Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Building Products - Miscellaneous sector should consider Holcim Ltd Unsponsored ADR (HCMLY) and Installed Building Products (IBP) for potential value opportunities [1] Group 1: Stock Performance and Rankings - Holcim Ltd (HCMLY) has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), while Installed Building Products (IBP) has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a more favorable earnings estimate revision for HCMLY [3] - The Zacks Rank emphasizes earnings estimates and revisions, which are critical for value investors [2] Group 2: Valuation Metrics - HCMLY has a forward P/E ratio of 23.41, compared to IBP's forward P/E of 27.49, suggesting HCMLY may be undervalued [5] - The PEG ratio for HCMLY is 2.22, while IBP's PEG ratio is significantly higher at 6.61, indicating better expected earnings growth relative to its price for HCMLY [5] - HCMLY's P/B ratio is 3.17, whereas IBP's P/B ratio is 12.12, further supporting HCMLY's more attractive valuation metrics [6] Group 3: Investment Conclusion - Given the stronger estimate revision activity and more favorable valuation metrics, HCMLY is positioned as the superior option for value investors at this time [7]

Core Viewpoint - The recent slump in US technology stocks has led to a relative strength in value stocks, with a consensus on Wall Street that this shift is just beginning [1][2]. Group 1: Performance of Value vs. Growth Stocks - The Russell 1000 Value Index (RLV) has increased by 8.6% from early November to Tuesday, outperforming its growth counterpart by 14 percentage points [1]. - Historical instances of such outperformance have typically resulted in further gains for value stocks compared to growth stocks [1]. - Despite the recent outperformance, the value and growth dynamic is only back to neutral on a rolling 52-week basis [6]. Group 2: Market Sentiment and Strategic Shifts - Wall Street strategists are warning that the era of Big Tech dominance may be nearing its end, as evidenced by a selloff in tech shares following a rout in software makers [2]. - There is a growing sentiment among analysts, such as CFRA's Sam Stovall, that the large cap-growth trade feels outdated, with value stocks continuing to outperform [3][4]. - Ned Davis Research's Ed Clissold is advising clients to adopt a "value tilt" over growth stocks, indicating a strategic shift in investment focus [4]. Group 3: Long-term Trends and Future Outlook - Value stocks have been underperforming for over a decade, particularly as technology has driven bull market runs [5]. - Analysts like Andrew Greenebaum from Jefferies suggest that the rotation towards value stocks may just be starting, with significant room for outperformance compared to growth stocks [4]. - Historically, "pro-value" periods have seen outperformance exceeding 10%, indicating potential for future gains in value stocks [6].

Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Schools sector should consider New Oriental Education (EDU) and Universal Technical Institute (UTI), with EDU currently presenting a better value opportunity [1] Group 1: Zacks Rank and Earnings Outlook - New Oriental Education has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook, while Universal Technical Institute has a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell) [3] - The Zacks Rank system favors stocks with positive revisions to earnings estimates, suggesting that EDU has an improving earnings outlook [3] Group 2: Valuation Metrics - EDU has a forward P/E ratio of 16.61, significantly lower than UTI's forward P/E of 37.77, indicating that EDU may be undervalued [5] - EDU's PEG ratio is 0.89, while UTI's PEG ratio is 2.52, further suggesting that EDU is a more attractive investment based on expected earnings growth [5] - EDU's P/B ratio is 2.33 compared to UTI's P/B of 4.81, reinforcing the notion that EDU is the superior value option [6] Group 3: Value Grades - EDU has a Value grade of A, while UTI has a Value grade of D, highlighting the significant difference in their valuation metrics and earnings outlook [6]

Core Viewpoint - Carrefour SA (CRRFY) and Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV (WMMVY) are both attractive options for value investors, but CRRFY is currently considered the superior value choice based on various valuation metrics [1][7]. Valuation Metrics - CRRFY has a forward P/E ratio of 8.87, while WMMVY has a forward P/E of 18.89 [5]. - The PEG ratio for CRRFY is 1.62, indicating a more favorable valuation compared to WMMVY's PEG ratio of 5.49 [5]. - CRRFY's P/B ratio stands at 1, whereas WMMVY has a P/B ratio of 4.9, further highlighting CRRFY's relative undervaluation [6]. Earnings Outlook - Both companies have a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating positive earnings estimate revisions and improving earnings outlooks [3]. - The Zacks Rank system emphasizes stocks with strong earnings estimate revision trends, which applies to both CRRFY and WMMVY [2][3]. Value Grades - Based on the valuation metrics, CRRFY holds a Value grade of A, while WMMVY has a Value grade of C, suggesting that CRRFY is more undervalued [6].

