Core Viewpoint - Valero Energy Corporation's share price increased by 8.13% due to geopolitical developments in Venezuela, which may provide the company with access to significant oil reserves [1][3]. Group 1: Company Overview - Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) is recognized as the world's leading independent petroleum refiner and a major producer of low-carbon transportation fuels [2]. - As the largest refiner on the Gulf Coast, Valero is positioned to benefit significantly if sanctions on Venezuelan oil are lifted [4]. Group 2: Market Impact - The recent U.S. actions in Venezuela, including the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro, have opened the possibility for American companies, including Valero, to access Venezuela's vast oil reserves [3]. - Valero's refineries are historically designed to process heavier crudes, such as those from Venezuela, which they have had to replace with higher imports from Canada and the Arabian Gulf since 2019 [3]. Group 3: Production Capacity - Valero can process an additional 300,000 to 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Venezuelan crude, according to Barclays analyst Theresa Chen [4].

Core Viewpoint - SLB N.V. has seen a significant increase in its share price due to geopolitical developments in Venezuela, which may lead to substantial investment opportunities in the energy sector [1][3]. Group 1: Company Overview - SLB N.V. (NYSE:SLB) provides technology for the energy industry on a global scale [2]. - The company is positioned to benefit from potential investments in Venezuela's energy infrastructure following a US military action that captured President Nicolas Maduro [3]. Group 2: Market Impact - The share price of SLB surged by 13.18% from December 30, 2025, to January 6, 2026, marking it as one of the top-performing energy stocks during that week [1]. - Investors are optimistic that the revival of Venezuela's oil infrastructure will require SLB's services, including rigs, crews, and drilling equipment, which could lead to a strong pipeline of projects for the company [4]. Group 3: Future Prospects - The potential for SLB to significantly contribute to boosting Venezuelan crude production is highlighted, suggesting a positive impact on the company's revenue [4].

Group 1 - United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC) reached a new three-year high, with stock prices peaking at $9.11 before closing at $8.93, reflecting a 9.98% increase [1] - The company's net sales for the full year 2025 rose by 2.26% to NT$237 million compared to NT$232 million in the previous year [2] - December 2025 net sales increased by 1.66% to NT$19.28 million from NT$18.96 million in December 2024 [2] Group 2 - UMC anticipates flat wafer shipments on a quarter-on-quarter basis for the fourth quarter, while gross profit margin is expected to rise to the high-20-percent range [3] - UMC is recognized as one of the leading semiconductor companies globally [3]

We recently published 10 Stocks With Massive Gains; 5 at Record Highs. Primo Brands Corp. (NYSE:PRMB) was one of the top performers on Wednesday. Primo Brands rebounded by 6.27 percent on Wednesday to finish at $17.12 apiece as investors loaded portfolios ahead of expected business updates from its participation in a virtual fireside chat on the same day. The company said that its chief executive officer, Eric Foss, and chief finance officer, David Hass, have joined a fireside chat with RBC Capital on th ...

Group 1: Company Overview - Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) is recognized as one of the 14 Best Dividend Growth Stocks to Buy and Hold in 2026 [1] - Aflac provides financial protection products through its subsidiaries, primarily operating in the United States and Japan [4] Group 2: Financial Performance and Analyst Ratings - TD Cowen raised its price target on Aflac to $102 from $100 while maintaining a Hold rating on the shares following a review of the company's third-quarter results [2] Group 3: Cybersecurity Incident - In June, Aflac disclosed a cyberattack that compromised customer data, later confirming that approximately 22.65 million individuals were affected [3] - The stolen information included sensitive data such as names, birthdates, home addresses, Social Security numbers, and medical details [4] - Aflac has begun notifying affected individuals and is providing support resources, stating that it is not aware of any fraudulent use of the compromised personal information [4]

Group 1 - Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) is recognized as one of the 14 Best Dividend Growth Stocks to Buy and Hold in 2026, indicating strong potential for dividend growth [1] - Morgan Stanley downgraded Atmos Energy from Overweight to Equal Weight and reduced its price target from $182 to $172, reflecting a cautious outlook for utility stocks in 2026 due to political and regulatory risks [2] - Atmos Energy has a forward dividend yield of approximately 2.3%, with a historical annualized growth rate of over 8% for its quarterly dividend over the past decade, supported by management's guidance for 6%-8% earnings growth [3][4] Group 2 - The company is based in Dallas and distributes natural gas to customers across the United States, maintaining a consistent long-term dividend growth record typical of utility companies [4] - While Atmos Energy is seen as a viable investment, there are suggestions that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential with less downside risk [5]

