Group 1 - Curreen Capital reported a return of 10.5% in Q4 2025 and 30.97% for the full year, focusing on "ugly ducklings" that are well-managed and attractively priced [1] - The firm highlighted V.F. Corporation (NYSE:VFC) as a key investment, noting its market capitalization of $7.665 billion and a stock price of $19.59 per share as of January 30, 2026 [2] - V.F. Corporation has experienced a 3.98% return in the past month but is down 20.43% over the past twelve months, indicating volatility in its stock performance [2] Group 2 - V.F. Corporation has improved its balance sheet, capital allocation, and management team to drive growth, with a favorable upside-to-downside ratio in its current trading position [3] - Despite the potential of V.F. Corporation, it is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with a decrease in hedge fund portfolios holding the stock from 35 to 33 [4] - The company is compared unfavorably to certain AI stocks that are perceived to offer greater upside potential and less downside risk [4]

Core Insights - Curreen Capital reported a return of 10.5% in Q4 2025 and 30.97% for the full year, focusing on "ugly ducklings" which are well-managed companies trading at attractive prices [1] - The firm highlighted Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (NYSE:AAP) with a one-month return of 23.90% and a market capitalization of $2.88 billion as of January 30, 2026 [2][3] Company Overview - Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is a retailer of aftermarket automotive parts and supplies, including batteries, windshield wipers, air filters, and motor oil [3] - The company has historically achieved returns on tangible capital approaching 20% and is currently undergoing a turnaround by fixing its balance sheet and improving operations [3] Market Position - Advance Auto Parts, Inc. was held by 32 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2025, a decrease from 34 in the previous quarter, indicating a slight decline in popularity among hedge funds [4] - Despite its potential, some analysts believe that certain AI stocks present greater upside potential and less downside risk compared to Advance Auto Parts [4]

Company Overview - HF Sinclair Corporation (NYSE:DINO) is a U.S.-based petroleum refiner focusing on products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and related offerings [2]. Analyst Insights - Morgan Stanley analyst Joe Laetsch raised the price target for HF Sinclair Corporation to $61 from $60, maintaining an Overweight rating, noting that refining stocks have increased about 10% year-to-date due to wider light and heavy crude differentials linked to recent events in Venezuela [3]. - The firm's Q1 EPS estimates for large-cap refiners are approximately 5% to 10% below consensus on average, as part of Morgan Stanley's Q4 preview for the sector, while maintaining a positive long-term outlook on refining despite rating the industry In-Line due to valuations [4]. Acquisition Details - On December 8, HF Sinclair Corporation announced that one of its subsidiaries signed a definitive agreement to acquire Industrial Oils Unlimited for $38 million, which includes around $15 million of working capital, implying an EBITDA multiple of about 3.5x once synergies are included based on expectations for 2027 [5]. - The acquisition of IOU, known for its value-added service model and customized solutions, is expected to enhance HF Sinclair's position in lubricants and specialty fluids, with management viewing the transaction as a step toward expanding its role as an innovator in that market [6].

Core Viewpoint - Truist has reduced its price target for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (AJG) to $271 from $280, maintaining a Hold rating due to valuation pressures in the property and casualty (P&C) brokerage sector, while still considering the stock fairly valued at its current multiple [2]. Financial Performance - Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. reported a 24.5% increase in adjusted fourth-quarter profit, driven by stronger commissions and fees as demand for insurance remained robust [3]. - Commissions for the quarter reached $2.06 billion, up from $1.50 billion a year earlier, while total fees increased nearly 34.8% to $1.2 billion [4]. - The adjusted net profit for the three months ending December 31 was $620 million, or $2.38 per share, compared to $498 million, or $2.16 per share, in the same period last year [5].

Core Insights - NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc. (NWE) is recognized as one of the 7 Best Non-REIT Dividend Stocks to Invest in [1] - Barclays has raised its price target for NWE to $62 from $61, maintaining an Overweight rating [3] Financial Performance - NorthWestern reported GAAP earnings of $0.62 per share and adjusted EPS of $0.79, an increase from $0.65 a year earlier [4] - Utility margins improved at a double-digit rate compared to the previous year [4] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 earnings guidance of $3.53 to $3.65 per share and a long-term growth target of 4% to 6% [4] Strategic Developments - NorthWestern is pursuing a significant all-stock merger with Black Hills Corporation, which is expected to enhance its market presence and scale [5] - The company is investing heavily with a $2.7 billion capital plan aimed at expanding its rate base over time [4]