Core Insights - The U.S. equity markets showed optimism due to potential monetary easing and strong AI-related earnings, but sentiment cooled later in the quarter [1] - The Meridian Contrarian Fund delivered a net return of 2.18% in Q4 2025, underperforming both the Russell 2500 Index (2.22%) and the Russell 2500 Value Index (3.15%) [1] - The firm is focusing on systematic investment strategies to identify opportunities amid macroeconomic uncertainties, particularly with a new Fed Chair and high valuations in AI investments [1] Company-Specific Insights - The Honest Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:HNST) was highlighted as a leading detractor, with a one-month return of -3.10% and a 52-week loss of 60.19% [2] - As of January 27, 2026, The Honest Company, Inc. had a stock price of $2.50 and a market capitalization of $279.477 million [2] - The company is focusing on natural baby-care products and has made strategic decisions to exit less profitable markets, which the firm views positively for long-term growth potential [3]

Core Viewpoint - There are multiple reasons to continue investing in Palantir (PLTR), despite a previous bullish call not performing well, as the stock has declined [1]. Group 1: Company Background - Palantir is a company that has been under scrutiny due to its stock performance, which has seen a downturn [1]. Group 2: Investment Philosophy - The investment approach emphasizes thorough research and a long-term perspective, which is crucial for navigating market cycles effectively [1]. - The focus is on uncovering promising stocks that may not yet be recognized by the broader market [1]. Group 3: Analyst's Position - The analyst holds a beneficial long position in Palantir shares through various means such as stock ownership or options [2]. - The article reflects the analyst's personal opinions and is not influenced by any compensation from external sources [2]. Group 4: Market Context - The investment landscape is characterized by a balanced approach, with an increasing emphasis on value stocks while still maintaining exposure to growth opportunities [1].

