Market Sentiment & Valuation - The market is assessing whether the recent pause is a temporary consolidation or a midsummer stall, similar to the previous year [1] - Some stocks have already priced in positive scenarios like tariff resolutions, interest rate cuts, and AI-driven economic growth, making them vulnerable during earnings season if results are not perfect [3] - Many relatively valued or inexpensive stocks, particularly in cyclical sectors, are pricing in a more bearish outlook and could potentially rally [4] - Overcrowding in momentum stocks requires continuous positive data to sustain their upward trajectory; otherwise, they are susceptible to a self-reinforcing downward cycle due to market leverage [10] - A shift from growth to value and from large-cap to small-cap stocks indicates the market is rebalancing to avoid excessive imbalances [8] Interest Rates & Economic Outlook - Speculation surrounds the Federal Reserve's actions and the necessity of rate cuts, influenced by global announcements such as Canada's interest rate adjustments [5] - Concerns exist that if interest rate relief does not materialize, a correction could occur across all cyclical stocks, regardless of their valuation [6] - The market anticipates Canada's interest rate to be 15%-25% higher [5][6] - The most probable cyclical outlook is one of steady performance, leading to a divergence in performance between expensive and reasonably priced cyclical stocks [7] Cyclical Stocks & Sector Performance - Certain industrial areas, especially within transports, exhibit trough multiples on earnings that have remained relatively stable, but are not at peak levels, anticipating a significant recovery [6] - A major cyclical rebound is unlikely due to the potential for the 10-year Treasury yield to rise, creating a counteracting force that prevents the cycle from becoming too strong [7]

Group 1 - The energy sector is currently the worst performer in the S&P 500, with Civitas Resources Inc. (NYSE: CIVI) down by 33% year-to-date [1] - Despite the poor performance, there is a belief that Civitas Resources Inc. can end the year in positive territory [1] - The focus is on identifying strongly undervalued stocks within various sectors and geographies [1] Group 2 - The author has a background in business studies from France, the U.S., and Russia, and is a professional portfolio manager based in Luxembourg [1] - The author operates as a Popular Investor on the eToro platform, where investment opinions and decisions are publicly displayed [1]

Core Insights - Costco's total comparable sales increased by 5.8% in June, driven by strong demand for fresh foods and non-food categories such as jewelry, major appliances, and gift cards [1] - The retailer's net sales rose by 8.0% to reach $26.44 billion during the retail month of June [3] Sales Performance by Region - In the United States, sales increased by 4.7%, while in Canada, sales rose by 6.7%, and in other international markets, sales grew by 10.9% [2] eCommerce Growth - Costco's eCommerce sales experienced an increase of 11.5% for the month [2] Sales by Category - Comparable sales in June showed high-single-digit growth in fresh foods, mid- to high-single-digit growth in non-foods, and mid-single-digit growth in June foods and sundries [4] - The ancillary business sales declined by low-single digits, and gas sales decreased by mid- to high-single digits [5] Consumer Behavior Trends - High-income consumers are increasingly seeking value, with affluent members trading down to private-label goods and lower-cost proteins [6] Delivery Enhancements - Costco partnered with Instacart to enhance delivery options, including Priority Delivery for faster service and No-Rush Delivery for scheduled orders [7]

Core Insights - The article compares Mizuho (MFG) and Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) to determine which stock is more attractive to value investors [1] Group 1: Zacks Rank and Earnings Outlook - Mizuho has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), while Bank of Nova Scotia has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a stronger earnings outlook for MFG [3] - The Zacks Rank focuses on companies with positive earnings estimate revisions, suggesting that MFG is likely experiencing a more favorable earnings outlook [3] Group 2: Valuation Metrics - MFG has a forward P/E ratio of 10.04, compared to BNS's forward P/E of 11.15, indicating that MFG may be undervalued relative to BNS [5] - MFG's PEG ratio is 0.63, while BNS's PEG ratio is 1.39, further suggesting that MFG has a better valuation considering expected earnings growth [5] - MFG's P/B ratio is 1, while BNS's P/B ratio is 1.28, reinforcing the notion that MFG is more attractively valued [6] Group 3: Overall Value Assessment - MFG earns a Value grade of B, while BNS receives a Value grade of C, indicating that MFG is currently the superior value option based on the analyzed metrics [6]

Core Viewpoint - Investors are evaluating Compagnie de Saint-Gobain - Unsponsored ADR (CODYY) and TopBuild (BLD) for potential value opportunities in the Building Products - Miscellaneous sector, with CODYY currently presenting a stronger value proposition [1]. Group 1: Zacks Rank and Earnings Outlook - CODYY has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), while BLD has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a stronger earnings outlook for CODYY compared to BLD [3]. - The Zacks Rank strategy focuses on companies with positive earnings estimate revision trends, which is a key consideration for value investors [2]. Group 2: Valuation Metrics - CODYY has a forward P/E ratio of 15.54, significantly lower than BLD's forward P/E of 19.31, suggesting that CODYY may be undervalued [5]. - The PEG ratio for CODYY is 4.05, while BLD's PEG ratio is 4.24, indicating that CODYY's valuation is more favorable when considering expected earnings growth [5]. - CODYY's P/B ratio is 2.16, compared to BLD's P/B of 5.2, further supporting the notion that CODYY is a better value option [6]. Group 3: Overall Value Grades - Based on various valuation metrics, CODYY holds a Value grade of B, while BLD has a Value grade of C, reinforcing the preference for CODYY among value investors [6].

