicals, and luxury goods [1].