Core Insights - General Motors (GM) and Invesco (IVZ) have exceeded Q4 earnings expectations, with GM's stock rising over 50% in the past year and IVZ also showing strong performance, although both are trading at discounts compared to the S&P 500 [1][2] General Motors (GM) - GM's Q4 adjusted EPS was $2.51, beating expectations of $2.20 by 14% and increasing over 30% from $1.92 a year ago [4] - Despite a net loss of $3.21 billion due to $7.2 billion in special charges related to unused EV manufacturing equipment, GM announced a $6 billion share repurchase plan and a 20% dividend increase, indicating confidence in long-term cash flow [3] - GM expects FY26 EPS to rise to $11-$13 from $10.60 in FY25, with adjusted EBIT projected at $13 billion-$15 billion and adjusted automotive free cash flow at $9 billion-$11 billion [11] - GM anticipates lower EV volume in 2026 but expects to improve EV losses by $1-$1.5 billion through production adjustments [12] - GM's valuation metrics show it trading at 0.4X forward sales and 6X forward earnings, with a PEG ratio under 1, indicating it is undervalued [14] Invesco (IVZ) - Invesco reported a Q4 adjusted EPS of $0.62, exceeding expectations of $0.57 by nearly 9% and increasing 19% from $0.52 in the same quarter last year [9] - The firm experienced net inflows of $19.1 billion, raising its assets under management (AUM) to a record $2.2 trillion, driven by index and fixed income services, as well as ETFs [8] - Invesco's strategic priorities for FY26 include expanding private markets through partnerships, simplifying its portfolio, and focusing on ETF growth [13] - Invesco's valuation metrics show it trading near 2X forward sales and 10X forward earnings, with a PEG ratio under 1, suggesting it is also undervalued [14] - Invesco's annual dividend yield stands at 2.93% [15]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of a strong foundation in finance and strategy, particularly in sectors like banking, mining, and energy [1] - It highlights a balanced investment approach, focusing on both value stocks and growth opportunities, which is essential for navigating market cycles [1] - The goal is to uncover promising stocks that may not be widely recognized in the market, providing unique insights for investors [1] Company Insights - The company operates in the retail real estate sector, overseeing complex financial operations and strategy [1] - The leadership role in finance indicates a significant influence on the company's financial health and strategic direction [1] Investment Strategy - The investment philosophy is based on thorough research and a long-term perspective, which has proven effective over 13 years of active investing [1] - The portfolio has evolved to reflect a balanced approach, indicating adaptability to changing market conditions [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the growing interest in cheap stocks as investors seek to avoid high valuations in equity markets, highlighting a shift towards value stocks that have underperformed in recent years and are showing signs of recovery [1]. Group 1: Market Trends - The iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF increased by 3.9% in the fourth quarter, while the iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF gained only 2.3%, indicating a renewed focus on value stocks [2]. - The S&P 500 is expected to continue its double-digit rallies, but future gains may be more challenging, with a potential shift towards value stocks as the Federal Reserve may cut interest rates [2]. - Dennis DeBusschere, chief market strategist at 22V Research, noted that productivity improvements could allow the economy to grow at 2.5% without inflation issues, benefiting fundamental factors and procyclical equities [3]. Group 2: Investment Methodology - The methodology for identifying the best cheap stocks involved selecting U.S.-listed stocks with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of less than 15 and an upside potential of over 60% as of January 16, focusing on those popular among elite hedge funds [6]. - The strategy of imitating top stock picks from hedge funds has historically outperformed the market, with a quarterly newsletter returning 427.7% since May 2014, surpassing its benchmark by 264 percentage points [8]. Group 3: Company Highlights - VEON Ltd. (NASDAQ:VEON) has a forward P/E of 13.77 and an upside potential of 60.23%, with 12 hedge fund holders. The company confirmed that its subsidiary Kyivstar has over 3 million registered users for satellite connectivity in Ukraine [9][10]. - Playtika Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:PLTK) has a forward P/E of 6.98 and an upside potential of 105.13%, with 27 hedge fund holders. The company announced a cost-cutting initiative, laying off 15% of its workforce to transition to leaner teams utilizing AI and automation [16][17].

Core Insights - The article highlights 11 Vanguard ETFs that provide attractive dividend yields and growth potential, emphasizing the benefits of investing in ETFs due to their lower expense ratios compared to mutual funds [1][2][3] Investment Opportunities - Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) offers a dividend yield of 1.13% with a 5-year average annual return of 14.55% and a 10-year average of 15.61% [5] - Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) has a dividend yield of 1.12% and a 5-year average annual return of 13.12% [5] - Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) provides a higher dividend yield of 1.83% and a 5-year average annual return of 11.10% [5] - Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) offers a significant dividend yield of 3.86%, although it has a negative 5-year average annual return of -0.17% [5] - Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) yields 1.62% with a 5-year average annual return of 11.69% [5] - Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF (VYM) has a dividend yield of 2.44% and a 5-year average annual return of 12.48% [5] - Vanguard International High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF (VYMI) features a dividend yield of 3.69% with a 5-year average annual return of 12.49% [5] - Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) offers a dividend yield of 3.92% with a 5-year average annual return of 5.59% [5] - Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) has a dividend yield of 2.05% and a 5-year average annual return of 12.56% [5] - Vanguard S&P 500 Growth Index Fund ETF (VOOG) yields 0.49% with a 5-year average annual return of 15.33% [5] - Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) has a lower dividend yield of 0.40% but boasts a strong 5-year average annual return of 17.49% [5] Investment Strategy - The article encourages investors to consider a diversified approach by investing in multiple ETFs to balance growth and income [16] - It emphasizes the importance of understanding how money grows over time, illustrating potential future values based on different annual investment amounts and growth rates [4]