Core Insights - ClearBridge Investments reported that mid-cap stocks experienced growth in Q3 2025, driven by a favorable monetary policy environment and stabilizing earnings [1] - The Federal Reserve's rate cuts positively impacted small and mid-cap stocks, with value stocks outperforming growth stocks [1] - The ClearBridge Mid Cap Strategy outperformed the Russell Midcap Index, primarily due to stock selection in the consumer staples and healthcare sectors [1] Company Highlights - Argenx SE (NASDAQ:ARGX) is highlighted as a key stock in the ClearBridge Mid Cap Strategy, showing a one-month return of 9.11% and a 52-week gain of 48.48% [2] - As of November 12, 2025, Argenx SE's stock closed at $889.89 per share, with a market capitalization of $54.79 billion [2] - The company demonstrated strong second-quarter results, benefiting from the adoption of its lead therapy for autoimmune disorders and advancements in its clinical pipeline [3]

Core Insights - ClearBridge Investments reported that mid-cap stocks experienced growth in Q3 2025, driven by a favorable monetary policy environment and stabilizing earnings [1] - The Russell Midcap Value Index outperformed the Russell Midcap Growth Index, returning 6.2% compared to 2.8% [1] - The strategy outperformed its benchmark due to strong stock selection in the consumer staples and healthcare sectors [1] Company Highlights - Performance Food Group Company (NYSE:PFGC) is a key player in the food distribution sector, operating through Foodservice, Convenience, and Specialty segments [2] - The stock of Performance Food Group Company saw a one-month return of -4.03% but gained 12.62% over the last 52 weeks, closing at $96.57 with a market capitalization of $15.143 billion on November 12, 2025 [2] - The company was highlighted as a standout in the consumer staples sector, benefiting from activist engagement and a strategic combination exploration with US Foods [3] Financial Performance - Performance Food Group Company's revenue increased by 10.8% year-over-year in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 [4] - The number of hedge funds holding Performance Food Group Company increased from 44 to 47 in the second quarter [4]

Group 1: Ariel Focus Fund Performance - The Ariel Focus Fund increased by 20.76% in the third quarter, outperforming the Russell 1000 Value Index's gain of 5.33% and the S&P 500 Index's return of 8.12% [1] - The significant increase in US equities was driven by the Federal Reserve's first rate cut, strong corporate earnings growth, and broadening market participation [1] Group 2: Barrick Mining Corporation Overview - Barrick Mining Corporation's stock gained 7.64% in one month and 122.33% over the last 52 weeks, closing at $37.33 per share with a market capitalization of $62.992 billion on November 12, 2025 [2] - The company reported strong financial results supported by rising gold prices and announced the divestiture of its Hemlo Gold Mine for $1.09 billion to streamline its asset portfolio [3] Group 3: Leadership and Strategic Moves - Barrick Mining Corporation's President and CEO Mark Bristow will step down after nearly seven years, with a formal search for his successor initiated [3] - The company's solid liquidity position supports its commitment to shareholder returns through ongoing dividends and share repurchase activities [3] Group 4: Hedge Fund Interest - Barrick Mining Corporation was held by 53 hedge fund portfolios at the end of the second quarter, an increase from 46 in the previous quarter [4] - Despite its potential, the company is not listed among the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds, with certain AI stocks considered to offer greater upside potential [4]

Core Insights - Ariel Focus Fund reported a significant increase of 20.76% in the third quarter, outperforming the Russell 1000 Value Index and the S&P 500 Index, driven by the Federal Reserve's first rate cut and strong corporate earnings growth [1] Company Overview - Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG) is the world's largest insurance broker focused on middle-market clients, providing insurance and reinsurance brokerage, consulting, and claims settlement services [2][3] - As of November 12, 2025, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a market capitalization of $65.706 billion, with shares closing at $255.86 [2] Performance Analysis - Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. experienced a one-month return of -13.61% and a 52-week loss of 14.23% [2] - The stock faced pressure due to a delay in closing its $13.4 billion acquisition of AssuredPartners, which ultimately closed in August 2025 [3] Future Outlook - Management projects stronger synergies from the acquisition than initially anticipated, positioning AJG for continued organic growth and margin expansion [3] - The resilience of the global insurance market supports a positive long-term outlook for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. [3] Hedge Fund Interest - As of the end of the second quarter, 62 hedge fund portfolios held Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., an increase from 52 in the previous quarter [4] - Despite its potential, some hedge funds believe that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and less downside risk compared to AJG [4]

Core Insights - Kinetik Holdings Inc. (NYSE: KNTK) is recognized as one of the 15 Extreme Dividend Stocks to buy according to hedge funds [1] - Wells Fargo has lowered the price target for Kinetik Holdings from $48 to $40 due to concerns over reduced volume outlook, while maintaining an Equal Weight rating [2] - The company reported a downward revision in its 2025 EBITDA guidance, reflecting Q3 results and slowing producer activity [2] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Kinetik Holdings highlighted the successful startup of the Kings Landing processing plant in New Mexico, which is processing over 100 million cubic feet per day [3] - The company reported capital expenditures of $154 million and updated its full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance to a range of $965 million to $1.005 billion, citing volume-related challenges and fluctuations in commodity prices [4] - The timing of the Kings Landing plant startup also contributed to the revision in EBITDA guidance [4] Operational Developments - The Kings Landing facility is designed for future processing capacity expansions with fewer operational challenges, indicating a strategic investment in infrastructure [3] - Kinetik Holdings operates as a midstream energy firm in the Permian Basin, providing services to oil and gas producers [4]