Core Insights - The article compares two stocks in the Medical - Products sector: Smith & Nephew (SNN) and EssilorLuxottica Unsponsored ADR (ESLOY) to determine which is more attractive to value investors [1] Valuation Metrics - Smith & Nephew has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook, while EssilorLuxottica has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] - SNN has a forward P/E ratio of 15.83, significantly lower than ESLOY's forward P/E of 35.31, suggesting SNN may be undervalued [5] - The PEG ratio for SNN is 0.96, while ESLOY's PEG ratio is 4.52, indicating SNN's expected earnings growth is more favorable [5] - SNN's P/B ratio is 2.58 compared to ESLOY's P/B of 3.01, further supporting SNN's valuation attractiveness [6] - SNN has a Value grade of A, while ESLOY has a Value grade of D, highlighting SNN's superior valuation metrics [6]

Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Financial - Investment Management sector should consider AllianceBernstein (AB) and Cohen & Steers Inc (CNS) for potential value opportunities [1] Valuation Metrics - AllianceBernstein has a forward P/E ratio of 12.76, while Cohen & Steers has a forward P/E of 25.95 [5] - The PEG ratio for AB is 1.64, indicating a more favorable earnings growth outlook compared to CNS's PEG ratio of 2.55 [5] - AB's P/B ratio is 2.31, significantly lower than CNS's P/B ratio of 7.61, suggesting AB is more undervalued relative to its book value [6] Investment Rankings - AllianceBernstein holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook, while Cohen & Steers has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] - The stronger estimate revision activity for AB, along with its more attractive valuation metrics, positions it as the superior investment option compared to CNS [7]

Core Insights - Investors in the Financial - Miscellaneous Services sector may consider XP Inc.A (XP) and SoFi Technologies, Inc. (SOFI) as potential undervalued stocks [1] - A strong Zacks Rank combined with a favorable Value grade is an effective method for identifying value opportunities [2] Company Comparison - XP Inc.A has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a stronger earnings outlook compared to SoFi Technologies, Inc., which has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] - Value investors typically analyze traditional metrics to identify undervalued stocks [3] Valuation Metrics - XP has a forward P/E ratio of 10.85, significantly lower than SOFI's forward P/E of 75.90 [5] - XP's PEG ratio is 0.81, while SOFI's PEG ratio is 3.53, indicating XP's better valuation relative to its expected earnings growth [5] - XP's P/B ratio is 2.78, compared to SOFI's P/B of 3.47, further supporting XP's superior valuation [6] - Based on these metrics, XP holds a Value grade of B, while SOFI has a Value grade of F, suggesting XP is the better value option [6]

Personal Development & Opportunity - The speaker emphasizes seizing opportunities when they arise, rather than passively waiting for success [1] - The speaker encourages the audience to strive for excellence ("good engineer") and to develop skills [3][4][5] - The speaker highlights the importance of becoming a good human being and a responsible citizen, integrating values into one's personality [6] - The speaker suggests viewing education as a means to contribute to the future of the country, referencing Vivekananda's philosophy of "man-making and nation-building" [9] - The speaker encourages self-reflection and understanding of one's inner potential [9] Civic Responsibility & Leadership - The speaker stresses the importance of an enlightened citizenry for effective governance and democracy [6][8] - The speaker links enlightened citizenry to enlightened leadership, accountability, responsibility, and answerability in the system [6][8] - The speaker implies that individual choices to disengage from civic duties can lead to undesirable outcomes in governance [7] Destiny & Effort - The speaker acknowledges the role of both luck and hard work in achieving success [1][3][10] - The speaker suggests that even if one's path deviates from initial plans (e.g., not becoming an engineer), one should make the best use of the opportunities presented [5]

Today we're going to explore the value of time. I've spent over three decades promoting radio hits for some of the biggest stars in the world. Jay-Z, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, 21 Savage, Travis Scott, DJ Khaled, and Future to name a few.As a veteran executive in the music business with a career that spanned over 30 years in seven different record labels, Mottown Records, Def Jam Records, Epic Records, and Rock Nation Music. I spent my time climbing the corporate ladder, going from intern to president. I helped ...