Meridian Funds, managed by ArrowMark Partners, released its “Meridian Contrarian Fund” second-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The U.S. equity market showcased a significant recovery during the quarter, rising 23% from low to end the quarter at a record high. U.S. large-cap stocks gained 11.1% in the quarter, and within the large-cap category, growth stocks outperformed value stocks. In this environment, the fund returned 16.42% (net) during the quarter, exceeding ...

Core Insights - Bretton Fund's second quarter 2025 performance was 2.70%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index which returned 10.94% [1] - The fund's underperformance was attributed to a focus on fundamentals rather than market sentiment, particularly in light of the president's easing of tariff threats [1] - Notable underperformers included Berkshire Hathaway and AutoZone, which were categorized as "safe stocks" rather than due to operational issues [1] Company Highlights: UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) - UnitedHealth Group's stock experienced a significant decline of 39.88% over the past 52 weeks, despite a one-month return of 14.31% [2] - As of September 25, 2025, UnitedHealth Group's stock closed at $345.56, with a market capitalization of $312.965 billion [2] - The fund reported that UnitedHealth Group's stock drop contributed to a 2.0% loss for the fund this quarter, indicating a substantial impact on overall performance [3] Financial Performance - UnitedHealth Group reported revenues of nearly $112 billion for the second quarter of 2025, reflecting a 13% increase compared to the same quarter the previous year [4] - The company ranked 18th among the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds, with 159 hedge fund portfolios holding its stock at the end of the second quarter, up from 139 in the previous quarter [4] Investment Perspective - While UnitedHealth Group is recognized for its potential as an investment, the analysis suggests that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential with less downside risk [4]

Group 1 - NIO Inc. experienced a share price increase of 4.92% on Thursday, closing at $7.47, nearing its all-time high [1] - During the trading session, NIO's shares peaked at $7.68, just 3 cents below its 52-week high of $7.71, marking the fourth consecutive day of gains [1] - Citigroup raised its price target for NIO's Hong Kong shares from HK$62.50 to HK$65.90 while maintaining a "buy" rating, positively impacting trading on both Hong Kong and New York exchanges [2] Group 2 - Citi added NIO to its 30-day upside catalyst watch, indicating expectations for a rapid rise in the stock price in the short term [3] - The upgrade from Citigroup restored investor confidence despite a recent announcement of a potential six-month delay in the delivery of the ES8 vehicle [3] - NIO reported that it sold out its 40,000 unit production capacity for the ES8 due to strong demand, with new orders facing a waiting time of 24 to 26 weeks, potentially leading to deliveries as early as March 2026 [4]

We recently published Massive Gains: 10 Stocks Investors Can’t Stop Buying. Opendoor Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:OPEN) is one of the top performers on Thursday’. Opendoor extended its rally to a second day on Thursday, jumping 10.45 percent to close at $9.09 apiece, as investors continued to cheer its investment support from Jane Street that saw the company raise more than $300 million in fresh funds. According to a regulatory filing, Jane Street acquired 44 million shares in the company, representing a 5. ...

Core Insights - AtlasClear Holdings, Inc. (NYSEAmerican: ATCH) experienced a significant stock price increase of 23.15%, closing at $0.8251, following the announcement of Steven Carlson's return to the board of directors [1][3]. Group 1: Board Changes - Steven Carlson has returned to the board of AtlasClear effective September 24, after stepping down for personal reasons a year prior [2]. - Carlson replaces Sandip Patel, who transitioned from an independent director to the role of chief finance officer and general counsel [2]. - Executive Chairman John Schaible expressed excitement about Carlson's return, highlighting the loss of talent when he previously stepped down [3][4]. Group 2: Leadership Experience - Carlson's extensive experience includes being a co-founder of Marco Polo Exchange, CEO of MPS, former President of StoneX's securities business, and Head of the global Emerging Markets business at Lehman Brothers [4]. - His prior service as a board member of both the SPAC and ATCH made him a preferred choice for the board's independent members [4]. Group 3: Financial Developments - AtlasClear successfully raised $2.4 million through a private placement of convertible promissory notes [5].

We recently published 10 Big Names Investors Are Dumping. AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) is one of the companies that heavily bled in Thursday’s trading. AST SpaceMobile declined for a second day on Thursday, losing 9.38 percent to end at $49.39 apiece as investors appeared to have taken profits following the previous day’s surge that was buoyed by reports of a billion-dollar investment from a Mexican tycoon. Additionally, AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) mimicked the decline on Wall Street, as i ...

We recently published 10 Big Names Investors Are Dumping. Transocean Ltd. (NYSE:RIG) is one of the companies that heavily bled in Thursday’s trading. Transoceanic snapped a three-day winning streak on Thursday, slashing 13.19 percent to close at $3.16 apiece as investor sentiment was dampened by plans to raise $381 million through a discounted share sale. In an updated announcement, Transocean Ltd. (NYSE:RIG) said that it plans to issue 125 million shares at a price of $3.05 apiece, lower by 3.5 percent ...

Core Insights - Walmart Inc. is recognized as one of the 12 Best Retail Dividend Stocks to buy currently [1] - The company operates over 5,200 domestic locations and has a strong e-commerce presence, making it highly competitive in various economic conditions [2] - Walmart has significantly reduced its share count since 1995, enhancing the value of remaining shares through stock buybacks [3] - The company has a quarterly dividend of $0.235 per share and a dividend yield of 0.91%, with 52 consecutive years of dividend growth [4]

Group 1 - T-Mobile US, Inc. is considered a relatively cheap stock within the S&P 500, with a projected earnings growth of 19.4% for the next year, trading at just over 18 times next year's earnings [1] - A leadership transition is occurring, with CEO Mike Sievert becoming vice chairman and COO Srini Gopalan taking over as CEO on November 1st [1] - Despite a bullish sentiment expressed earlier, T-Mobile's stock has decreased by approximately 9.4% since the positive comments were made [2] Group 2 - T-Mobile provides a range of services including wireless communication, high-speed internet, and mobile devices, which encompass voice, data, messaging services, device financing, insurance, and accessories [2] - The company has been noted for its aggressive marketing strategies and competitive deals, particularly in the smartphone market [2] - There is a belief that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential compared to T-Mobile, indicating a competitive investment landscape [3]

Group 1 - General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) is recognized as one of the 11 Cheap Quarterly Dividend Stocks to consider for investment [1] - The company is a global automaker that produces vehicles under various brands, including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick, while also investing in electric vehicles and driver-assistance technologies [2] - GM has been actively engaging in share repurchases, trading at eight times earnings, and utilizing strong free cash flow to buy back shares, which has reduced its share count and increased earnings per share [3] Group 2 - GM has maintained a consistent dividend payment to shareholders since 2014, currently offering a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 1.02% as of September 23 [4]