Core Viewpoint - Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) is recognized for its strong operational performance but faces valuation challenges that limit upside potential according to Goldman Sachs [2]. Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, ITW achieved a record operating margin of 27.4%, an increase of 90 basis points, with enterprise initiatives contributing 140 basis points to this performance [3]. - Operating cash flow reached $1.0 billion, while free cash flow increased by 15% to $904 million, resulting in a 110% conversion rate relative to net income [3]. - For FY25, ITW maintained its operating margin guidance of 26% to 27%, with enterprise initiatives expected to add approximately 125 basis points for the full year [4]. Strategic Focus - Management emphasized ongoing progress on strategic growth priorities, aiming for above-market organic growth through customer-backed innovation [3]. - The company is on track to meet its 2030 performance goals, including a customer-backed innovation yield exceeding 3% [3][4]. Analyst Ratings - Goldman Sachs downgraded ITW to Sell from Neutral and reduced its price target to $230 from $258, citing limited upside from current levels and modest downside risk to earnings estimates [2].

Group 1: Company Overview - Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE) is North America's largest steel producer and recycler, manufacturing products such as rebar, structural steel, and sheet steel, primarily using recycled scrap and electric arc furnaces, which helps reduce its carbon footprint [5] Group 2: Market Dynamics - Wells Fargo analyst Timna Tanners lowered the price target on Nucor to $176 from $178 while maintaining an Overweight rating, citing management's Q4 guidance as lighter than expected due to contract timing affecting about 80% of sheet shipments [1] - Despite near-term softness, Wells Fargo anticipates stronger pricing and continued market share gains for Nucor as lower imports support the market setup for 2026 [1] - A new construction cycle is beginning to positively impact the steel sector, with high-growth markets like data center construction driving demand [2] Group 3: Growth Opportunities - Nucor's potential involvement in large capital projects, such as Eli Lilly's $6 billion facility in Huntsville, Alabama, aligns with its operational capabilities, as Nucor operates a major flat-rolled steel mill in Decatur [3] - Steel pricing is influenced by the balance of supply and demand, with rising construction announcements indicating increased demand, prompting steelmakers like Nucor to prepare for capacity expansion [4] - Nucor is on track to begin ramping production at a new mill in West Virginia by the end of next year, further supporting its growth strategy [4]

Group 1: Fund Performance - Ave Maria Growth Fund returned 0.84% in Q3 2025, underperforming the S&P 500 Index which returned 8.12% and the S&P 500® Equal Weight Index which gained 4.84% [1] - The fund's investor letter provides insights into its top 5 holdings for 2025 [1] Group 2: Entegris, Inc. Overview - Entegris, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENTG) is a specialty chemical company that provides consumables for semiconductor manufacturing, making it difficult for customers to switch to competitors [3] - The company reported sales of $807 million for Q3 2025, which was flat year-over-year and up 2% sequentially [4] - Entegris's stock closed at $99.56 per share on January 6, 2026, with a market capitalization of $15.093 billion [2] Group 3: Investment Insights - Ave Maria Growth Fund initiated new positions in Entegris, Shift4 Payments, and Tower Semiconductor, highlighting the growing demand for advanced chips and the potential rebound in demand for less advanced chips as drivers for Entegris's growth [3] - Despite the potential of Entegris as an investment, some analysts believe that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk [4]

Group 1 - Uber Technologies Inc. is considered one of the 8 best American stocks to buy and hold in 2026, with ongoing talks to acquire SpotHero, a parking app that complements Uber's ride-hailing services [1][2] - SpotHero's latest funding round valued the company at $290 million, although the potential deal with Uber has no guaranteed outcome as negotiations are still in progress [2] - SpotHero previously partnered with Lyft in 2022 and 2023, but the partnership was terminated as Lyft shifted its focus back to its core ride-hailing business, not due to any issues with SpotHero [3] Group 2 - Uber Technologies is a multinational transportation company primarily known for its ride-hailing services, and it also provides food delivery, courier services, and freight transport, headquartered in San Francisco, California [4]