Core Insights - Hess Midstream LP (NYSE:HESM) is recognized as one of the 15 Extreme Dividend Stocks to buy according to hedge funds [1] - The company announced a 2.4% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.7548 per share, marking its 32nd consecutive quarter of dividend growth [2] - For Q3 2025, Hess Midstream reported a net income of $176 million, a slight decrease from $180 million in Q2, while adjusted EBITDA rose to $321 million from $316 million [3] Dividend and Financial Performance - The quarterly dividend increase will be paid on November 14 to shareholders of record as of November 6, with an ex-dividend date of November 6 [2] - The gross adjusted EBITDA margin remained strong at approximately 80%, exceeding the 75% target, indicating solid operating leverage [3] - The third-quarter distribution included a targeted 5% annual growth per Class A share, along with an additional boost from a $100 million share repurchase [3] Analyst Ratings and Price Target - Raymond James analyst J.R. Weston lowered Hess Midstream's price target to $35 from $48 while maintaining an Outperform rating, reflecting adjustments across the midstream suppliers group ahead of Q3 earnings [4] - Hess Midstream provides midstream services, including gathering, processing, storing, and transporting crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids [4]

Core Insights - Ares Capital Corporation (NASDAQ:ARCC) is recognized as one of the 15 Extreme Dividend Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds [1] - RBC Capital has maintained an Outperform rating on Ares Capital while lowering the price target from $24 to $23 following the company's Q3 results [2] - The company reported core earnings of $0.50 per share in Q3, exceeding the regular quarterly dividend and achieving an annualized return on equity of 10% [3] Financial Performance - Ares Capital's net deployments in Q3 reached $1.3 billion, more than double the previous quarter, indicating a selective investment strategy [3] - The total portfolio at fair value increased to $28.7 billion at the end of Q3, up from $27.9 billion in Q2 and $25.9 billion a year ago [4] - Total commitments for Q4 are reported at $735 million, with a backlog reaching a record $3 billion [4]

Core Insights - Barings BDC, Inc. (NYSE:BBDC) is recognized as one of the 15 Extreme Dividend Stocks to buy according to hedge funds [1] - Keefe Bruyette & Woods has slightly reduced its price target for Barings BDC from $10 to $9.50 while maintaining a Market Perform rating [2] - The company reported strong third-quarter 2025 results, with total investment income of $72.4 million and net investment income of $33.6 million, equating to $0.32 per share [3] - Barings BDC's net assets from operations increased by $23.6 million, or $0.22 per share [3] - The Executive Chairman and CEO Eric Lloyd emphasized the strong net investment income and credit performance, with Barings-originated investments constituting about 95% of the portfolio's fair value [4] - A quarterly dividend of $0.26 per share was announced by the company [4] - Barings BDC focuses on providing financing solutions to privately held, middle-market businesses for acquisitions, growth initiatives, and refinancing needs [4]

Group 1 - DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA) is a healthcare company focused on kidney patients and has been discussed by Jim Cramer in relation to its stock performance and market conditions [2][3] - Cramer noted that DaVita's stock was part of a group leading the market lower, particularly due to legislative uncertainties regarding healthcare subsidies in the Senate [2] - The company has retired 9% of its share count annually over the last 10 years, indicating a significant buyback strategy that positions it as a strong investment candidate [3] Group 2 - Despite the potential of DaVita as an investment, there is a belief that certain AI stocks may offer higher returns with limited downside risk, suggesting a competitive investment landscape [3] - Cramer expressed caution regarding investing in DaVita due to external factors, specifically mentioning RFK Jr. and its implications for the specialty medicine sector [3]

Group 1: Ariel Focus Fund Performance - The Ariel Focus Fund increased by 20.76% in Q3 2025, outperforming the Russell 1000 Value Index which gained 5.33% and the S&P 500 Index which returned 8.12% [1] - The significant increase in US equities was driven by the Federal Reserve's first rate cut, strong corporate earnings growth, and broadening market participation [1] Group 2: The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) Overview - The Mosaic Company produces and markets concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients, with a market capitalization of $8.161 billion as of November 11, 2025 [2] - The stock experienced a one-month return of -13.90% and a 52-week loss of 1.80% [2] Group 3: Performance Analysis of The Mosaic Company - The Mosaic Company was the biggest detractor from the fund's performance due to an earnings miss following a strong share price run, with higher potash and phosphate prices offset by lower volumes and rising production costs [3] - Despite near-term pressures, phosphate markets are expected to remain tight through 2025 due to limited new supply, and the company is focused on cost discipline, free cash flow generation, and maintaining its investment-grade credit profile [3] Group 4: Financial Performance of The Mosaic Company - In Q3 2025, The Mosaic Company's net income increased to $411 million compared to $122 million in Q3 2024 [4] - The company is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 54 hedge fund portfolios holding its stock at the end of Q2 2025, up from 48 in the previous quarter [4]