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]

Core Viewpoint - Costco Wholesale Corp. reported strong free cash flow and margins, yet its stock has declined, making it attractive for value investors [1][4]. Financial Performance - Fiscal Q1 revenue ending Nov. 23, 2025, rose by 8.28%, with a 6.4% increase on a comparable basis [4]. - Free cash flow surged by 58.4% year-over-year to $3.162 billion, compared to $1.996 billion in the previous year's Q1 [4]. - Over the last year, free cash flow increased by over 79% to just over $9 billion from just over $5 billion [4]. Free Cash Flow Margins - Q1 2026 free cash flow margin was 4.70%, a 46% improvement from 3.21% a year ago [5]. - Trailing 12 months free cash flow margin was 3.21% of sales, up from 2.85% in FY 2025, indicating a 12.6% improvement [5]. Sales Forecast - Analysts project sales for the fiscal year ending Aug. 31, 2026, to be $297.14 billion, an 8% increase from $275.2 billion for the year ending Aug. 31, 2025 [7]. - For the year ending Aug. 31, 2027, projected sales are $318.18 billion [7]. - For the next 12 months, projected sales are $302.65 billion, representing a 10% increase over FY 2025 [7].

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]

Core Viewpoint - The current oil market is characterized by a significant supply cushion, leading to lower oil prices, with expectations of continued price declines into 2026 due to surplus production [2][4][6]. Supply and Demand Dynamics - The oil supply from Venezuela has not been meaningful for some time, and any potential disruptions from countries like Nigeria or Russia may not significantly impact the overall supply [2][3]. - The trajectory for oil prices is expected to remain downward unless there is a substantial supply response from major producers like Saudi Arabia and OPEC+ [3][4]. Investment Considerations - Despite declining oil prices, some oil and gas stocks have shown resilience and even increased in value, attributed to capital discipline within the sector [5][6]. - The energy sector is currently trading at approximately 10 times its free cash flow, which is lower than the broader market, indicating potential investment opportunities [6]. Dividend and Cash Flow - Companies that maintain capital discipline and provide secure dividends are favored by investors, as they can sustain and potentially increase dividends in the future [7][10]. - The oil industry is seen as a value play, with the potential for returns while waiting for market adjustments [11]. Technological Advancements - The integration of AI in oil production is enhancing productivity and reducing costs, contributing to increased production even in a low-price environment [8][9]. - Major companies like Exxon and Chevron are employing advanced technologies to improve extraction processes, which is positively impacting their financial stability [10].

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].

Core Insights - AngloGold Ashanti has experienced a remarkable 245% gain this year, with a 262% increase over the past five years, indicating a transformation from a slow-moving equity to a high-growth stock [1] Company Performance - The company operates mines in Africa, Australia, and the Americas, and has effectively managed costs, allowing it to benefit from rising gold prices while providing a quarterly dividend with a yield of 2.59%, outperforming the S&P 500 this year and over the past five years [2] - AngloGold Ashanti's gold production increased by 17% year over year in Q3, resulting in a record $920 million in free cash flow, which is up 141% year over year [5] Market Dynamics - Gold prices have surged by more than 60% this year, creating a favorable environment for gold mining stocks, although company-specific factors also influence individual stock performance [4] - The company is preparing to further increase gold production in 2026 through investments in its Mineral Reserve base and enhancing operational flexibility [6] Financial Health - AngloGold Ashanti closed the quarter with $4.54 billion in current assets and $1.76 billion in current liabilities, resulting in a healthy current ratio of 2.58, which supports potential dividend increases and additional mining projects [7]

Core Insights - The article provides a reassessment of the AdvisorShares Focused Equity ETF (CWS), focusing on essential investment issues and strategies in equity analysis [1] Group 1: Investment Strategy - The individual investor and writer, Vasily Zyryanov, employs various techniques to identify 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 analysis, to gain deeper insights into investment opportunities [1] - The investor acknowledges that while he favors underappreciated equities, some growth stocks may justifiably command premium valuations, necessitating a deeper investigation into market perceptions [1] Group 2: Sector 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] - In addition to the energy sector, the analysis extends to various other industries, such as mining, chemicals, and luxury goods [1]