Core Viewpoint - Altria Group, Inc. is recognized as one of the best non-REIT dividend stocks to invest in, despite recent adjustments to its price target by analysts [1][2]. Financial Performance - Altria reported fourth-quarter EPS of $1.30, which remained flat compared to the previous year and met expectations. However, operating costs exceeded expectations in both the Smokable and Oral Products segments, impacting overall performance [3]. - The company provided initial guidance for 2026 that aligns with consensus expectations, with a significant portion of earnings anticipated in the latter half of the year [3]. Long-term Goals - Management outlined long-term objectives through 2028, targeting mid-single-digit adjusted diluted EPS growth, starting from a base of $4.871 in 2022. From 2022 to 2025, Altria achieved a reported diluted EPS growth rate of 8.9% and an adjusted diluted EPS growth rate of 3.6% [4]. Dividend Strategy - Altria plans to continue increasing its dividend at a mid-single-digit pace through 2028. The company highlighted a 3.9% dividend increase in 2025, marking the 60th increase in the past 56 years. Future dividend payments will be subject to the discretion of the board [5].

Group 1 - UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is recognized as one of the 7 Best Non-REIT Dividend Stocks to Invest in [1] - The company operates across various healthcare and services platforms, including Optum Health, Optum Insight, Optum Rx, and UnitedHealthcare, covering employer plans, Medicare, retirement offerings, and government-sponsored programs [2] - Wells Fargo analyst Stephen Baxter reduced the price target for UnitedHealth Group from $400 to $370 while maintaining an Overweight rating, citing pressure points from disappointing Medicare Advantage rates and concerns regarding Optum Health results [3] Group 2 - The 2026 revenue outlook for UnitedHealth Group fell below Wall Street expectations, primarily due to a proposed 0.09% increase in Medicare Advantage rates for 2027, which was significantly lower than the anticipated 4% to 6% increase [4] - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' proposal impacted the health insurance sector, causing several stocks to decline as investors adjusted their expectations, with UnitedHealth being particularly sensitive due to its status as the largest Medicare insurer in the U.S. by membership [5]

Core Insights - New Gold Inc. (NYSE:NGD) is recognized as one of the 11 Best Performing Stocks in the Last 12 Months [1] Group 1: Acquisition Details - On January 27, 2026, New Gold Inc. received shareholder approval for a plan where a wholly owned subsidiary of Coeur Mining will purchase all outstanding NGD shares [2] - The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2026, pending court and regulatory approvals, with New Gold shareholders entitled to receive 0.4959 Coeur shares per New Gold share, resulting in approximately 38% ownership of the combined company [3] Group 2: Analyst Updates - On January 26, 2026, Scotiabank raised its price target on New Gold Inc. from $10.50 to $12.75, maintaining an 'Outperform' rating, reflecting higher gold and silver price forecasts amid economic and geopolitical uncertainty [4]

Core Viewpoint - Speculation regarding a potential acquisition of ABIVAX by Eli Lilly has led to significant share price movements, despite the company's CEO dismissing these rumors as unfounded noise [1][2][3]. Group 1: Share Price Movement - ABIVAX shares experienced a dramatic increase of over 2,000% from July to December 2025, peaking at $145 on December 24 before settling at $118 after the French government dismissed the acquisition rumors [2]. Group 2: Company Clarifications - ABIVAX's CEO, Marc De Garidel, stated that no formal discussions regarding a takeover have occurred and emphasized that any informal conversations do not comply with regulatory requirements [1][3]. - De Garidel highlighted that a public deal announcement would precede any engagement from foreign investment oversight, indicating a structured approach to potential investments [3]. Group 3: Company Focus and Financial Needs - The company is advancing its therapeutic program, obefazimod, which is well-funded through Q4 2027, but still requires additional financing as indicated by discussions with potential investors at the JPMorgan Healthcare conference [3]. - ABIVAX develops antiviral and vaccine products targeting various diseases, including chronic hepatitis B, Ebola, dengue, and ulcerative colitis, as well as commercial vaccines for typhoid, meningococcal, and leptospirosis [4].

Core Viewpoint - Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) is highlighted as one of the most profitable stocks on NASDAQ, with recent price target increases from Truist Securities and Citigroup indicating strong investor confidence in the company's future performance [1][3]. Group 1: Price Target Adjustments - Truist Securities raised its price target on Gilead Sciences to $145 from $140 while maintaining a Buy rating, citing revisions in estimates for the drug YEZTUGO and updates on upcoming launches [2]. - Citigroup also increased its price target for Gilead Sciences to $156 from $140, maintaining a Buy rating, as part of a broader Q4 preview for biopharmaceutical stocks [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - Gilead Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing medicines for life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, and cancer [4].